Ojas Explained
Ojas, The Nectar of Life
Ojas is the pure sense of all bodily tissues which means after all the tissues in the body have gone through their transformative digestive processes, ojas is what is left. Ojas is our immunity and is responsible for reproduction and creation. We only have a tiny bit, a few drops, and it lives in the heart. People with good ojas rarely get sick and often avoid contracting even the most contagious office bugs. Conversely, those with low-quality ojas will get sick often. When ojas is low, we feel physically and mentally weak, worried, anxious, and unstable. Our complexion turns lifeless as our physical body gets rough and thin.
When ojas is strong and healthy, our eyes are full of luster and life. We have confidence, clarity of mind, enhanced creativity, efficient digestion and potent fertility. To produce enough high-quality ojas, we need to put pure nourishment in our bodies.
Ojas also supports us mentally. It is the source of our creativity and mental resilience. When ojas runs out, we die. Therefore, we want to look after our ojas! The best way is to ensure the ojas is well nourished and not deplete it through our activities.
What Enhances Ojas?
- Ghee is the best ojas enhancer
- Organic whole milk (unhomogenised raw is the best if you can find it)
- Honey (non-heated)
- Dates
- Basmati rice
- Almonds
- Warm cooked foods
- Good quality sleep
- Joy with family and friends or pets, laughter
- Proper diet according to your body type with foods close to nature
- Stress management through various pranayama – breathing meditations
What Depletes Ojas?
- Improper diet: excessive alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, fast food, stale food, reheated, microwaved, frozen, overly cold or raw foods
- Anything in excess including work, stress, worry/anxiety, sex and exercise
- Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality
- Physical trauma
- Psychological trauma
- Excessive exercise
- Overall sadness, consistent irritability or anger
- Chronic wasting diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic ascites, diabetes, chronic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, typhoid fever, ulcerative colitis or any autoimmune disease
“Ojas is the essence related to vitality and immunity. It is like honey. As the honeybee collects the minute molecules of the essence of hundreds of flowers 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.”
Dr Vasant Lad
(Textbook of Ayurveda, Fundamental Principles)