In a world where digestive disorders, fatigue, and blood pressure problems are on the rise, Ayurveda brings us a gentle yet powerful remedy: Yusha – a traditional medicated soup made with green gram and a host of beneficial spices. Revered for its healing properties and ease of digestion, this simple yet effective recipe is a must-have in every health-conscious kitchen.
🌿 What is Yusha?
Yusha is an Ayurvedic vegetable-based thin soup typically prepared using green gram (moong dal). It is traditionally prescribed for improving digestion, regulating blood pressure, and supporting overall immunity, especially during illness recovery, convalescence, or detox therapies.
🥣 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare one bowl of Yusha:
- Green gram – 50 gm
- Water – 200 ml
- Salt – 5 gm
- Pepper – as per taste
- Oil or ghee – 10 ml
- Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Fenugreek seeds – 6–8 seeds
- Curry leaves – 5–10 leaves
- Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
Optional additions: coriander leaves, ajwain (carom seeds), raw mango powder, garlic.
🔪 Method of Preparation
- Cook the green gram thoroughly and extract the substrate (thin watery part).
- Add salt to the extracted liquid.
- Roast pepper on an open flame, crush it coarsely and add it to the mixture. Boil for 3 minutes.
- Season with mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and curry leaves in oil or ghee and pour it into the soup.
- Add lemon juice or raw mango powder for a refreshing tangy taste.
- For enhanced flavor, you may also add coriander leaves, ajwain, and garlic.
🌟 Health Benefits of Yusha
1. Easy to Digest
Yusha is light on the stomach and promotes easy digestion, making it ideal for post-illness recovery, fasting, or during panchakarma therapy in Ayurveda.
2. Less Phytic Acid
Green gram used in Yusha contains less phytic acid, making it easier to absorb minerals like iron and zinc from the meal.
3. Rich in Fiber and Protein
This recipe offers a good balance of fiber and protein, helping you feel full while supporting muscle repair and digestive health.
4. Blood Pressure Regulator
Yusha works as a natural blood pressure stabilizer, especially due to the presence of potassium and dietary fiber in green gram.
5. Anti-inflammatory and Detoxifying
The addition of lemon juice, curry leaves, and pepper makes Yusha anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and suitable for mild fevers, gut issues, and metabolic correction.
🌱 Why You Should Include Yusha in Your Diet
Whether you are recovering from illness or looking for a light dinner option, Yusha can be a daily inclusion in your meal plan. It balances Agni (digestive fire) and helps in removing Ama (toxins) from the body, thereby preventing metabolic and lifestyle disorders.
It is also recommended for:
- Post-panchakarma therapy
- Pregnant or lactating women (with modifications)
- Elderly and children with weak digestion
- People suffering from bloating, indigestion, or fatigue
⚠️ Precautions
- Avoid adding too many spices if using Yusha for therapeutic reasons.
- Consume fresh. Avoid reheating multiple times.
- People with very low blood pressure should use lemon juice moderately.
👨⚕️ Yusha in Ayurvedic Texts
Classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya mention Yusha as one of the pathya (wholesome foods) in several conditions like fevers, digestive issues, and during recovery from shodhana (cleansing) procedures.
🔍 Conclusion
Yusha is not just a soup—it’s an Ayurvedic elixir for internal balance. It is wholesome, rejuvenating, and suitable for almost all age groups and health conditions. Adding Yusha to your weekly meal rotation can significantly improve your digestive health and overall well-being.
Whether you’re a wellness enthusiast or an Ayurvedic practitioner, this simple yet powerful recipe is a must-try in your healing kitchen.
