Ayurvedic Spring Detox Guide : At-Home Spring Cleanse

How do you know it’s time for a cleanse?

Contrary to popular belief, the new year is not the best time to cleanse your body for the upcoming year. According to Ayurveda, the most beneficial time for a detox is spring!

Other signs you may need a cleanse are:

• Weight gain or difficulty restoring balance to your body
• General fatigue or lack of energy
• Restless or poor quality sleep
• Skin or hair imbalances
• Irregular appetite or bowel movements
• Mental or emotional state feels “off”

If you’ve noticed any of these signs of imbalance, it may be time to think about a spring cleanse! We’ve gathered our seasonal tips for a simple and safe Ayurvedic cleanse at home in this easy-to-reference article that can help rejuvenate your mind and body so you can celebrate the spring season.

The Significance of Spring in Ayurveda

The science of Ayurveda is based on the elements and rhythms of nature and tuning into different ways the qualities and cycles of the seasons affect the mind and body (link to Spring Guide). The seasons are governed by the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda views living in harmony with nature as the key to maintaining health and happiness. Ayurveda is rooted in “the principle that there is no inside or outside – everything in our environment affects us.”

Read more about the Kapha season of spring on our blog here.(link to Spring Guide)

Why Spring Cleanses Are an Ayurvedic Staple

Spring is the season associated with Kapha dosha, and considered an ideal time for purification. We tend to move slowly and preserve our energy in the winter and then come out of ‘hibernation’ in the spring. Just as Mother Nature wakes up, we do also. It’s a time to shed our winter coats, lighten things up, and harness the energy of the season to help us get moving.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, spring is the only recommended time for a whole-body cleanse. This time of year naturally supports the body to eliminate accumulated kapha and balance the wet, heavy, and dense qualities of the season.

An Ayurvedic spring cleanse can help clear ama (toxins), move stagnant energy, and invigorate the mind and body. It's considered appropriate seasonal maintenance and is a traditional practice that is planned for and eagerly anticipated after a long winter of accumulation.

What Can a Cleanse Do For You?

A spring cleanse can restore balance to the entire system and bring a renewed sense of vigor and energy to your life, just like spring cleaning your home! Spring cleansing can support better sleep, improved skin and hair health, balanced digestion and metabolism, and mental and emotional clarity. Cleansing can also support weight loss.

Think of a spring cleanse not only as a time to detox your mind and body, but also as an opportunity to press the reset button and help you reach your full potential!

How To Do a Safe Cleanse at Home

Cleanses can sometimes be harmful to the body if they are not individually tailored or do not include essential rejuvenation protocols. Improper cleansing may leave the body depleted or can even lead to greater imbalances.

It’s important to note spring cleansing isn’t for everyone. If you are ill, severely exhausted, elderly, very young, pregnant, or actively menstruating, a cleanse may not be right for you. If you’re uncertain how to cleanse or what cleanse protocol is best for you, we recommend consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner or enrolling in Kerala Ayurveda’s 21-Day Spring Detox.

Hydrate!

Keeping yourself well hydrated during any cleanse supports your body as it flushes and naturally eliminates toxins. Without adequate hydration, you could experience achiness, sluggishness, or excess heat in the body - all signs that you need more water.  

Clean Up Your Diet

The simplest way to cleanse through diet is by minimizing or eliminating all animal products (dairy, meat, eggs), sugar, caffeine, and any foods you may be sensitive to –such as wheat or soy. Avoid processed foods. Try to focus on a plant-based, whole foods diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. Light, warm meals, such as vegetable soups and steamed leafy greens, are best. Eating clean foods allows your digestive system to rest and reset as it won’t have to work as hard.

Traditional Ayurvedic cleanses include Kitchari, also known as Khichdi , a one-pot meal made from a mix of rice, mung dal, and spices. Kitchari can be prepared with a wide range of vegetables and is a go-to healing staple.

Harness The Power of Herbs  

Triphala is one of our favorite herbal allies to support a digestive detox. This ancient Ayurvedic trio of tridoshic super fruits supports a healthy microbiome and helps rejuvenate the immune system. Taking Triphala in the spring can be a wonderful way to reset the colon, liver, and the largest organ you have — your skin!

In recent years, scientific and medicinal studies have reported findings on Holy Basil that support beliefs long held by Ayurvedic practitioners. We now know that Holy Basil truly does support homeostasis throughout the body, acts as an immuno-protectorate, and supports the body’s natural detoxification process. And while there’s no such thing as a miracle pill when it comes to weight loss, research on Holy Basil has shown it can support weight management, healthy glucose levels, and digestion.

During seasonal shifts, Andrographis offers full-spectrum immunity support to help the body maintain a healthy respiratory system and protect against common seasonal irritants. Kerala’s Seasonal Relief is a go-to formulation to support a healthy inflammatory response. Turmeric, Triphala, Andrographis, and Bamboo Rhizome help the body cope with seasonal transitions.

A year-round favorite, Thikthaka Gritham is a bioavailable, herbal-infused ghee that supports the natural detoxification process and addresses skin problems from the inside out. Neem, Bacopa, and a powerhouse of antioxidants help revitalize and purify the skin. If you notice skin flares in the spring , dry skin during the cold winter months, or just want to support your summer glow, this is a great herbal ally.

Support your spring detox with a blend of Ginger, Long Pepper Fruit, Cyperus, Tribulus, & Triphala in our Gokshuradi Guggulu to help maintain a healthy urinary tract and support the body's natural elimination process. A great choice when you are actively flushing toxins from your body and the kidneys are working hard!

Declutter Your Space

Spring is the perfect time to declutter and deep clean your mind, body, and home. Clearing away dust, dirt, and ‘stuff’ that has accumulated throughout the winter season is a must for a spring reset and gives you the opportunity to reorganize your house and maybe even your office. Check in with yourself to see where you need to ‘lighten your load’. When the weather allows, open the windows to let dust out and let the fresh air in.

Unplug for a Digital Detox

Lifestyle routines are an important part of any cleanse. Your body needs a break from more than just processed foods, alcohol, or caffeine. Giving your mind a break from overstimulation and screen time supports a full body detox. Find ways to spend your downtime that nourish you and don’t require technology. That might be reading a book, taking Epsom salts baths in the evening, starting an Abhyanga practice, or practicing some gentle yoga or pranayama in the evening before bed.

Sign Up for Your Personalized 21-Day Spring Cleanse

Kerala Ayurveda’s academy’s 21-Day Spring Cleansing Course is now open for enrollment. Learn how to tune-in to your natural rhythm and target the root cause of imbalance(s). Join us, and we’ll help ensure that your cleanse is safe and successful this spring. Click here to learn more and enroll before March 14th.

If you’re not ready to dive into a full cleanse course, check out the replay of our FREE webinar that covers The Ayurvedic Approach to Spring Cleansing, here.