R Amadea Morningstar, MA, RPE, RYT

Updated 2020

Writer, Ayurvedic Educator, Polarity Therapist

Constitution: Pitta-Vata

Amadea Morningstar works with Ayurveda as a nutrition educator, writer, and cook. She first trained in Ayurveda in 1983. She is the founder of the Ayurveda Polarity Therapy & Yoga Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her books include the best-selling Ayurvedic Cookbook with Urmila Desai, and her recent publications are Easy Healing Drinks from the Wisdom of Ayurveda and a chapter on Ayurveda in Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing, 4th Edition (2018).

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Articles by R Amadea Morningstar, MA, RPE, RYT

- Ayurvedic Recipes
- January 18, 2022
Kapha-Balancing Fruit Crumble Recipe
For a sweet recipe that also calms the sweet tooth, try this fruit crumble by Amadea Morningstar, which can be customized to balance vata, pitta, or kapha.
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- Food and Cooking
- April 08, 2021
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Milk
Fresh dairy from the farm is not always possible. So, what can we do? Here is some information on milk and milk alternatives from an Ayurvedic perspective.
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- Food and Cooking
- October 23, 2020
Honey as Medicine in Ayurveda: How Sweet It Is
In a bevy of cool sweeteners like white sugar, maple syrup, and others, raw honey dances to a different melody because it brings the rare quality of warmth.
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- Food and Cooking
- April 25, 2019
An Ayurvedic Perspective on Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar wasn't common in ancient India, but read this article to learn what Ayurveda has to say about this popular condiment and its health benefits.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- June 20, 2013
Basic Warming Kitchari
Kitchari is one of the staple foods of an Ayurvedic diet. This classic recipe is great for cleansing, and is also good for stimulating digestion and circulation.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- June 20, 2013
Sweet Potato Halva Recipe
This delectable Indian dessert can also be made with butternut squash or pumpkin in place of sweet potato. Rich in vitamins and entirely delicious.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- June 19, 2013
Delectable Date Shake Recipe
Great for balancing vata and pitta, this date shake recipe by Amadea Morningstar blends the rejuvenative benefits of dates with delicious vanilla and coconut.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- June 19, 2013
Energizing Sun Balls Recipe
With sunflower seeds, coconut, raisins, and coriander, this recipe makes a great midday snack that can be customized to suit your dosha and your taste.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- June 19, 2013
Restorative Almond Drink Recipe
A rasayana is a substance that provides deep rejuvenation. This variation on a traditional rasayana grounds vata, soothes irritated pitta, and tonifies the nerves.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- June 19, 2013
Fresh Coriander Chutney Recipe
With fresh cilantro, ginger, and lemon juice, this chutney recipe is great for cleansing and pairs well with dals, grains, curries, and bread.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- March 19, 2013
Saffron Asparagus Kitchari Recipe
This dynamic variation on the classic Ayurvedic kitchari recipe blends the dietary benefits of asparagus with the digestive support of saffron.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- March 11, 2013
Delectable Prune Bars Recipe
Prunes are well-known for supporting healthy digestion. These easy and delicious prune bars add spices and ghee to increase those excellent digestive benefits.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- March 11, 2013
Baked Apples Breakfast Recipe
Baked or stewed apples make a healthy and delicious breakfast. This recipe features raisins, spices, and seeds as well to help enkindle the digestive fire.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- December 12, 2012
Maple Tapioca Recipe
Tasty and not too sweet, this nourishing maple tapioca recipe can be made with dried apricots, peaches, figs, or prunes for a healthy and satisfying treat.
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- October 15, 2012
Dreamy Date Balls Recipe
Dates are considered rasayanas, or rejuvenating foods in Ayurveda. This date ball recipe is an easy, dreamy way to enjoy their benefits!
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- Ayurvedic Recipes
- October 15, 2012
Rejuvenating Almond Milk Recipe
Almonds are packed with health-promoting benefits. This recipe blends them with other tasty ingredients to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
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Education and Experience

A Registered Polarity Educator and Integral Yoga Teacher, Amadea has a MA in counseling and a BS in nutrition. She integrates Polarity Therapy and marma therapy in her private practice and teaching. Learn more about Amadea's education and experience.

Amadea's Point of View

How were you introduced to Ayurveda?

In 1983, I heard Dr. Vasant Lad speak at a healing arts school; I was on the nutrition faculty. Later, I informally copy edited his first book, Ayurveda: The Science of Self Healing. In the spring of that year, Dr. Lad kindly gave me a one on one pulse tutorial. I was hooked.

When are you most likely to go out of balance and how do you bring yourself back in balance using Ayurveda?

Too much internet. The solution? Nature!!!

What does the future of Ayurveda look like to you?

We're needed. As we move toward greater inclusivity at NAMA, we'll be able to meet the needs of broader populations. This is positive.

What's one Ayurvedic practice anyone can implement to spur change in their life, right here, right now?

Send respect to someone very different from you with compassion and equanimity.