Sometimes I feel that people need to have a degree in nutrition in order to be able to eat in a healthy way in modern society. There is a miasma of misinformation, conflicting beliefs and a contradictory trend every 5 minutes. Vegan Diet or Carnivore Diet? Gluten is bad? Eggs are bad? Wait, now they are good? The sound bites surrounding food go on and on.

I am a firm believer in bio-individuality and mindful eating being the cornerstones of a healthy diet. That being said, I do think that there are some overarching guidelines that apply to the vast majority, if not all people.

Ksheerapaka, or ksheerakashaya, is a type of Ayurvedic preparation that literally means "cooked milk" or "milk decoction". Most decoctions are very astringent and drying but the addition of milk allows it to be more nourishing. It's better suited for those who have weaker digestion such as children, the elderly and people who are sick. This makes a terrific bedtime tonic or afternoon pick-me up depending on what herbs are employed.