CARROT AND LEEK SOUP TO CHASE YOUR FEARS AWAY
I think it’s fair to say that it’s been an unsettling last couple of weeks here in the UK. First we get a new Prime Minister and then a new monarch, all within days of each other. The Queen’s funeral has dominated the news, as has the ongoing energy crisis, cost of living crisis and of course the war in Ukraine. Even the strongest among us could be forgiven for having a bit of anxiety, a bit of trouble staying focused, the occasional sense of doom at the pit of our stomachs and all the rest of it!
In Ayurveda, the transition between Summer and Autumn is seen as one of great change, and also one of deficiency. What with everything else also going on at the moment, I think it’s definitely worth acknowledging this, and taking the time to do wonderful things which warm, ground and nourish ourselves and those we live with.
Those of us with a daily yoga practice may for example choose to focus on holding asanas for a longer period of time, moving a little less dynamically and ensuring that our practice includes grounding meditation and a feeling of rootedness. When we go walking outside, we may choose to ensure we are all zipped up, hair tied back or wearing a hat so we don’t feel flapped around by the wind! We may choose to go out into the garden or join a community gardening club in order to feel connection with the earth, or we may try to make more time for deep and meaningful chats with friends and family. Connection to self, others and the world is key during times like this, or the ego can lead us to believe we are on our own!
Autumn is the Vata season- the season of change- and so a Vata-reducing diet with lots of warm, soupy foods and root vegetables is ideal. This period between Summer and Autumn is the best time to detox (alongside the Spring) if it’s something you’re interested in doing. Ayurvedic practitioners like me are trained to support people through seasonal detoxes, and it’s amazing to see the results people can get in such a short space of time in terms of skin, congestion issues, general aches and pains in the body, fatigue, inflammation and so much more.
I made this Vata and Pitta pacifying leek and carrot soup to combat the rising Vata of Autumn and the Pitta that may still be left over from the hot Summer we’ve just had. Leeks are a great decongestant, fantastic for digestion and and are a good little detoxer. Carrots are full of fibre, vitamins A and K, and are great for the red blood cells. By sauteeing the chopped leeks in ghee with cumin, cinammon and vegetable stock, the Vata is kept at bay with warmth, and the Pitta quelled with warming rather than heating spices. Boil the carrots separately, then blend together and simmer in a big, heavy pot.
While you’re waiting for it to cool enough to serve and eat, lie on the floor on your back and feel the Earth beneath you. Take a couple of deep breaths and concentrate on exhaling slowly and steadily. Then go and find someone to hug :)