Having a strong sense of ojas means you are well nourished, your immune function is strong & you are not at the mercy of your surroundings. You also have a strong sense of Self with healthy ojas. Ojas can be built with sensory impressions as well as food. Visit our Nourishing Ojas blog for more!
That's a bold statement but if you've heard of Chyavanprash, you know what I'm talking about. Often, when we are taking herbs that are good for us, they don't always taste delightful to say the least. Well, Chyavanprash is something that you will actually look forward to eating!
Chyavanprash is known as an Ayurvedic jam. You can literally spread it on some toast with ghee & its good for you! You can also just eat a teaspoon directly as part of your rising routine. Another method of ingestion is to mix the teaspoon into hot water or milk and drink as a tea or herbal latte. Experiement with these options :)
In ancient times, 2 sacred sages formulated it to bring youth to the elderly - so imagine what it could do for you at any age. It is composed of the Amalaki fruit, many other herbs, ghee, sesame oil, sugar & honey. Yummm.
When we ingest herbs, there is an anupana, which means carrier. For example, in a medicated oil or ghee, the oil & ghee serve as the carriers of the herbs. In chyavanprash, the ghee, sesame oil & honey serve as the anupana to carry the herbal properties deep into the tissues. Some anupanas penetrate deeper than others & ghee is certainly one of the most nourishing. The yumminess of the sugar is actually used as a preservative to maintain the formula's power. Let's explore the main ingredient. Amalaki is also known as Amla & is very high in antioxidant content while being high in vitamin C (relating to the increase in immune support). Amalaki is one of the fruits in Triphala. Triphala is a classical formula of 3 fruits that are beneficial to all 3 doshas & enhances digestion.
Increased immune function
Nourishment of the nervous system
Natural energy & stamina
Nourishment of all body tissues & systems
Reproductive system tonification
Digestion & elimination support
Chyavanprash is beneficial to all 3 doshas but especially supportive for Vata as it builds & nourishes. At any age, chyavanprash is beneficial from childhood to the elder years. When something benefits the reproductive system, that means it has worked its way through all of the other body tissues as the reproductive tissues are last in line. Therefor, reproductive tonics support the body as a whole.
Consider adding daily chyavanprash to your dinacharya (routines) especially as the seasons shift. We become more susceptible to illness & depletion during Autumn & Winter, so it is a wonderful time to incorporate chyavanprash currently. Generally, it is advised to take 1-2 teaspoons 1-2 x day for adults and children may take 1/2 a teaspoon. It is so yummy, it will be tempting to have more. Good thing its incredibly good for you!
Some sources to purchase chyavanprash include:
California College of Ayurveda