What is Ojas in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Ojas refers to vitality and radiance. It affects every aspect of life, including immunity, digestion, physical stamina, skin health, mood, sleep patterns, and spiritual orientation.


The refined material known as ojas is created post-digestion, following the feeding and nourishing of all seven Dhatus, or the tissues in charge of the body's systems and organs.

According to the traditional Ayurvedic scriptures, the development of ojas takes 27–30 days.

Therefore, even though it could take less than a day to chew and digest a carrot, it takes much longer for your body to reap the benefits of that vegetable.

Did you know?

  1. Their sweet taste and grounding properties support the development of ojas.
  2.  Including whole grains in your diet helps sustain energy levels and enhance ojas.
  3. Dry, raw, and undercooked foods,
  4. Canned, frozen, fried, or old foods.
  5. This sour-tasting fruit improves digestion, eye conditions, skin inflammations, and other respiratory irregularities in addition to balancing the body's Agni or digestive fire. It also builds ojas.

Ojas and Relation with Immunity

Ojas and Immunity

The life force that affects the body's immune system is called ojas. Weak Ojas lowers your immunity and depresses you.

Additionally, poor Ojas manifests itself throughout time in some ways, some of which are as follows:

  • Poor mental and emotional clarity
  • Dull and dry skin
  • Low energy levels
  • Pale complexion
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Vulnerability to seasonal flu and other illnesses
  • Musculoskeletal pains, especially in the calves and back, since they support your body’s weight.

Any combination of these symptoms, without a medical disease, may indicate weakened immunity and Ojas. Such a scenario can arise from weak Ojas, even without a clinical illness. The fact that you are unaware that you require assistance makes it even worse.

However, weak Ojas does not mean the end of the world. Ayurveda advises several Ojas-building foods to revitalise sustained energy. You can resume an active and healthy lifestyle over time.

How to Increase Ojas?

The most potent natural method to restore your Ojas energy is to work out daily and eat foods high in Ojas. This will maintain a healthy metabolism and digestive fire. Maintaining control over your dietary habits is also advised. 

According to Ayurveda, the holistic health method, chewing food and drinking water will never cause overeating or digestive problems. You can grow and strengthen that habit over time. However, eating specific meals is crucial to sustaining and reviving your Ojas.

Foods to Boost Ojas

1. Avocados

Avocados

Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great source of monounsaturated fats, which help maintain healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and provide long-lasting energy. Their creamy texture and nourishing properties make avocados an excellent choice for increasing ojas.

2. Bananas

Bananas are known for their sweetness and soothing qualities. They are rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamins, which help maintain heart health and boost energy levels. Their easy digestibility and natural sweetness make them ideal for promoting ojas.

3. Dates

Dates contain natural sugars, fibre, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. They provide a quick energy boost and help in replenishing depleted nutrients. Their sweet taste and grounding properties support the development of ojas. 

4. Figs

Figs are another sweet and nourishing fruit. They are high in fibre, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. Figs help improve digestion, provide sustained energy, and enhance overall vitality, making them excellent for boosting ojas.

5. Sweet Potatoes and Yams

Sweet potatoes and yams are rich in beta-carotene, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. They provide a steady energy source and are known for their grounding and calming effects. These root vegetables support digestive health and enhance ojas by providing essential nutrients.

6. Turnips

Turnips are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are particularly good for improving digestion and detoxifying the body. Including turnips in your diet can help maintain balanced energy levels and support ojas.

7. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They help detoxify the body, improve digestion, and boost energy levels. Their high nutrient content makes them ideal for enhancing ojas.

8. Zucchini

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals. It helps in maintaining hydration, improving digestion, and providing essential nutrients. Including zucchini in your meals can support overall health and increase ojas.

9. Nuts (especially almonds)

Nuts, particularly almonds, are rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients. They provide sustained energy, improve brain function, and support overall vitality. Soaking almonds overnight and consuming them is especially beneficial for increasing ojas.

10. Mung Beans

Mung beans are highly nutritious and easy to digest. They are an excellent source of protein, fibre, and essential vitamins. Mung beans help detoxify the body, improve digestion, and provide sustained energy, all enhancing ojas.

11. Tofu

Tofu, made from soybeans, is an excellent source of plant-based protein. It is also rich in essential amino acids, calcium, and iron. Tofu helps maintain muscle health, provides energy, and supports overall well-being, making it a good choice for increasing ojas.

12. Whole Grains

Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They provide a steady energy source, improve digestion, and support heart health. Including whole grains in your diet helps sustain energy levels and enhance ojas. 

Foods to Avoid

  • Stimulants
  • Refined sugar
  • Refined flour
  • Heavily processed foods
  • Dry, raw, and undercooked foods 
  • Canned, frozen, fried, or old foods 
  • Alcohol

Ayurvedic Herbs to Boost Ojas

1. Tulsi

This widely available plant, known as "Holy Basil," offers numerous health advantages. Its leaf or seed strengthens immunity and treats respiratory abnormalities such as colds, coughs, asthma, skin issues, high blood sugar, and stomach issues.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric

Presumed to be among the most potent traditional ayurvedic herbs, this magical yellow herb has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Turmeric's key ingredient, curcumin, has several benefits; it can improve cognitive function, strengthen the heart, improve skin, fend off infections, and lower the risk of cancer, among other things.

Also, check our 100% pure & natural Turmeric tablets.

3. Kalmegh

Since ancient times, people have utilised the leaves of the Andrographis Paniculata plant to boost their immunity. It is very helpful in treating liver problems, respiratory illnesses, and various forms of bacterial or viral fever. It also purifies blood. This herb's anti-inflammatory solid, anti-pruritic, and anti-microbial qualities make it the best traditional treatment for dengue fever.

4. Amla

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, has immune-boosting solid qualities, and it is one of the three herbs included in the powerful Triphala formulation. This sour-tasting fruit improves digestion, eye conditions, skin inflammations, and other respiratory irregularities in addition to balancing the body's Agni or digestive fire. It also builds ojas. 

5. Ashwagandha

Many know ashwagandha as "Indian ginseng," this unique plant treats various illnesses and increases a person's vigour and lifespan. Ashwagandha, which is infused with essential oils and alkaloids, is used to treat a wide range of health issues, such as lowered immunity, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, sleeplessness, infertility, hyperglycemia, inflammation, depression, and mental disorders.

Conclusion 

In Ayurveda, Ojas represents life's vital essence, embodying strength, immunity, and vitality. The subtle substance supports physical and mental health, acting as the foundation of resilience and energy. When ojas are abundant, individuals experience optimal health, emotional stability, and a robust immune system. 

Conversely, depleted ojas can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and emotional imbalances.

Cultivating ojas involves nourishing the body with wholesome foods, practising regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. It also includes managing stress and fostering positive thoughts and emotions.

By focusing on increasing ojas, individuals can enhance their overall well-being, achieving a harmonious balance between body, mind, and spirit.

Embracing Ayurvedic practices that promote ojas can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life filled with vitality and inner peace.

FAQs

1. Where is Ojas stored in the body?

Ojas are produced in a manner akin to that of an irrigation system. The body's seven primary tissues are formed using nutrients from meals, which results in the generation of ojas, which are subsequently stored in the heart. According to Ayurveda, Ojas is the source of all life; life stops when exhausted.

2. How many days to take Ojas?

According to the traditional Ayurvedic scriptures, the development of ojas takes 27–30 days. Therefore, even though it could take less than a day to chew and digest a carrot, it takes much longer for your body to reap the benefits of that vegetable.

3. Which herbs increase Ojas?

Ashwagandha root, ghee, honey, and vitamin C-rich amla fruit are among the ojas-building components of chyawanprash, an herbal jam that strengthens the immune system.

4. How to restore Agni and Ojas?

Consume delicious, juicy, sweet, easy on the stomach, and locally grown foods; avoid raw foods. Clarified butter, dates, almonds, avocados, whole grains, sweet potatoes, and yams are high in ojas. Eat nothing undercooked, uncooked, frozen, deep-fried, or stale.

5. What causes low Ojas?

The withdrawal of ojas from your body can occur due to a variety of factors that are common in today's world, including chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, and cancer; chronic pain; indigestion; ageing; overworking yourself; physical trauma; emotional trauma; poor sleep habits; selfishness; anxiety; anger; and excessive orgasms.

References

  1. Their sweet taste and grounding properties support the development of ojas. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
  2. Including whole grains in your diet helps sustain energy levels and enhance ojas. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
  3. Dry, raw, and undercooked foods. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
  4. Canned, frozen, fried, or old foods. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
  5. This sour-tasting fruit improves digestion, eye conditions, skin inflammations, and other respiratory irregularities in addition to balancing the body's Agni or digestive fire. It also builds ojas.(https://www.researchgate.net/)

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Zandu Ayurvedic Team

Zandu Ayurvedic Team has a panel of over 10 BAMS (Ayurvedacharya), boasting a collective experience of over 50 years. With a deep-rooted understanding of Ayurveda, they are committed to sharing their expertise & knowledge through our blogs.
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