What is ojas?
Ojas is the essence of vitality and immunity, and it provides stability and nourishment to the tissues, moisture to the skin and mental clarity. It is the subtle essence of the kapha dosha, existing both as an energy and, according to the ancient Ayurvedic texts, a physical serum that resembles honey, measured as 8 drops that stay in the heart. As Maya Tiwari puts it, “our glow of health, virility, fertility, reproduction, regeneration and life itself all depends on a healthy supply of ojas.”
Our teacher’s teacher, Dr. Vasant Lad, says about ojas, “It is like honey. As the honeybee collects the minute molecules of the essence of hundreds of flower and accumulates them in the honeycomb, ojas, the pure essence of all bodily tissues circulates via the heart and throughout the body to maintain the natural resistance of the bodily tissues. Ojas fights against aging, decay and disease. A person who has good ojas rarely becomes sick.”
Having a healthy supply of ojas also helps ensure your adrenals are supported so that you avoid burnout AND it is is one of the key factors in enhancing fertility.
How can you tell when you have healthy ojas?
Tune into your being! You know you have quality ojas when you…
Feel happy, cheerful, blissful
Feel loving and compassionate
Have strong immunity
Have good retention of knowledge
Have eyes full of luster
Have glowing skin and shining hair
Have clarity, strength and stamina
Have high libido and good sexual endurance (you know that feeling when you’re just all turned on, luscious and juicy… that is ojas in action!!)
So how do you nourish this juicy essence within you?
In addition to a vata soothing lifestyle, plenty of time outside in nature, quality rest and a positive outlook on life, you can also make this delicious Ojas Rejuvenation Shake for yourself 2-3 times per week! It’s a wonderful treat packed with ojas enhancing foods.
INGREDIENTS
10 raw almonds
1 medjool date
1 cup pure water
1 cup milk (organic and non-homogenized if possible)
1 Tablespoon organic rose petals (optional – cooling, rejuvenative)
1 tsp ghee (rejuvenative)
¼ tsp saffron (increases digestion & rejuvenative)
1/8 tsp ground cardamom (increases digestion)
Pinch of black pepper (helps manage excess kapha)
½ tsp of honey (increases lactose digestion)
METHOD
Soak almonds and water together overnight
In the morning, drain off the water and rub the skins off the almonds.
Bring milk to a boil on the stove.
Add rose petals, saffron, cardamom and black pepper, let simmer for 10 minutes.
Allow milk to cool slightly, the pour in to the blender with date and peeled almonds.
Add ghee and honey.
Blend until smooth.
Enjoy!
Note: This shake is best enjoyed mid-day, when agni is burning bright! Watch for any signs of excess kapha, which might include: slow digestion, heaviness, ama (toxins) on the tongue, or feeling unusually lethargic. In the case that these symptoms arise, discontinue use.
Recipe inspired by: Alakananda Ma (Alandi Ashram)
Self care is a radical act — when you are vibrant and awake, you have the clarity and energy to show up for what you believe in. Cultivate Balance provides Ayurvedic consultations, Goodness Guides, and online wellness courses that support you to nurture yourself so you can nurture the world. Dive in with our FREE mini-course, The Basic Balance Challenge!
