Ojas is the first thing to be created in the body of all living beings. It is ghee colored, it tastes like honey and smells like roasted puffed rice.
~ Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 17.74
According to Ayurveda, there is a precious substance in the body that governs aging, immunity, radiant skin, vigor, mood, sleep, digestion, spirituality, and physical strength. This substance is called ojas (OH-jas).
In Sanskrit, ojas has two prominent meanings. In the context of physical health and vitality, it means “vigor.” In the context of spiritual and emotional well-being, it is referred to as “the physiological expression of consciousness.”
A plentiful reserve of ojas is reflected in the luster of the eyes, radiance of the skin (that glow so detectable in babies and pregnant women), potent fertility, tenacious immunity, strong digestion and clarity of mind.
When ojas is depleted–which can happen from chronic or excessive stress, lack of sleep, poor digestion, or excessive activity–the mind, body and spirit can become compromised.
To rebuild ojas, drink one cup of the Ojas Nightly Tonic per day.
Serving Size: 1.5 tsp (6g)
Servings: About 30
Ingredients: Organic Dates, Organic Almonds, Organic Coconut, Organic Cardamom, Organic Ashwagandha, Organic Shatavari, Organic Turmeric, Organic Saffron
To Prepare: For the traditional preparation, add a heaping teaspoon of Ojas Nightly Tonic to 3/4 cup of milk (or non-dairy substitute). Add 1/2 tsp ghee or coconut oil and bring to a boil. Then, remove from heat and add 1 tsp of raw honey. Alternatively, enjoy this delicious mix as-is on your favorite hot cereal or in a smoothie.
Refrigerate after opening.
What Is Ojas?
Perhaps the best way to describe ojas is to understand how honey is made. Ten to twenty thousand bees per hive collect the nectar or essence of thousands of flowers and concentrate them into honey – the ojas of the flowers. In the same way, when we eat fresh, unprocessed foods, microscopic amounts of their essence accumulate over time through the process of healthy digestion and become ojas. If the digestive process is disturbed, the essence of the foods will not be extracted and no ojas will be made.
How is Ojas Made?
According to Ayurveda, the entire digestive process takes thirty days to complete. Within that time, not only is food ingested and eliminated, but nutrients from the food are used to build what is known as the seven major tissues of the body. The culmination of this process is the production of ojas. Unfortunately, during these thirty days, many factors can compromise its production, and many people have depleted ojas and lack the vigor, immunity, radiant glow and longevity they desire.
Activities that Replenish and Build Ojas
- Loving others
- Laughing
- Acting on things you are passionate about
- Giving and serving others
- Yoga, breathing, and meditation
- Nose breathing exercise
- Being in nature
- Eating fresh, unprocessed, wholesome foods in a relaxed manner
- Getting ample rest: 7-8 hours of sleep with the natural cycles (up early, to bed early)
keywords: ashwaganda, shatawari, satawari, tumeric, shativari
