According to Ayurveda, the ‘vital nectar of life’ is a subtle energy in the body that is referred to as ojas. Ojas is the essence that provides strong immunity, nourishment to the tissues, and stability to the mind. It is seen as luster in the eyes, strength in the body, resistance to disease, efficient digestion, and clarity of mind.
The classic text Caraka Samhita tells us ‘when ojas is low the person is fearful, weak, worried, and has deranged senses, poor complexion, a weak mind, and is rough and thin.’
So how can do you boost ojas?
The first step is being mindful of what depletes ojas and balance your lifestyle accordingly. Ojas can become depleted by over scheduling your days, multi-tasking, over stimulating your senses with too much screen time, excessive sexual activity, drinking coffee or alcohol, staying up too late, or eating processed foods and refined sugar.
Getting proper rest, relaxation, and sleep will go the greatest distance for rebuilding your inner reserves and cultivating ojas. The yogic practices of brahmacharya, wise use of creative energy, and pratyahara, drawing your energy inward, are the bedrock of maintaining balanced energy.
OJAS BOOSTING TIPS
- Tend to your heart and practice meditation.
- Foster loving relationships.
- Appreciate what is beautiful, surround yourself with that which you love.
- Eat cooked, organic, whole foods. Specific foods that build ojas are organic dairy, ghee, dates, figs, almonds, walnuts, sweet potatoes, and mung beans.
- Cultivate a healthy digestive system.
- Enjoy an Ojas nourishing drink or these Ojas energy bites.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup almonds
½ cup walnuts
½ cup pumpkin seeds
¼ cup flax seeds, ground
1 cup medjool dates
1 cup cranberries
½ cup water
¼ cup cacao nibs
2 tsp cardamom, ground
½ tsp pink salt
¼ tsp vanilla extract
METHOD
Combine all the ingredients together in a food processor and pulse until a chunky dough is formed. You may have to pause the processor to scrape down the sides for even mixing. Hand roll into one inch sized balls using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scooper. Place the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy 1-2 energy bites per day.