Preparation of Navarakkizhi

Navarakkizhi is part of the Purvakarma treatment prior to the Panchakarma therapy in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system.

Navarakkizhi is Kerala’s contribution to Ayurveda. This fomentation technique makes use of Navara or Njavara or Shastika, an indigenous rice variety known for its therapeutic use.

To prepare the medical mixture, Navara is cooked well in milk and a herbal decoction is made by mixing Kurumthotti, a medicinal herb. This is filled within linen bags or Kizhis and tied up. A course needs four such kizhis. They should be kept within warm milk to maintain the temperature needed to foment the body.