Lassis are commonly enjoyed in Pakistan and India. Besides the sweet mango lassi we’re most familiar with in the West, many varieties are possible from sweet to salty to spiced.
Lassis for Digestion
If agni (digestive fire) burns too low, ama (toxins) get left behind, like half-burnt logs. This ama then travels to deeper tissues in the body causing “flare-ups” on the skin, forgetfulness in the mind, or pain and stiffness in the bones/muscles.
If agni burns too high, it’ll digest all the food, but will eat away at our excess energy too, like a campfire spreading to the forest. This leaves us depleted and “burned out.”
A strong, efficient agni will help your body more efficiently digest food which ensures nutrients, not ama, settle in our bodily tissues. This results in healthier tissues and consequently more energy for us!
Additional Benefits of Lassis
Lassis are generally recommended for all doshas (body types in Ayurveda) as the herbs and spices, as well as the water dilution, help balance the natural heaviness of yogurt (though Kaphas are advised to take sweet lassis in moderation).
Particularly, lassis can help relieve constipation, pain, and dryness for Vatas; diarrhea and indigestion in Pittas; and digestive sluggishness and bloating in Kaphas.
Recipes
Basil & Lemongrass Lassi
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 cup water
5-7 torn basil leaves
2-3 inches chopped lemongrass
1/2 – 1 tbsp good quality sugar
Mint & Cinnamon Lassi
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 cup water
15 mint leaves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 – 1 tbsp good quality sugar
Cardamom, Rosemary & Ginger Lassi
1/3 cup coconut milk vanilla yogurt
1 cup water
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp rosemary
1 tsp ginger
Namkeem (Salty) Lassi
1/3 cup yogurt
2/3 cup water
Some crushed ice
Salt (according to taste)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried mint ( or you can opt for fresh mint leaves)
Instructions
Simply blend ingredients together until foamy. Experiment with these recipes, and tap back into your body’s natural source of energy.
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