Ojas, a Sanskrit term, is translated as the abundance of vitality and vigor, or sometimes life itself. 

Food is obviously an essential part of the physical body. When we eat food, it goes under several stages of digestion to build different tissues in the body. Of course, the quality of these tissues depends on the type of food we eat, and most importantly the digestive power of our body. Good quality food and healthy digestion make healthy tissues all over the body.

After a month-long digestive process, the food is converted into seven physical tissues. These seven tissues are plasma (Rasa), blood and blood cells (Rakta), muscle tissues (Mamsa), fatty tissues (Medas), bone tissues (Asthi), nervous system (Majja), and reproductive elements (Shukra). After the physical formation of these seven tissues, the digestion still goes on to create the subtle energy or essence, which sustains, and gives strength and endurance to all tissues on a physical level. This essence of life-sustaining vitality is known as ‘Ojas’.

What is Ojas?

Ojas is a subtle and pure quality of water and earth elements. It is an intracellular force that protects the health of every cell and gives endurance to every cellular function without being affected by external stressors. A pure form of Ojas is directly proportional to the body’s resistance power to any disease. In other words, it is the force or energy behind our immune system to repel external toxins and internal stressors. More amount of Ojas means greater resistance to disease.

The Role of Ojas

On the mental and emotional level, Ojas acts as an energy container which stabilizes the force of thoughts and emotions. It creates a positive environment for all five senses to work in proper balance. It provides psychological stability to remain content and calm in all situations.
It is a pure and refined form of the reproductive elements. If the health of reproductive elements is depleted, then the depletion of Ojas will follow. 

According to Bhagwan Dash, who wrote the commentary on the Charaka Samhita, “There can be no life without Ojas. It marks the beginning of the formation of the embryo, and loss of Ojas amounts to the loss of life itself!”

Our fast-paced, overly stressed, under-rested lifestyle is responsible for the depletion of Ojas. It does not give our body long enough time to build this nourishing and life-sustaining substance. It can get spent quickly with a stressful lifestyle.

There are a few ways to build this nourishing substance, like eating organic food, increasing digestive power, mindful eating, proper elimination of all waste products from the body, practicing breathing exercises, yoga, taking rest, proper lifestyle, quality sleep, waking up early, less stressful lifestyle, controlled and peaceful mind, meditation, yoga Nidra,  and more.

Here, I am providing a really effective recipe to build more Ojas.

Ojas Milk Recipe

Quantity: About 1 cup                        Preparation Time: less than 10 min.

1 cup of warm whole milk (If you have difficulty with dairy products, you can add water or take the milk of your choice)
2 whole dates (pitted)
10 almonds, soaked overnight and peeled
1/4 teaspoon dry ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon dry turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon powdered cardamom
2 or 3 rose petals (optional, but it tastes good!)
A pinch of nutmeg
A pinch of saffron

Place all ingredients (except saffron and nutmeg) in a blender to blend the mixture to a creamy consistency. Pour it in a mug and add a pinch of saffron and nutmeg. Mix well & Enjoy!

Drinking this healthy milk every night, before going to bed, will help to build good Ojas. Please let me know how you like this recipe!

Here is a yummy Sweet and Spicy Bliss Balls Recipe that is quick to make and a perfect treat for the winter season.