Ojas is the biological energy that represents the subtlest form of Kapha dosha and the water element of the body. This vital essence plays a direct role in our energy, strength, immunity, libido, and vitality. Therefore, if we are lacking in any of these areas, it is likely that the Ojas in the body may be depleted or disturbed. Healthy Ojas is needed in the body to reduce signs of aging and protect against disease. A person with “good” Ojas tends to have a healthy, luminous glow. They are patient, compassionate, and rarely become sick.
What is Ojas?
Ojas is the culmination of the pure essence of the 7 vital tissues (dhatus) in the body. It is formed during the biosynthesis of these tissues and represents the albumin (protein in the plasma), globulin (protein in the blood), and many essential hormones and neurotransmitters. Although Ojas plays a major role in the immune system, it also relates to the endocrine, nervous, skeletal, muscular, hematopoietic (bone marrow, spleen, lymph), and digestive systems and, therefore, plays a vital role in our overall health.
A major function of Ojas is to maintain the 7 vital tissues (plasma, blood, muscle, fat, skeletal, nerve, and reproductive tissues), the 3 main forms of elimination (urine, feces, sweat), and the 3 doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). If we are able to maintain healthy Ojas in our system, then we are able to keep balance in all of these areas, keeping the energies flowing freely, avoiding stagnation in the channels, minimizing degeneration, and preventing disease.
Common Causes of Low Ojas
- Stress
- Overworking
- Exhaustion
- Physical trauma (e.g. car accident, injury)
- Emotional trauma (e.g. break-up, loss of a loved one)
- Poor sleep habits
- Selfishness
- Nervousness
- Anger
- Excessive orgasms
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis, cancer, TB, and ulcerative colitis
- Chronic pain
- Resistance to “what is”
- Excessive travel
- High Vata in the system
- Aging (50+)
How to Increase Healthy Ojas
1. Meditation
Letting go of the constrictions in the mind and processing through our thoughts, feelings, and emotions is a powerful way to boost healthy Ojas in the system. Ojas is “awareness” and by increasing our consciousness through meditation, we simultaneously increase our Ojas. Each night before bed, take 10 to 20 minutes to sit in a peaceful, comfortable seat. Quiet the mind and let your thoughts come in, then send them on their way. If your mind gets restless, come back to the breath and focus on the inhale and exhale.
Discover 3 simple meditation techniques here!
2. Eat Ojas-Increasing Foods
Eating a diet rich in Ojas-increasing foods is a great way to promote healthy Ojas in the body. Here is a list of some powerful Ojas-building food choices:
- Ghee
- Dates
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Tahini
- Avocado
- Healthy oils such as coconut, olive, sesame, and almond
- Coconut meat, coconut water, coconut milk
- Organic, whole milk (warmed and spiced)
- Golden Milk
- Whole grains (brown rice, buckwheat groats, oats, whole wheat…)
- Figs (fresh or soaked is best)
- Raisins (soaked is best)
- Sweet, juicy fruits such as mangos
- High-antioxidant foods such as blueberries, cacao, and beets
- Sweet potatoes
- Rice pudding
- Bone marrow broths
Ojas-increasing recipes:
- Ojas-Increasing Oatmeal
- Ojas Increasing Energy Balls
- Golden Milk
- Golden Almond Milk
- Rejuvenating Ojas Drink
- Homemade Ghee
3. Reduce Stress
Reducing the stress in your life is an essential way to obtain healthy Ojas in the body. Make sure that you’re not overworking and exhausting yourself. Make sure to keep good, positive company and reduce negativity and conflict in your daily life. Find healthy outlets to utilize on a daily basis such as Yoga, meditation, pranayama, music, art, nature, family, friends, healthy hobbies, and exercise.
4. Avoid Excessive Sex
Ojas is a strong factor in our sexual potency. Abusing, misusing, or exhausting our vital sexual energy is a common way of depleting the Ojas in the system. Instead, keeping control over this sacred energy and using it in a healthy manner will preserve our Ojas and preserve our vitality. According to the texts, Vata types are supposed to enjoy sexual intercourse only 1 to 2 times a month, Pitta types 3 to 4 times, and Kapha types 4 to 5 times per month. If you have depleted Ojas, to begin with, it is best to save your sexual energy for only 1 to 2 times a month, no matter which dosha type you may be.
5. Abhyanga Self-Oil Massage
A warm, gentle, self-oil massage at the end of the night is a great way to build the Ojas while nurturing the body, mind, and soul. If you have depleted Ojas, there is a good chance that the Vata is also high, so using a warm Vata Massage Oil or sesame oil may be even more powerful. Begin with the head and work your way slowly down to the feet. If you are short on time, just massaging the scalp, forehead, and feet can be very effective as well.
Click here for full instructions on the Abhyanga Self-Oil Massage.
6. Gentle Yoga
Gentle Yoga is a nourishing way to reduce stress, reduce constriction, and promote free-flowing energy in the body—all of which will increase healthy Ojas. Taking a Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, or any slow-moving, gentle yoga class 1 to 2 times each week will be a great complement to your Ojas-building routine.
7. Gentle Exercise
Incorporating a healthy, gentle, and consistent exercise routine into your daily life is a great way to promote healthy Ojas. This can be a simple walk in the fresh air each day, a gentle hike in nature, or a nice swim. Just keep it relaxed, consistent, and enjoyable.
8. Deep Breathing
Constriction is a leading cause of depleted Ojas. Therefore taking the time to take some deep breaths each day is an excellent and efficient way to increase our Ojas and our vitality. Each morning, sit in a comfortable seat and take 10 deep belly breaths, making them long, smooth, and steady. Focus the mind on the elongated inhale and exhale, and notice the slight pause in between. For best results, repeat this practice before bed.
Click here to learn about the powerful Alternate Nostril Breathing technique.
9. Surrender To What Life Hands You
Dr. Vasant Lad states very clearly that a major cause of depleted Ojas is “saying ‘no’ to what is”. Saying ‘no’ causes resistance and constriction, and these feelings disrupt Ojas. Therefore, practicing surrendering and accepting “what is” can be a powerful way to increase health and longevity. As Dr. Lad so beautifully states: “The trees say ‘yes’ to every season. When spring comes, they say ’yes‘ and they flower. When summer comes, they say ‘yes’ and they become dry and thirsty. When fall comes, they say ‘yes’ and change color and drop their leaves.” Be like the tree!
10. Promote Positivity In Your Life
Increase the positive energy in your life and increase your Ojas. Some simple ways to increase positive energy are by keeping good company and surrounding yourself with positive, loving, compassionate people. Keep positive thoughts, even when times are hard. Positive energy promotes positive energy, and this promotes healthy Ojas.
11. Ojas-Increasing Herbs
Herbs can be an amazing compliment to these other Ojas-increasing practices. Here are some of the most powerful Ojas-promoting herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia:
- Bala
- Triphala
- Ashwagandha
- Shatavari
- Punarnava
- Bhringaraj
- Brahmi
- Shilajit
- Shankapushpi
- Pippali
- Yashtimadhura (Licorice)
- Vidari
- Kapikacchu (Atma Gupta)
- Gokshura
- Jatamansi
- Ginger
*Taking these herbs with one teaspoon each of ghee and honey will increase their Ojas-increasing properties even further!
Thanks. Very informative article.
I am very grateful to the author, for this precious, sacred Knowledge ! :)))
What is the source of your information.
Hi Paurush! Thank you for your inquiry. My information from almost all of my articles comes from my years of study under my teachers Dr. Vasant Lad, Alakananda Ma, Dr Bharat Vaidya and Dr Claudia Welch; as well as my personal experiences as an Ayurvedic practitioner. I sometime will source Dr. Lad’s books along with some of the traditional texts as well. I hope this helps! Namaste, Danielle
That doesn’t seem like enough sex only 1-5 times a month? What if as a man you don’t ejaculate like in tantric practices? I’m sure you can have more sex than that.
Hi Chris! Thank you for your inquiry. Although I am not very familiar with the Tantric practices, I assume this is completely different than the average sexual experience (as long as you are doing it properly). In general, excessive ejaculation is a direct link to reduced Ojas and often increased Vata, which will eventually lead to depletion of Shukra, the male reproductive tissue. Imbalance in this vital area will soon lead to other imbalances throughout the body. It is just something to look for if there are signs of low Ojas, general depletion, etc. Hope this helps! Namaste, Danielle
Right so it’s more about frequent ejaculations than it is about frequent sex. It just gives the impression to only have sex a few times a month but if you are in a healthy relationship and practising tantric sex you could have it many more times than that a month. I’m not sure how it is for woman either if they have sex more than 5 times a month how that would affect them negatively. Something to look into.
Hi,
Does masturbation lead to a depletion of ojas in women?
Hi Deepa,
Masturbation does not deplete Ojas in men or women if it is used in moderation, according to your dosha type, season, age and strength of individual. However, if you already have depleted Ojas, part of the treatment would be to limit orgasms during that time. The limit would be based on the individual’s needs and the severity of the depletion. Orgasms in itself does not deplete healthy Ojas levels, rather excessive orgasms. Once again, the amount of sex or masturbation will be dependent on the individual since we are all different. I hope this helps to answer your question!
Namaste,
Danielle
I love this information
Thank you
Hi Anna,
Thank you for taking the time to write these kind words. I am glad you have enjoyed the article! Be well:)
Namaste,
Danielle
Thanx for sharing this valuable article with us… it is really helpful.
Would you like to tell me can I eat one spoon of shatavari guda daily with milk to increase my ojasvi and vitality? Will it do any harm in long-term?
Hi Shubham! Thank you for your inquiry. Shatavari with warm milk can be taken long-term as it is fairly sattvic and should not cause any side-effects. They are both used to increase Ojas and rejuvenate the system. The only contraindications would be if there is a large amount of toxins in the system (i.e. thick coating on the tongue, sluggish digestion, etc), as these substances are both heavy by nature. Also Shatavari is an estrogen precursor and therefore should be avoid with long-term use in people with estrogen dominance. Otherwise it should be very beneficial!
Namaste,
Danielle
Hi…. thanks for the great information… very useful..
My body is very dry since childhood… how to get rid of this
Problem completey …. i have a gr8 hope ..tq
Hi Sunny,
Thank you for your question! Dryness is a Vata issue (as well as low Ojas) that should be treated both internally and externally. Performing Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic Oil Massage, with Vata Oil on a regular basis is a great start. Eating more healthy oils and fats such as ghee, sesame oil, coconut and avocado would be beneficial. Making sure to drink 8-10 cups of warm to hot water each day will also help. These recommendations would be a great start overall. You can read some general tips on “How to Balance Vata” here. Please let me know if you have any further questions!
Namaste,
Danielle
Thank u so much … for sure i ll do that all u said …
Is masturbation or semen leakage in men will reduce the ojas in human body..
Hi Arun,
Thank you for your question! Yes, any form of ejaculation whether through masturbation, sex, or leakage will decrease the Ojas in the system for men. Of course a moderate amount of ejaculation will not be harmful, but overuse will lead to depleted Ojas. The amount that is appropriate will be according to the predominant dosha of the individual and their current state of balance. For instance, one may be Kapha but have high Vata and low Ojas, and therefore should limit ejaculation to 1-2 times per month. However, a healthy Kapha individual with balanced Ojas would be able to ejaculate more often (about 1-2 times a week) without depleting effects. But no matter the individual, overuse will eventually deplete the Ojas and lead to imbalance. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions!
Namaste,
Danielle
Can depleted ojas through masturbation be recovered and how and in how many days,weeks…great hope from you….help me please….and leakage of semen be corrected how and ejaculation controlled how….great hope Danielle pls….
Hi Arun,
Yes, it is never too late to restore healthy Ojas, no matter what the reasoning is behind the depletion. The amount of time it will take will depend on the severity of the depletion and how long it has been occurring, as well as how thorough the treatment is. The leakage of semen etc, is likely due to high Vata and low Ojas, so by bringing balance to these areas, these issues should be able to resolve. You will also find some benefit with this related article on how to ignite the sexual energy here. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Namaste,
Danielle
I just came across this article, searching for ojas. thank very much it made much clearer things for me.
it seem that milk and ghee are the best remedies for depleted ojas, I developed allergies against both, I eat cheese occasionally but after a while I have the same problem. I misused ojas in my past life, would you recommend something helpful for me? Consider I suffer from IBS as well and I’m fifty. Thanks million, namaste.
Hi Iswara,
Thank you for your great question! Although ghee and milk are both great for increasing Ojas, they will not be beneficial if you cannot digest them properly. Instead they will create toxins and clog the channels of the body. Cheese is not considered Ojas-increasing as it is naturally heavy, sticky, and hard-to-digest. Therefore you may want to stay away from cheese altogether.
Luckily, there are so many great ways to heal and strengthen Ojas that go way beyond eating ghee. Meditation is one of the most powerful of all and can be done by any one at any age and state of health. Gentle Yoga and abhyanga are also very effect when done consistently.
Besides these additions, there are many foods that you can add to your diet as well including coconut, mango, and almonds (or homemade almond milk!). You can even make a rice pudding with almond milk (yum!). In short I would go over this list again and find the recommendations that resonate with you the most and focus on making those a regular part of your daily routine. Anything that does not work for you – throw away!
I hope this helps to bring some clarity my friend! Be well:)
Namaste,
Danielle
Hi there Danielle, This article gave me some more information but am still at a loss about which Dosha to assist to get more ojas. I have been using the Pitta oil for very dry skin. Not sure if I should switch to Vata. I tend to like the Vata churna and oil best. I am in an online course with Dr. Halpern and found out that my constitution is : Vata .15%, Pitta 50% and Kapha .35%. Now my Vikruti is: .35% Vata, .15% Pitta and 50% Kapha. Seems out of balance, yes? I am 81 and have had an extremely stressful life with many losses because of separations. Lived in three different countries as well. At 70 had an hystarectomy and my weight has increased by 50 lbls. Also have irregular heartbeat when stressed. Was diagnosed with emphasyma three years ago. Did grow up in an environment where smoking was the norm everywhere. Also smoked in my 20s for 10 years. Do meditate and listen to lots of Buddhist talks. Do a little gardening and studying the use of herbs. Am vegetarian as well. Om my, this got to be a long epistle. Hoping you can advise me on which churnas and oils to buy in future from you. Love – Iona.
Hi Iona,
Thank you for writing in with this information! It sounds like you should focus on both Vata and Kapha at the moment. Even though Pitta is your main dosha type, your imbalances lie in these other areas. A Kapha-reducing diet may be best to address the lowered metabolism and the weight gain, but a Vata-Kapha diet would be useful as well.
As for the churnas, you can continue with the Vata Churna, or try out the Kapha Churna which is more focused on boosting a sluggish digestion and metabolism. Agni Churna is tridoshic however, so this can be a good option as well. The Ayurvedic Breakfast Spices will be useful for the Kapha-Vata imbalances you are experiencing and is quite nice for your morning porridges!
As for the oil, I would stick with the Vata Oil for now. This is most healing for the nervous system, which is likely a bit shattered after so many losses, major moves, and other traumas that you have endured in this lifetime. Keep up with the meditation and add in some time for practicing a deep belly breathing practice (while lying or sitting comfortably – whichever you prefer). These techniques are useful for healing trauma and the increased Vata that comes with it.
I hope this brings you some relief Iona! Please keep me posted on how everything goes and contact me anytime something comes up!
Namaste,
Danielle
Such a great article. So much practical information! I look forward to paying attention to these different areas. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Govinda,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I am very glad to hear you will be putting some of this information to use. It is always a good reminder for us all:)
I hope this finds you well!
Namaste,
Danielle
Brilliant article! Thank you for sharing your tips for increasing healthy Ojas. I was looking for a great article about Ojas for a long time, finally, I found it. Keep sharing informative articles!!
Hi Jason,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write these kind words. I am so glad you enjoyed the information and I hope you will find it helpful in your daily life. Please contact me anytime with questions and I will be happy to help!
Be well:)
Namaste,
Danielle
This is a great read! Namaskar and thank you for sharing this. Indeed meditation is a strong way to increase ojas – based on my personal experience. At one point, you just don’t feel the urge to masturbate/ejaculate after practicing meditation. Thank you once again and may the Svastha Ayurveda team be blessed with bliss, peace and divinity for sharing this great information. One question though, how long does it takes to replenish ojas if you have ejaculated?
Hi Daas,
Thank for writing in with your question! It really depends on your body-type and the state of your health to give an estimate on the time of replenishment after ejaculation. Vata types will need more time, especially if there is already depletion occurring. Pitta types will recover a bit quicker, but strong Kapha types will be quickest of all.
If you are healthy, strong, and already have a good supply of Ojas, your system will be able to recover sooner as well, no matter your body-type. Overall it could range from 2 to 3 days to several weeks. Performing some of these healthy Ojas practices in between ejaculations will help the recovery process further.
Thank you again for this great question!
Namaste,
Danielle
Thank Your, Great Post with amazing photo
i ejaculate low sperm, my ojas is affected?
Hi Rakesh,
Yes, generally speaking a low sperm count would be a symptom of depleted Ojas. You can follow these remedies, but please note that many Ojas increasing foods and herbs are heavy, oily, and/or “building”. If you have ama (toxins) or increased Kapha dosha, this should be attended to before taking anything heavy and unctuous. The other recommendations (meditation, stress-reduction, etc) will be beneficial no matter your body type or current state of balance, and can be practiced straightaway however.
Many blessings,
Danielle
Thanks for sharing such a great detail to be an Indian i feel proud that Today the ancient custom of our India has spread so much and the whole world is adopting it, I feel proud to be an Indian.
Hi Raj,
Yes, you are most definitely blessed to be from such a wise, holy, and beautiful culture. As an American, I am grateful Ayurveda and other priceless Indian traditions have found their way to the West. I did not learn of Ayurveda until I was in my 20s, but hopefully, in my next life, this knowledge will continue to be a part of me:)
Many blessings,
Danielle
Hello and thank you very much for the article 🙂 I just wanted to add that, as I am sure you are aware, the ghee and honey [*footnote statement] should not be of equal quantities. I realize this is a general article, but I would think that the natural inclination for a person would be to use the same amounts of both if specifics are not given. We know in Ayurveda that this is not advised; yet, in unequal amounts all is good in the hood 🙂 Just a humble note because I would hate for someone to begin using and have ill effects. Thank you, again, for your efforts.
Hi Rosa,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! It is true that ghee and honey should never be taken in the same amount, but this is regarding weight only, not volume. This distinction is clearly stated in the Charaka Samhita. I took your advice and changed the general recommendation of using ghee and honey with the Ojas increasing herbs, to state a specified amount of each substance to avoid harmful results.
Thanks for looking out!
Namaste,
Danielle
Hello,
After reading your article I want to check If I understood correctly. For rejuvenation I can mix triphala, shatavari and ashwagandha, half a teaspoon each and mix them with 1 teaspoon each of honey and ghee, for each herb. In total I would end up with 1.5 tbs of powdered herbs plus 1 tbs ghee and 1 tbs raw honey. Mix a paste and swallow it and wash it down with warm water. And do I take this once or twice per day? Thank You. Alexandru.
Hi Alexandru,
Thank you for your question!
If you are taking Triphala, Shatavari, and Ashwagandha together, you can take them as follows: 1/4 teaspoon (tsp) each mixed with 1 teaspoon of ghee and 1 teaspoon of honey. So this would give you a total of 3/4 tsp (not tbs) of herbs and 1 teaspoon (not tbs) each of the ghee and honey. Then you can mix them together and wash down with a cup of warm water. You can take this each morning upon awakening on an empty stomach and again mid-day (about 2 hours after lunch). If the mid-day dose is not accessible for you, you can either skip it or take it before bed instead.
Let me know if you have any further questions!
Many blessings,
Danielle