SUMMER IMMUNITY STEWED PEACHES

2 servings, 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ripe sweet peaches, chopped (I prefer white peaches since they are less sour and sweeter)

• 2 dates, chopped

• 2-3 finger pinch cardamom, freshly ground

• 2 finger pinch ginger powder (optional, good for mucus, coughs, colds)

• 2 basil leaves, chopped

• Pinch of salt

• Splash of water
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Add all ingredients to a small pot over medium heat.

2. Lightly smash the peaches and other ingredients together as they begin to soften, using a spatula or potato smasher (or leave it chunky if you like).

3. Heat until warm and fruit is soft (about 3-4 minutes). Enjoy!

#vata #pitta #kapha #summer #fall

Notes

• I actually created this recipe after I noticed my 1-year-old had a runny nose and cough. I gave her it 2x a day as a snack on day 1 of her illness. By day 2 the mucus was gone, her cough was mild, and she was able to sleep, eat, and play. I continued until all symptoms were gone by day 3. This is an example of how to use food as medicine in a way that SUPPORTS the body's ability to clear an illness on its own, rather than just getting rid of symptoms.

• How? Because stewed fruit is warm, light, and easy on digestion, this is less work on the body, making it easier for the body to fight off the illness on its own.

• Also, the ingredients are mindfully put together because they have these properties:

  • Basil - naturally anti-viral, heating without being too heating

  • Cardamom - supports lung health, strengthens digestion, cooling and balancing the other heating elements.

  • Ginger powder - great for drying up mucus, heating, immune, and digestive strengthening.

  • Dates - has a downward-moving cooling effect (helpful in coughs or heat/ acidity/ illnesses moving upwards towards the head), lubricating and soothing the lungs.

  • Peaches - protective to mucus membranes when cooked, good for coughs and respiratory issues, warming - but the sweeter, riper, & less sour, the more cooling.

• PS: you can also make this when you are not sick, it is delicious. Option to leave out the ginger, especially on a hot day.