Traditional Kanji-Preparations--Nature's Remedy to help Energize, Refresh, Soothe and Rejuvenate Body and Mind Dr. Rama

Kanji is a Ayurveda Sanskrit word used in East Indian Medicine.

It simply refers to the boiled water essence that is taken or filtered from various grains, lentils and beans.

This water which is cooked with the essence of the grain carries miraculous proprieties that help energize the body, heal many digestive disturbances, soothe the brain and spinal cord and calm the mind down in many, many ways.

The exact explanation of this water essence is very mysterious and difficult to put into words but I will try.

Water is the most healing fluid in the world.  It absorbs subtle essences of plants, flowers, herbs, minerals and so on and through its simple yet complex chemistry is able to distribute healing to various tissues.

Grains, lentils, beans and other legumes contain a vast complex array of nutrients, phytochemicals, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. And when boiled or gentle cooked they release their vital elements into the water.  However, grains, lentils and beans also contain various pranas or subtle healing energies based on the type of plant and this in turn effects the various bodily constitutions.

Kanji thus is an extraordinary tonic that handles derangement's of fire, water, earth, ether, and air within the body.

Each type of kanji soothes and calms down an element or acts to increase a deficiency.

Little is known in the West of what are called the Shrotriyas.  The Shrotiyas are the subtle nutritional channels that correspond to the physical mesenteric arteries and veins that transport nutrients to and from the intestines into the bloodstream and thus the tissues.---

The boiled water containing the essence of the legume acts on the physical mesenteries but also the energy carried through the water affects the subtle prana or the moving life force through the mesentary system.  This is especially important in the early morning between 4 am and 7 am.

The Shrotiya energy system is actively looking for soothing fluids in the morning to open these channels to the subtle energy body as well as the physical body.


However most people unaware, proceed to clog these amazing channels with heavy breakfast items:  eggs, bacon, fatty and heavy grains and other foods.

This brings latent and later overt disease because the intestines will be clogged with Ama or the toxic portion of undigested, non harmonious foods.


Taking Kanji water in the morning whether one feels well or ill is a very pleasant experience and will soothe the stomach, intestines and the entire nervous system.  One feels calm and refreshed by this fluid and can thus proceed to better morning meditation, yoga and thus greater energy, flexibility and focus for one's day.


Kanji discussion is very vast.  Suffice for here to say that one main use is to soothe the air principle---and the fire principle---key imbalances in digestion. ---Taking Kanji water can calm these problems down whether chronically ill, acutely feeling like  you  have indigestion or whether you just want to soothe your system down.

Here is a very basic kanji preparation:

1.Take one third rice grains or flour, one third moon bean lentils, (yellow is smoother and more mellow than green) and one third urad dal (or small white lentils)----or substitute one third cup of barley flour or actual grain.

2.  Slightly toast the ingredients together without burning or scorching.  You just want to have a warm toasty smell without overheating.

3.  Add three to five cups of fresh spring water and allow to gently simmer to boil.---allow this boil for about five to seven minutes.

4.  Do not allow the water to evaporate off, if this happens add more fresh water but keep a distinct level and layer and water on top of the cooking grain mixture.

5.  When the Grain mixture is cooked and softened, take the top water only and strain off the grain.  Keep the water mixture essence into another small or larger kettle depending on how much you cook--make sure there is no real solid material in the water itself.

6.  Add a small amount of fresh ground pepper, a small pinch of tumeric, a small amount of cumin toasted seeds or cumin power that has been sauteed without oil.--careful not to burn the cumin---add a small amount of salt as well. One can even ideally add some coriander leaves, and also curry leaves if available from an Indian store.


7.  Allow this translucent fluid to cool and take this every one to three hours approx 4 oz at a time.

8.  If one is feeling balanced the morning hours before 7 am are best.

9.  If one has indigestion or even diarrhea--then one can take all day depending on how one tolerates the mixture.  

always check with your regular physician re:  your fluid status and all of course if you are having nausea, vomiting and diarrhea ---to officially rule out any serious problems.

If regular, one will notice a soothing, balanced calm feeling that arises from one's sleep and one is ready to face the day in a more peaceful and rejuvenated manner.