Karkidaka Marunnu Kanji (Medicinal Porridge)

The Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July- August) is the peak of the rainy season in Kerala, when no agricultural operations take place due to heavy rain. It is also a period, according to ayurveda, when our body's immunity and digestive system are at a low, due to the drastic weather change. All over Kerala, this month is therefore considered an ideal time for traditional ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments. Panchakarma therapy is commonly undertaken during this period.

In order to rejuvenate the impaired or reduced digestive power during this period and to improve immunity, karkidaka marunnu kanji is commonly consumed either in the morning or night on an empty stomach. It is a gruel like dish with special varieties of rice as the base, with various herbs and spices added to it along with coconut milk. This porridge also helps balance the three doshas in the body. Usually this porridge is consumed for seven days or multiples thereof, up to a month. Heavy food is avoided when on this diet.

In recent years, marunnu kanji has regained popularity and many ayurvedic pharmacies bring out readymade kits that can be directly used to make the kanji.