One Easy Way to Nourish Your Body During "That Time of Month"

One Easy Way to Nourish Your Body During "That Time of Month"

Are you easily irritable, angry or overheated during your period?

A few months ago my irritability got really out of hand. After apologizing to my family for my out burst I asked my husband if he thought there was something wrong with me.

My husband answered me by saying, "my love, you are wonderful 25 days of the month."

That's when I knew I needed some support.

Here's what I learned:

According to Heather Baines, Ayurved Vaidya Bhishakgwara, E-R YT at Roots of Wellness, during that time of the month our pitta dosha dominates. Pitta dosha is the subtle energy that controls metabolism an can cause us to overheat, become, angry or irritable.

According to The Yoga of Herbs by Vasant Lad and David Frawley,

• cardamom increases angi (digestive fire) and counteracts the mucus-forming properties of milk.
  

• saffron is warming and promotes digestion of the dish's nutrients, and is uplifting for the mind (it promotes sattva or clarity and purity).
  

• milk and nuts provide about 10 grams of protein per serving.
  

• almonds promote healthy ojas which can become depleted during menses.
  

• raisins and sugar enhance the dish's natural sweetness, which serves to balance for both vata and pitta.
  

According to the Ayurvedic perspective, kheer is light and nourishing dessert. It has a cooling effect on the body which can be helpful during that time of the month.

Just prior, during and after your period (for one week per month) enjoy this wonderful Ayurvedic treat to nourish your body.

Here's what you'll need:

8 cups of milk

3/4 cup uncooked red rice (or long-grain basmati)

1/8 cup skinless almonds (soaked, slivered or crushed)

1/4 cup raisins soaked

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom seed

2 saffron threads

1/4 cup raw sugar or honey (or to taste)

Here's what to do:

1. Rinse the rice and combine it with the milk in a medium pot. Slowly bring to a low boil, stirring so the milk does not scorch. After about 30-45 minutes the rice should be done - the grains should be plump and almost falling apart.

2. Add the nuts and raisins, cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.

3. Take a spoon full of hot milk from the rice dish and pour it over 2 treads of saffron in a shallow dish. After a few moment you should be able to grind the saffron into a paste with the back of a metal spoon. Stir the saffron paste, cardamom and sugar into the kheer and let it rest, covered, until it reaches room temperature. Then cool in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.

Variations:

Add stewed apricots or apples in place of the raisins. Substitute honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Add a drop of rose water. garnish with 1/4 cup crushed pistachio nuts.

I know this sounds like a lot of work, but during menses we should allow ourselves to SLOW DOWN and rest. Honor your sleep schedule, get to bed before 10pm and take naps or rest throughout the day.