Ayurveda is the oldest medical discipline in the world today. The approach of Ayurveda is a holistic one, meaning that your practitioner takes into consideration many factors including your age, where you live in the world and your digestive capacity. Ayurveda uses food, lifestyle practices, including movement and breath work, seasonal cleansing and herbs to bring balance to one's body, mind and Spirit. When we come into balance, we reduce inflammation, a major factor in chronic pain.
Some classic anti-inflammatory spices include ginger, turmeric, rosemary, black pepper and coriander among many others. While turmeric is the most famous of these spices, it’s important that it’s used with a pinch of black pepper for maximum absorption. Sautéing your spices in a high quality oil, such as ghee, unlocks the medicinal magic of the spices while adding flavor to your meal.
The sweet potato recipe below is a simple and delicious recipe that offers anti-inflammatory properties that will heal your belly, soothe your mind and nourish your soul.
This dish is perfect for Spring and Summer! Sweet potatoes give you substance and satiety, while the lightness of kale brings it into perfect balance. Ginger adds a pungent sweetness that sparks your digestive fire and the turmeric gives it a bright astringency. Tossed with a tahini dressing or any dressing of your choice, with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for crunch, this dish is a meal in itself or a vibrant side dish for any summer picnic!
Ingredients
¾ inch fresh ginger- reduces inflammation, soothes sore muscles
¾ inch fresh turmeric- reduces inflammation, reduces pain
½ lb kale
Pinch or two of pink salt
Pinch or two of black pepper
1 tbsp. Sunflower oil
2 cups sweet potato cubed
Directions
1.Drop kale in boiling water until leaves turn a vibrant shade of green green, then strain.
2. In a separate pot, add the diced sweet potatoes with just enough water to cover them. Add the salt and boil until soft.
3. Grate and saute ginger + turmeric in sunflower oil for thirty seconds. Add in the kale and saute for a few more minutes.
Toss kale and sweet potatoes together, gently to avoid”mashing” them, add a dressing like tahini or honey mustard and sprinkle with sunflower seeds. Enjoy!
Lisa Scarborough
Ayurvedic Health Counselor at The Beauty of Ayurveda
Blending more than 35 years of experience in the health and beauty industry with a deep passion for the profound healing science of Ayurveda, Lisa finds joy in helping others to develop a personal wellness plan using individual consultation, Ayurvedic body therapies and private yoga sessions. Lisa believes that beauty is revealed when one aligns her true self with the wisdom of Mother Nature.
Interested in a free Ayurveda Cleanse overview? Contact Lisa at lmscarborough1@gmail.com for your complimentary cleanse overview and to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.