Ojas is the subtle biological force that is responsible for our vitality, immunity, strength, energy, and libido. It is the essence of Kapha dosha, and in good health, bestows the “juicy” quality that some individuals seem to naturally possess. A person blessed with healthy Ojas is likely to have a strong, stable body and mind with good energy and stamina, a high level of resilience, and robust immunity.

Although Ojas is energetic by nature, it is represented in the physical structures of albumen (protein in the plasma), globulin (protein in the blood), hormones, and neurotransmitters. Ojas has a direct relation to the immune system but also plays a role in the endocrine, nervous, skeletal, muscular, hematopoietic (bone marrow, spleen, lymph), and digestive systems.

When in balance, Ojas strengthens and stabilizes the seven vital tissues (plasma, blood, muscle, fat, skeletal, nerve, and reproductive tissues), the three excretory products (i.e. urine, feces, sweat), and the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Maintaining healthy Ojas brings harmony and homeostasis to the body and mind keeping it stable and strong. Thus Ojas plays a major role in minimizing degeneration, preventing disease, promoting longevity, and supporting a high quality of life.

Signs of Healthy Ojas

Optimal energy and stamina
Strong immune system; rarely gets sick
Healthy body weight
Strong body structure
Glowing complexion
Moist skin
Steady, stable, decisive mind
Balanced, stable emotions
Stable, grounded energy
Strong faith
Compassionate, loving, patient, nurturing
Melodious voice
Strong, balanced libido (not excessive or depleted)

As amazing as Ojas can be when it is healthy and in balance, it can be equally as detrimental when diminished. Here are some common causes of low Ojas and their resulting symptoms.

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
Anxiety, nervousness, worry
Anger, hate, criticism, judgment
Excessive orgasms
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis, cancer, TB, ulcerative colitis, and long-COVID
Chronic pain
Severe or chronic sickness or infection
Excessive cleansing
Excessive menstruation or blood loss
Excessive travel
High Vata in the system
Aging (50+)
Resistance to “what is”

Signs and Symptoms of Low Ojas

Low strength; weakness
Poor immunity; gets sick easily and often
Low energy; poor stamina; tires easily
Anemia
Pale, dull complexion
Sunken features
Dry, hoarse voice
Low libido; premature ejaculation; impotence
Underweight
Malnutrition
Low resilience (mental and physical)
Hypersensitive nervous system
Dryness; dehydration
Anxiety, fear, worry
Indecisive, unsteady mind
Restlessness (body and mind)
Insomnia or disturbed sleep

As you may have noticed, the symptoms of low Ojas resemble the symptoms of high Vata, and indeed these two imbalances can go hand in hand. Many individuals with long-term high Vata will soon experience dried-out and depleted Ojas. However, Pitta can also play a role in the depletion of Ojas. This generally involves Pitta (or more specifically Tejas) burning Ojas which often results in autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Muscular Sclerosis.

Since Ojas is the fine essence of Kapha dosha, healthy, balanced Kapha will encourage healthy, juicy Ojas. However, many of the Ojas-building foods and herbs are heavy, oily, building (anabolic), and Kapha-provoking by nature, so individuals with heavy toxins and/or high Kapha will have to remove toxins and balance their Kapha before working to strengthen their Ojas (at least through diet and herbs).

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Dietary Remedies For Healthy Ojas

1. Soak 10 almonds overnight and eat them in the morning.

Almonds are one of the best Ojas-supporting foods and are suitable for all body types in moderation (assuming you can digest them well). Soak 10 almonds in water overnight. Strain the water, peel the almonds, and enjoy before breakfast each morning.

2. Drink the Rejuvenating Ojas Drink 2 to 3 times weekly.

With the main ingredients of almonds, dates, and ghee, this delicious drink recipe is specific for boosting Ojas, energy, strength, and vitality. It is generally recommended after a cleanse, after sickness, or anytime your Ojas is depleted. Because of its sweet and heavy nature, however, it should not be taken more than 3 times a week and should be avoided altogether by those with high Kapha or heavy toxins.

Get the full recipe here!

3. Take a digestive appetizer before meals.

Healthy Ojas requires healthy digestion to break down food properly, absorb nutrients, and prevent toxic accumulation. Weak, irregular, or sluggish digestion can create malnutrition, depletion, dryness, clogged channels, and/or raw, unprocessed Ojas.

To kindle digestion it is recommended to take a “digestive appetizer” 5 to 15 minutes before each meal. Here are some of my favorite digestive stimulants for you to try:

Eat a thin slice of fresh ginger or try this DIY Ginger, Honey, and Lime recipe
Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin-fennel seed powder with a pinch of salt in 1/2 cup warm water
Take a tablespoon of Agni Elixir (in 1/2 cup of warm water or straight-up)
Take 3 to 5 droppers of Digestive Tonic Tincture in 1/2 cup of warm water
Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Trikatu Churna mixed in honey (wash down with a few sips of warm water)

4. Add ghee to each meal.

They say Ojas has the consistency of ghee, making this golden nectar one of the top foods for building Ojas. If your Ojas is feeling dried out and depleted, adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ghee to each meal is an easy (and delicious) way to nourish your Ojas and energize your system.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Ghee should not be taken in quantities over 3 teaspoons daily for ongoing use
Anyone with high cholesterol or high Kapha symptoms such as excessive overweight or obesity should avoid ghee altogether
For a dairy-free option, you can replace the ghee with unrefined coconut oil (although ghee is best when possible)

Purchase our organic, grass-fed Ghee here!

Check out our Homemade Ghee recipe here!

5. Drink a cup of collagen-rich bone broth daily.

Bone broth is a great way to strengthen your Ojas and your system. It is tridoshic, light, nutrient-rich, and easy to digest. Using a collagen-rich, homemade bone broth will ensure the most amount of protein and nutrients. For best results, aim to drink a cup daily (this can also be taken by using it as a base for soups, kitchari, or grains—yum!).

Try our Collagen-Rich Bone-Broth recipe!

Try our Creamy Tahini Broth Bone recipe!

6. Include at least three Ojas-increasing foods in your daily diet.

Here is a list of some of the greatest Ojas-promoting foods to welcome into your daily diet. Many of these foods can be heavy, sweet, and/or oily, so make sure they are suitable for your body-type and digestion type. Once you discover the best foods for your needs, aim to include at least three of these foods (or any other Ojas-promoting foods) in your daily meal plan.

Ghee*
Dates*
Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, hemp seeds
Almond milk (homemade—get the recipe here!)
Hemp milk (homemade—get the recipe here!)
Tahini*
Avocado*
Healthy oils such as coconut*, olive, sesame, and almond
Coconut meat*, coconut water*, coconut milk*
Organic, whole milk* (warmed and spiced)
Homemade yogurt and kefir
100% whole grains*
Figs* (fresh or soaked is best)
Raisins (soaked is best)
Sweet, juicy fruits such as mangos*, watermelon*, and grapes
High-antioxidant foods such as blueberries, cacao, goji berries, and beets
Sweet potatoes
Rice pudding*
Bone or meat broth

*Limit or avoid these foods with high Kapha, high toxins, or sluggish digestion.

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Lifestyle Remedies For Healthy Ojas

1. Meditate for 10 minutes each morning.

Meditation is one of the best tools for calming the mind, processing emotions, and grounding energy—all of which will help nourish healthy Ojas (which will further help stabilize the mind and emotions). Each morning, take 10 minutes to sit comfortably in meditation before eating breakfast. Consistency is essential for effective results!

2. Perform 30 minutes of gentle exercise daily.

Ojas may be a stable, anabolic energy, but it still needs movement and exercise to allow it to flow freely and avoid accumulation. Getting at least 30 minutes of mild exercise daily will keep the fluids flowing, bolster immunity, and kindle digestion.

Some great options include a brisk walk, slow flow Yoga, gentle bike ride, swimming, (gentle) hiking, or lightweight exercise training. Whatever form you choose, you should gently break a sweat and get the heart rate elevated, but still be able to breathe through your mouth and end the activity with energy left over.

3. Perform 10 minutes of Shavasana before bed each night.

Laying in Shavasana (corpse pose) before bed will help you release stress and tension and ground restless energy. This will stabilize Vata, nourish Ojas, and set the stage for a deeper higher-quality sleep (which again will nourish Ojas).

DIRECTIONS

Directly before hopping into bed each night, take 10 minutes to lay in Shavasana. Find a dark, quiet, and peaceful space and use a Yoga mat, rug, or blanket to lay on. Once comfortable, cover yourself with a blanket and an eye pillow. Let your mind become quiet and let your breath naturally move in and out.

4. Avoid excessive ejaculation (for men).

Since Ojas is a by-product of semen, a major cause of depleted Ojas is excessive ejaculation. Ayurveda states that Kapha-types can have the most fun by allowing up to one ejaculation weekly. Pitta can do this healthfully up to twice monthly; but Vata, being more fragile and slight by nature, should keep it to only one ejaculation per month. This latter recommendation should also be followed by any individual (no matter their body-type) who is experiencing severe Ojas depletion until their Ojas is strong, healthy, and in balance again.

If this news is upsetting to you, I would suggest doing your best to follow the suggestions; but if you go beyond the recommendations above, do so with care! To help minimize depletion and replenish Ojas, try drinking a warm cup of Ashwagandha-Golden Milk, massaging the body with Vata Oil, and/or taking some time to lay in Shavasana after the activity is done.

5. Practice the “70% rule”.

Although this is a practice I learned in Qigong, it is equally as relevant in Ayurveda. This “70% rule” simply means that no matter what you are doing, do so within 70% of your capacity. This goes for your exercise, Yoga, meditation, eating, and of course working. If you follow this rule, you will always be left with some energy to nourish and replenish your body, mind, and Ojas.

6. Think positive.

To hold an optimistic view of life and all that comes with it is a great way to unfold love, patience, and compassion for yourself and others. And although these qualities may not always come naturally, keeping positive and saying “yes” to what life hands you will make your Ojas vibrant and each day much more enjoyable.

7. Practice “Grass Therapy”.

Being stable and grounded by nature Ojas possesses a strong Earth element. And seeing how “like-increases-like”, there is not much more Ojas-supporting therapy than immersing yourself in the Earth with some soothing “Grass Therapy”. This practice is extremely accessible (you can even take your break outside in the grass for those who work all day), affordable, and pretty much takes no effort at all.

DIRECTIONS

Take 10 to 30 minutes each day (weather permitting) to ground yourself in nature and lay in the grass. Ideally, this should be done in silence and used as a time for going inward, being present, and feeling the connection with the Earth; but if nothing else, make sure you avoid all electronics, intense or unpleasant conversation, critical thinking, and work.

8. Take it slow and be present.

Our busy schedules often lead to racing around, stressing out, and living robotic, unaware lives, all of which lead to depleted Ojas and exhaustion. Alternatively, resting, relaxation, and being present support healthy, happy Ojas and a healthy, happy You!

So cut back on your to-do lists, slow down your pace, and take each moment to be present. For example, if it takes you 10 minutes to eat breakfast in the morning, make time for 15 minutes. And as you eat your breakfast, take that moment to sit, smell, chew, taste, eat, and digest—don’t use this time to plan your workday, plan your day’s outfit, or worry about an email you have to write later. You may be surprised how much more energy you will have and how much more you will enjoy life when you slow down and live in the present.

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Herbal Remedies For Healthy Ojas

1. Take Rasayana Ghrita with honey twice daily.

Rasayana Ghrita is translated as Rejuvenation Ghee and is one of the best Ayurvedic medicines for nourishing Ojas, strengthening libido, and nourishing tissues (dhatus). Taking this herb-infused ghee with honey supports these properties further. Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the Rasayana Ghrita mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey*. Follow with a cup of warm water. This can be taken in the morning before breakfast and again mid-day around 2 to 4 pm.

*For even more Ojas-building properties, Vata and Pitta types can alternatively take this mixture in warm almond milk or dairy milk if suitable.

Purchase our organic, hand-crafted Rasayana Ghrita here!

2. Take a teaspoon of Chyavanaprash each morning.

Chyavanaprash is an herbal jam made with Amlaki and many other rejuvenating, Ojas-boosting herbs. Take a teaspoon of this each morning at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Follow with a cup of warm water.

3. Drink CALM Tea between meals.

CALM Tea is filled with grounding root herbs to support stability, calmness, digestion, and immunity. Tulsi opens heart energy and supports love and compassion. All and all, CALM Tea is great for supporting a tranquil mind and supporting healthy Ojas. For this, drink a cup of CALM Tea daily or as needed. Vata and Pitta types can add honey and milk for additional Ojas building properties.

Purchase CALM Tea here!

4. Drink a cup of Ashwagandha-Golden Milk before bed each night.

Golden Milk is a soothing way to ground the energy and nourish healthy Ojas before bed each night. Using a blend that contains Ashwagandha supports these qualities further. Drink a cup of Ashwagandha-Golden Milk* before bed each night. This can be taken directly after intercourse/ejaculation for replenishing Ojas as well.

*Use homemade almond milk as an alternative to dairy milk for Kapha types or anyone sensitive to dairy.

Purchase our Svastha Golden Milk here!

Get our Golden Milk recipe here.

Get our Homemade Golden Almond Milk recipe here.

5. Perform Anuvasana Basti (oil enema) using Ashwagandha-Bala Oil.

Basti is the term for the Ayurvedic enema therapy. To support healthy Ojas, this is best done using a nourishing oil such as Ashwagandha-Bala Oil*. This should be done 1 to 3 times weekly for at least 4 weeks, depending on your Ojas needs.

*Please note that an oil-based Basti is not recommended for those with heavy toxins. In this instance, an herbal basti using Dashamula Tea should be performed instead.

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Try our Rasayana Ghrita!