Seasonal Rice Cleanse

THE TCM RICE CLEANSE / DETOX

The origin of the rice cure goes back several thousand years and is based on the expertise & experience of Eastern medicine. This knowledge about body, mind and soul, their connections and natural rhythms influences and flows through Chinese medicine. The rice cure is one of the most frequently applied cleansing regimens as it leads to quick results and works on a physical and mental level.

A cleanse always works step by step, or in better terms layers. The more often and regularly we cleanse our system, the easier and faster improvements will be felt.

When we cleanse, it gives us a great opportunity to look within, reflect where we are standing and where we are moving to, what is stopping us and what we can let go of……

What Does the Rice Cleanse do?

It gives our body the chance to get rid of old waste products that have accumulated over the years due to poor nutrition caused by too much sugar, coffee, cigarettes, animal proteins, stress, environmental influences and excessive lifestyle.

What We should Fundamentally Consider:

We should always be aware that a cleanse can only be effective in the long term, if we gradually adapt and rethink our attitudes, behaviour patterns and nutritional habits. Our diet should be largely plant-based and contain very little, if any, ready-made products or foods containing preservatives. Sugar and coffee should not be a matter of daily eating habits for us. Especially directly after the rice cleanse, we should only eat easily digestible and delicately spiced food.

Effect of the Rice Cleanse on a Physical Level:

The rice cleanse has a very positive effect on our entire digestive system, our intestines are very gently cleansed without destroying the important bacteria and enzymes in our gut health. The rice cleanse provides our stomach with only a small amount of nutritional information. And our largest detoxification organ, the liver, also gets a chance to recover. Due to the little work we give our stomach during the rice cleanse, it can relax. If our stomach can rest, it also has a positive effect on the spleen. In Chinese medicine, the spleen does the actual work, it is responsible for sufficient blood production and for the quality of our blood.

The relief on our digestive system extends like a red thread through our body and triggers a chain reaction. All our organs are relieved and can therefore recover, cleanse and relax. Among other things, we also unburden our liver, which is responsible for cleansing our blood, during this time. As you can see from this, the rice cleanse mainly affects our middle, the centre of our body. It also centres our mind, which thereby attains more clarity and calmness. Our mind can feel more at home in our body again.

When is the Rice Cleanse Recommended?

As with all types of cleanses, there is a basic rule: "we need to feel basically healthy and fit" to withstand a cleanse. We want to improve some qualities of the primary functions, such as digestion, sleep, energy balance, temperature balance, concentration and perception.

When not to do a Rice Cleanse:

In case of extreme physical weakness or after a serious illness - during pregnancy and breastfeeding - for underweight. Please consult your medical professional if you are on medication or suffer from a medical condition. The Rice Cleanse in case of illness and complaints should be regarded as an accompanying help and does not replace going to the doctor especially if the origin of the symptoms is unclear.

How Often do We do the Cleanse?

We recommend to do the rice cleanse 1 to 4 times a year, preferably at the change in seasons. This means that we can cleanse in the period from winter to spring, spring to summer, summer to autumn and autumn to winter. It is advisable not to cleanse during the winter months from December to March, as these are the months of storage, rest and retreat.

What Changes Can You Expect?

Improvement in; headaches and migraines, digestive problems, heartburn and stomach irritation, skin issues, menstrual cramps, sleep issues, concentration - clarity of thought, reduction of mucus in the nose and sinuses - reduction or disappearance of cysts and myomas, weight loss, strengthening of the immune system, calmer mind

How To Prepare the Rice:

1 part natural rice | 2 - 3 parts water

Preferably cook in a pressure cooker or rice cooker (also good to keep warm) for 45 minutes and let it simmer for 10 minutes! If this is not possible, then put it into a conventional pot with lid. Boil until the water has evaporated and the rice grain has opened well and is soft. The rice should not be too soft i.e. sticky and not too hard. it should have a good sweetish aroma and be slightly sticky.

Type of Rice:

Natural unpeeled rice. We do not use white husked rice. The natural condition of the grain stimulates our digestive system to work harder,
It needs more energy and more time to split the full grain and produce energy from it. Our body has to get used to this process and in the beginning of the cleanse, it will have difficulties to use and transform everything, which has the knock on effect of weight loss and we have to eat more rice to be really full. Once our bodies get used to it, we will not need to eat so much and we will be able to get enough energy from smaller amounts. It should also be mentioned that we add very little, less than a pinch of sea salt to the water.

PS: Regarding rice and arsenic - always wash your rice well, soak it overnight if necessary, and choose organic over conventional. That way you can minimise contamination. Jasmine rice and basmati rice are good choices.

How to Do Cleanse:

• You eat only cooked rice/congee/miso soup (recipes below) for three to eight days, and always only when you are hungry. Whole grain rice has a stronger detoxifying effect than white rice, but is more difficult to digest. That is why we recommend white rice (of good quality) if you have a weak digestion. Cooking the rice for a longer time makes it even more digestible. Cooked with more water for at least two hours, it becomes rice soup (congee- see recipe below), which is a real healing food in TCM.

• Meal times should be regular - in the morning, at noon and in the evening. If you are hungry, you can also eat a portion in between.

• The rice is prepared without spices, salt and fat. Please eat slowly and chew well! During the cleanse, sufficient rest and sleep are important. If possible, take a few days off for this!

• Suitable drinks: warm to hot water, herbal teas, about 2 to 3 litres a day.

• Please pay attention to your digestion - it should be regular! If you get constipated, put some dried plums in water in the evening and drink it the next morning (you can also eat the plums).

Aftercare for Cleanse

You will see that your sense of taste has become much more refined than before the cure! Enjoy a boiled carrot with the rice, then a vegetable soup and a few potatoes with butter and salt - an explosion of taste! Moreover, your whole body is more sensitive than before and shows you clearly what it can and cannot tolerate. Slowly add one food after another to the rice and observe your digestion, skin and mouthfeel.

In this way you can find out individual intolerances. Try to avoid sweets, coffee, fast food and alcohol for a while. Now is a good time to get into new habits. Your body will thank you for it!

The Preparation of a Rice Soup (Congee):


As the name rice soup suggests, the ingredients consist of water and rice, and is cooked for a long time. By adding various ingredients, or medicinal plants, rice congee can be used for a variety of alternative, medically supportive purposes. In the rice cure only a pinch of sea salt is added to the cooking water. To spice up the taste, a shot of shoyu (soy sauce) can be added. You can also season the rice with some miso soup.

Whole grain rice like mochi rice (white rice or basmati rice is also possible) with cold water in a ratio of 1:10 (100 gr. of rice to 1 litre of water) in a large pot without salt and simmer on a low heat with lid for about 2 hours (Traditionally, 4 hours is cooked, but in my experience 2 hours is enough). A large pot (3 to 4 litres with 1 litre of water) is necessary because the rice foams when it is cooked. However, a rice cooker is ideal. Rice congee can be precooked for 3 to 4 days.

The preparation of miso soup:


Miso is a fermented paste made from soybeans, barley or brown rice, sea salt and an enzyme starter (koji). Through the living enzymes and bacteria, we additionally support our entire intestinal tract, so that the intestinal flora can regenerate. Miso soup has a warming, alkalising and strengthening effect!

Miso is fermented, ripe soybean puree and contains enzymes that help digestion. Miso provides a balanced composition of carbohydrates, oils, vitamins, minerals and proteins. ( Especially vitamin B12 and proteins for the vegetarian). 


• Protects against cold (from the outside, supports against cold in the abdomen)

• Promotes metabolism and digestion, helps build up intestinal flora (Gut Health)

• Re-vitalises skin and hair

• Linoleic acid and lecithin helps with heart disease, dissolves cholesterol in the blood, makes blood vessels more flexible. Helps to prevents high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.

• Has an alkalizing effect on the blood (in case of acidification by meat products)

• Miso soup strengthens the spleen and is especially recommended during pregnancy

• Max. 1 teaspoon / day, and never cook, only let it boil up for a short time (otherwise miso becomes a pure salt substitute). Miso is used for soups, sauces, as spread or as a spice. Available are Shiro Miso (from the soybean) but also rice miso, grain miso, or powdered miso for instant soups.


  Ingredients of miso soup:


  - Root vegetables (carrots, onion, radish, yellow beets)
  - Cabbage vegetables (broccoli, savoy cabbage, chard, leek, Chinese cabbage, watercress) - Wakamé (algae species)
  - Miso ( in at the end and do not bring to the boil again)

Bring a pot of water to the boil. Allow the wakamé algae simmer for 10 minutes before adding the other ingredients. Vegetables, that take longer to soften, add next in the boiling water. Add the cabbage only for the last 10 minutes as it should not cook that long.
The miso is mixed in an extra bowl with some water and added to the soup last. Miso is a strong spice and colours the soup dark to light brown, depending on which miso we use. The more Miso the more intense, salty the taste!

TIP: As miso soup only lasts for a maximum of 2-3 days, we recommend either cooking small quantities or stirring the miso only into the portion we consume! Maximum 1 teaspoon of miso per soup bowl!

Our Favourite Pantry Essentials to Balance Your Body in Lockdown

ESCAPADA E-MAGAZINE

With the new lockdown measures in place and many people self-isolating, the outbreak is affecting the way many of us live our lives - triggering stress, depression and anxiety and imbalance in the body.

Because of all the uncertainty it can be easy to feel out of control, but step by step regain control over what you can control.

So often in our culture, imbalances (hormonal, digestive, emotional, sleep...) are due to very simple lifestyle habits and routines that are throwing us off-kilter. Because we practice these routines daily, our system gets out of whack and hormones off balance. When we have an understanding about what’s going on, we’re better equipped to make subtle lifestyle or dietary changes that will naturally correct and balance things over time. The beauty of this approach is, it’s all within your control and in your kitchen!

For Your Immune-System: 

• Garlic: In Chinese Medicine the lungs are responsible for the Wei Qi (immune system) as we breathe in sickness (i.e. colds and flus). Garlic is a powerful anti oxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibiotic properties and also works a natural decongestant to strengthen our lungs (and digestive system). At the first sign of an infection or illness, start taking one raw garlic clove daily, or use concentrated allicin extract. 

• Oregano Oil: In Chinese Medicine this oil has a long history of being used as an antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-fungal medicine and is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies to strengthen the immune system. It can be taken internally as an all-natural antimicrobial powerhouse to keep your immune system going strong all winter, or to combat yeast infections and also be used topically to treat antibiotic-resistant staph infections of the skin (MRSA). If you don't have shop-brought oregano oil in your pantry you can make it at home using fresh oregano leaves but dried will work too!  

  • Put 1 cup of freshly muddled oregano leaves into a jar and pour 1/2 cup of oil of your choice (we like olive oil for taste) over the leaves. Place the closed jar into hot water and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. This process heats up the oil and allows the oregano to release its natural oils. Remove the jar from the hot water and store in a cool place away from direct sunlight. The oil will need to infuse for at least 1 week, but ideally 2 with a shake/swirl every few days. When it is ready, it will be a rich dark brown colour, and you will need to strain the oil using a cheesecloth. Store the oil in a fresh glass jar with a tight fitting lid in the refrigerator and use as needed. 

• Turmeric: Turmeric has been prescribed in Chinese Medicine as a food and herbal remedy for thousands of years. The orange root is packed with pungent flavours of earth, pepper and bitterness and supports the function of your stomach and spleen. In TCM, turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory to bolster the immune system by entering the heart, lung, liver and gallbladder meridians and is used to invigorate blood, remove stagnation from the body and reduce inflammation.  We recommend always mixing turmeric with fat. It is a spice that is fat soluble, meaning that it can only be absorbed properly by the body when in combination with thats. This is why you will often find turmeric mixed with ghee (clarified butter) which is a delicious and healthy Ayurvedic and TCM substitution for butter. Using a pestle and mortar mash fresh turmeric root into a paste (or use powdered form) mix with ghee and use it in a multitude of savoury dishes. 

For Digestion Issues: 

The most important organs we look at for a strong and well functioning digestive system are the liver, spleen and stomach. So you need essentials that can help to regulate your whole digestive system: 

• Ginger: This pungent root is a powerful anti-histamine and decongestant that delivers a one-two punch against cold symptoms. In Chinese Medicine ginger also works to helps tonify your Qi (vital Energy) and Blood. Add in it's natural form to stir-fry dishes or boil it in water to make a cup of ginger tea with some added lemon and honey for a pleasant and healing hot drink. 

• Warm Water: According to ancient Chinese Medicine, drinking a glass of warm water in the morning helps kick-start the digestive system. Hot and warm water, because of its temperature, aids blood flow. As your blood circulation increases, it helps detoxify the body, reduce painful contractions of muscles and refresh the mind. If you are feeling sluggish, have cold limbs, a sore throat, suffer with menstrual cramps or abdominal bloating then opt for a glass of warm water as you wake up daily. It’s also a great alternative to coffee, especially in the second half of the day when you hit a low. 

For Hormones, Cycles & Mood-Boosting: 

• Fresh Parsley Tea: Parsley is known to regulate the menstrual cycle and move Qi (vital energy) when we feel stuck. It also aids digestion and works to brighten the skin due to its detoxing and anti-inflammatory properties which in return boosts energy and clarity. In addition to these benefits, it helps to regulate water and eliminate toxins so prevents oedema due to water retention; Parsley does a cleaning job by effectively detoxing the liver, kidneys and bladder.

◦ Simply infuse a handful of fresh curly-leaf parsley in 3 cups of boiling water, add a slice of lemon, and leave it brew for 5 minutes. Remove the parsley and lemon and add 1tbsp of a natural sweetener of your choice and drink 1-3 cups per day. You can also add the parsley into your smoothies, soups or blended drinks to receive the benefits of the herb. 

• Goji Berries: High in antioxidants, Goji Berries boost the bodies blood and Yin to help with dry eyes, blurred vision, brittle nails, scanty blood flow and headaches after your cycle. Soak overnight and add to cooked oatmeal, make as tea or use as a substitute in anything you might normally use raisins or cranberries.

• Chinese Angelica Root: In Chinese Medicine this phytoestrogen-rich root works to regulate and nourish the bodies blood, regulate your cycle and help with hormonal balance and menopausal type symptoms. Add to soups or stocks, or boil it in tea form with Goji Berries. 

For General Well-Being: 

• Black Sesame Seeds: Great for dryness in the body such including your hair & scalp and body as they nourish the Yin (nourishing aspect) of the Liver and Kidneys in the body.  Add a teaspoon to cereals, sautéed vegetables (roast it), baking (banana breads or power cookies to boost up the nutrient content), or add into your smoothies or blended drinks daily. 

• Manuka Honey: Manuka Honey is natural immune booster, natural anti-inflammatory agent, and antimicrobial agent. Used topically it has substances that can kill bacteria, and when ingested it can even work synergistically with antibiotics to improve their efficiency.  We recommend adding 1tsp to warm water, teas or porridge in the morning for its ongoing immune-boosting properties. 

• Ghee: Used for thousands of years and a staple in Ayurvedic healing practices, ghee is one of the most healing foods for your body. Also known as clarified butter, it is a pure butter fat that has no protein, lactose, solids or sugars, meaning anyone with sensitive guts or lactose intolerance can eat it! Ghee contains a type of short-chain fatty acid called butyric acid which has a number of useful health functions. These include reducing inflammation in the digestive tract as well as supporting the health of the cells that line it. In addition, the fact content in Ghee is packed with fat-soluble vitamins, and itself is a direct source of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). We love to use Ghee as a healthy alternative in all our cooking and as a condiment gut health, and even in our beauty regimes. If you don't have any in your pantry you can make it at home with our recipe here.

• For Fatigue: 

In Chinese Medicine moderate fatigue is generally caused by a deficiency of spleen Qi, the vital energy that circulates through your body. The spleen is responsible for the transformation from foods into Qi and blood, two vital substances that we need enough of in order to feel strong and resilient. 

• Insomnia Night Cap: If you are suffering from insomnia, this warming milk remedy will help strengthen the middle which works to calm the nervous system and body. Mix 1/2 cup of milk (almond/oat) with 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan and start to heat. Add a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of honey, nutmeg has a calming effect when consumed in smaller doses thanks to its sleep inducing and de-stressing effects. Once the mixture is combined and warm sip and enjoy. 

• Turmeric: Turmeric is revered in Ayurveda as an immunity booster, which also induces good sleep and relax the muscles. Turmeric tea, brewed using grated turmeric root or pure powder, is considered one of the most effective ways to consume the spice. Owing to its high anti-oxidant properties turmeric milk is very skin-friendly and regular intake can give you a healthy glow of radiance from within.

  ◦ How do you make Turmeric Milk? Add cold-pressed or powered turmeric to milk or coconut milk, and serve with a liberal sprinkle of cinnamon. Turmeric Milk, also known as golden milk can be drunk cold or hot and is our favourite Ayurveda health-elixir which also works as caffeine alternative for our morning pick me up!