Ojas - the source of sustaining all your cells, skin structure and vitality.

Ojas is also called the essence of vitality. It is part of your immune system and if you have enough ojas, you are one of those who very rarely get sick!

From a scientific perspective, ojas is what is called protoplasm which consists of albumin, globulin and hormones. It is produced in, among other things, the liver and via biosynthesis in all kinds of body tissues. It is a super fine biological substance on which your cell biological strength depends. It forms all secretions in the body, and forms the basis for our immune system, our endurance, our fertility and maintenance of the body as a whole.

You can compare it to butter being the pure essence of milk and in the same way ojas is the essence of our tissues.

To maintain a good skin structure and overall all tissues in the body, as well as glow, vitality and well-being, it is essential according to Ayurveda that one's amount of Ojas is optimal. You can spend a lot of money on external maintenance such as expensive skin creams, facial treatments etc. but if you have a lack of Ojas, your skin will remain devitalized and dry and you will age faster than if your ojas level is optimal. The nutrition, moisture and plasmas that keep the skin supple and elastic are based on your ojas level in the body.

Signs of lack of Ojas are fatigue, exhaustion, burnout, dull skin and hair.

Ojas is exhausted by:

Unhealthy devitalized food such as fast food and processed food, fatty food (deep fried)

Feelings such as anxiety, worry, sadness, etc.

Sedentary lifestyle for a long time

Lack of self-confidence

Lack of intake of healthy fats (from e.g. oils and nuts, etc.)

Constant residence in urban environments with a lack of vegetation and nature

Polluted air

Rajasic activity/energy.

Diets and fasting, excessive ice baths (especially not good for Vata)

All forms of mental and physical fatigue and stress

Excessive use of mass media, TV, etc.

All types of persistent noise

All kinds of extreme sports

Extreme sexual activity. Reproductive secretions contain a lot of ojas and in the long run you drain your body with excessive sexual activity (especially men lose a lot of ojas here)

According to Ayurveda, you can nourish and replenish ojas with:

Lots of fresh vegetables (cooked if you are Vata and Kapha)

Ayurveda's ojas-strengthening herbs: ashwagandha, shatavari, amalaki Can be purchased here: www.rawfoodshop.dk

Ghee (clarified butter)

Sweet juicy fruits and dates, figs, raisins, etc.

Casseroles

Soups (especially those made with beef broth)

An Ojas booster taken at bedtime: Warm raw milk (or plant milk) with ghee and a little cinnamon.

Good sleep and time for relaxation, reading that inspires you, your hobby

Spend time with people you love.

Yoga and meditation, yoga nidra, Yantra meditations, spiritual practices of all kinds.

Leisure, holidays and stays in nature.

Ojas is the vital essence of Kapha dosha. Kapha is the dosha that has the best stamina, endurance and hardiness because they are usually the dosha that has the highest level of ojas.