By Shannon Oroszi
California College of Ayurveda
Ojas or Oja literally means vitality, vigor, luster, power, energy and bodily strength. Oja is the essence of all seven body components also known as dhatus. Ayurvedic scholars recognize Oja as the active potent principle of the body that is responsible for the strength, vigor and vitality of an individual.
The word Ojas is derived from the Sanskrit roots “ubja” and “asun” suffix. It means strength and luster. Ojas is the purest, finest essence that are formed from all of the seven body components. Which from an Ayurvedic lens are called dhatus. The seven dhatus are as follows: Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medas, Asthi, Majja and Sukra. The rasa dhatu is translated into plasma, lymph or chyle. The rakta dhatu is translated into blood or red blood cells. The mamsa dhatu is translated into muscle. The medas dhatu is translated into the fatty tissues of the body. The asthi dhatu is translated into bones of the body. The majja dhatu is translated into the nervous system. The shukra dhatu is essentially the reproductive elements in both Men and Women. The eighth tissue element is considered to be Ojas. It is not actual tissue therefor it is not a dhatu. More so an essence that gives tissues strength and endurance. Ojas is the force that keeps the tissues healthy. It is composed of the elemental qualities of Earth and Water relative to Kapha dosha. It is often described as the subtle, pure quality of Kapha. Ojas is produced from the essence of Sukra and is also the reason some texts refer to it as the eighth dhatu. Although it does not function separately from the other tissues it does have a vital role in all seven dhatus. Ojas has many forms on the physical level. Such as its continuous action to preserve the body. One example of this action is the body’s immune system. When Ojas is low the body becomes more susceptible to pathogens and disease. Under an Ayurvedic lens this is referred to as low systemic Ojas. When Ojas is strong it protects the health of every cell. It is also the force behind the biochemical components of the body. It allows each part of the body an opportunity to function in a healthy way while protecting it from outside stressors. Ojas has also been identified as the energetic container that holds together each function of the body whether it be large or small. Ojas maintains stability in the body. If the body is stable then stressors do not have an impact on it. The strength of a persons Ojas is a direct reflection of a persons resistance to disease or dysfunction. Ojas is the line of defense for the body. It also provides resistance to stress. Ojas operates on a cellular level as an energy reserve as well. When the reserve is full each cell is fully capable of doing its job. When the reserve is low a cell becomes fatigued and is no longer functioning at full capacity. Which allows it to become more sensitive to toxins and stress. When a group of cells become fatigued then a region of tissue or an organ begins to malfunction. This is when disease sets into an area of the body. Most often where disease has set in previously because this area has been weakened.
Ojas plays a similar role in the mind. On a psychological level it creates stability in the mind. It provides a container for our thoughts and emotions. Ojas is the subtle form of Kapha. In Ayurvedic Psychology Ojas can be defined as “the force of contentment and stability”. Ojas as a subtle energy has the elemental qualities of water. The waters of the mind can be smooth, soft and flowing which is an example of strong mental Ojas. Where as with low mental Ojas that waters of the mind can be agitated easily, turbulent and quite unstable. The waters of the mind portray a persons state of mental stability or instability. Strong mental Ojas allow a person to resist the forces of stress and remain content regardless of what is transpiring on around them. Strong mental Ojas also perpetuates strong mental endurance. It allows a person to work for a long period of time on complex problems. However, with low mental Ojas the mind is easily fatigued by a series of simple problems. When mental Ojas is healthy it provides a strong, stable structure in the mind for coordinated thought process. Within this structure a high volume of cognitive function is able to occur. The waters of the mind flow with contentment and are undisturbed by external forces. Even the subtle impressions that others cast out are unable aggravate the smooth flow. This level of flow requires a certain level of awareness as well as maintenance. In addition, a strong connection with the divine and oneness with creation. Along with the strength of a tree that has its tap root deeply planted into the soil of the earth.
Ojas is present in two forms: supreme (para) and mediocre (apara)
- The supreme form (para ojas) is the most important component responsible for the vitality of life. Its quantity in the body is measured as eight drops (bindu). It is located in the heart. It is generally stable in the body in an equilibrium state. Destruction of this component can cause death.
- The mediocre form (apara ojas) is formed during the metabolism of each dhatu. Its quantity is measured as half Anjali (personified measurement unit). It is present in all body components and manifests in the form of the essence of the dhatu (sara). This can be observed as factors responsible for immunity. 2
Good mental stamina is a reflection of balanced Ojas. Complacency or loss of motivation is a reflection of an excessive amount of Ojas. Quick mental fatigue and loss of mental stability is a reflection of a deficient amount of Ojas. 4 Deficient Ojas can be built back up by tonifying or rejuvenative therapies.
Rejuvenating Therapies (Rasayana Chikitsa)
All rejuvenative therapies or rasayanas build Ojas. When a person has deficient Ojas there are ways to build it through rasayana chikitsa. This can be done through diet, a healthy positive lifestyle that encourages a rasayana effect as well as an herbal category called rasayanas also known as rejuvenative/nutritive tonics. Yoga Nidra is a practice that would produce a Rasayana effect.
Designing a nutritive diet is very important when building healthy Ojas. There are certain tastes and foods that are more nutritive than others. In Sanskrit Rasa also means taste. Certain foods incorporate the sweet taste, the salty taste and the sour taste. Each of these tastes have elemental qualities that help to rejuvenate the body. They parallel with the elemental qualities of Ojas which are earth and water. These three tastes are such a fundamental part of toning the body and building Ojas.
Rasayana means rejuvenation and anti-ageing therapies in Ayurveda. 3
The three tastes(rasa)
The sweet taste embodies that of Rasayanas; it is nutritive, tonic and rejuvenative. The sweet taste is by far the best to build Ojas and enhance the integrity of the immune system. It has the elemental qualities of earth and water. Essentially, this means it has the qualities of these two building blocks. It is cooling, wet and heavy in nature. The sweet taste is that of love, sharing and compassion. During holidays and get togethers sweets are given as gifts or something we share with friends and loved ones. “It is considered the most sattvic of flavours and is used to heighten experience of clarity and awareness of the spiritual aspect of life.” The sweet taste often acts as a demulcent. It can relieve dryness and weakness in the body. [Ayurvedic Medicine page 63] 6 Sattvic means spiritual essence or the quality of purity. “The sweet taste (as it is the same nature of the human body, whose tissues taste sweet,) promotes the growth of all bodily tissues and Ojas. Aiding in longevity, it is soothing to the five sense organs and the mind, and gives strength and good complexion.” [page 28 Yoga of Herbs] 5 The sweet taste strengthens or tonifies all seven dhatus also known as tissues of the body. The sweet taste has many biomedical actions they are as follows: nutritive & tonic; laxative & diuretic; demulcent & emollient; antispasmodic; expectorant. Some examples of sweet herbs are licorice, bala and shatavari. A good portion of immune tonics have a sweet taste as well. “Grains are sweet tend to be moist and heavy with substances that are nourishing or tonify the dhatus of the body. They build strength and stamina. If they are well digested many grains build Ojas.”[Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine pg 353] 4 Dairy products also contain the sweet taste such as soft cheese, cottage cheese, milk, butter and the most popularly used in Ayurvedic Medicine is Ghee. “ Milk and butter have been historically worshipped as food sources since the beginning of history. According to Rgveda, “ The cows yield butter and milk inexhaustibly for thee set on the highest summit.” The elemental qualities of Ojas are likened to those of Ghee. This is just one of the many reasons Ghee is a key resource for building healthy Ojas.
The salty taste has the elemental qualities of water and fire. It is heating wet and heavy. Despite predetermined thoughts on salt or the salty taste it actually moistens the body. Where ever salt goes then water flows therefore adding moisture. Due to its wet and heavy quality it is soothing and grounding. It is nutritive to the rasa dhatu and increases fluids in the body. Its biomedical actions are as follows: nervine; demulcent; nutritive; anti-tumor. It has a heavy, sinking and grounding effect on the nervous system. Hence the reason for its biomedical action as a nervine. It encourages stability in the body and the mind. It is said that those whom are reliable and solid are known as the salt of the earth. When it comes to the diet it must be used in proper proportions. It can be essential to our health as long as it is used in the correct quantities. It is often used when treating severe dehydration. Too much of the salty taste can cause high acidity and aggravate the stomach. In excess the salty taste can also cause water retention or edema. This can also result in high blood pressure. With this taste dosage is very important. The psychological effects also reflect that of the physical. The salty taste causes cravings for more of the same flavor which is related to greed in the psychological sense. “ Salty is the rarest tastes” according to the Ayurvedic Materia Medica. Seaweed and celery are examples of food with a salty taste. “Salty taste promotes digestion, is moistening, enkindles digestive fire, it is cutting, biting sharp and fluid.” [ pg 31 YOH]5 The sour taste has the elemental qualities of earth and fire. It is heating, wet and light.
The sour taste consists of the elemental qualities of earth and fire. The qualities of these elements are hot, oily and light. It creates both dampness and heat in both the body and the mind. It stimulates digestion and clears dryness through its unctuous fluidic properties. “Sour taste improves the taste of food, enkindles the digestive fire, adds bulk to the body, invigorates, awakens the mind, gives firmness to the senses, increases strength, dispels intestinal gas and flatus, gives contentment to the heart, promotes salivation, aids swallowing moistening and digestion of food, gives nourishment.” [pg 29 YOH]5 The sour taste has the ability to expel liver stagnation. It also helps to hold fluids in the dhatus or tissues of the body. Its biomedical actions are as follows: digestive; demulcent; laxative; cholagogue. When taken in excess it draws the tissues inward an example of this would be like eating a piece of unripe fruit. In Sanscrit Amla is the word for sour. Amla(amalaki) or Indian goose berry is a sour, green, nutrient rich superfruit that widely used in Ayurvedic Medicine and native to India. It is a key ingredient in Chyawanprash which is a Classical Ayurvedic Rasayana. Amalaki is one of three fruits used in the traditional formula Triphala.
The sour taste nourishes six of the seven dhatus with the exception of Shukra. Foods that contain the sour taste are those that are fermented, yogurt and sourdough bread. Liquids such as vinegar and alcohol contain the sour taste as well. The sour taste is a carminative which also means that it promotes digestion while helping with gas and indigestion. Amalaki, lemons, limes and pomegranate seeds all contain the sour taste and actually reduce heat and inflammation. In excess the sour taste can cause hyperacidity, burning sensations, thirst, fever, itching, ulcers, skin diseases and anemia. It can aggravate congestive respiratory conditions as well.
Amalaki Rasayana
Amalaki Rasayana is a classical Ayurvedic rejuvenating tonic. It is made from Amla pulp or powder, amla juice, cow’s Ghee, honey and herbs such as pippali(long pepper) and Ashwaghanda. In Ayurveda Amalaki is referred to as “Dhatri”(the divine nurse). Traditionally, this preparation involves grinding Amla with juice and ghee, mixing with honey and herbs. Then it is placed in a ceramic jar coated with Ghee and placed under ground for several months. In more modern times it is placed in a controlled environment to mature. This process enhances its rejuvenating properties. Also promotes bio available nutrients. The origin of this formula can be traced back to the Charka Samhita (1st century CE). It was also elaborated later on other classical texts such as Ashtanga Hridaya and Sharangadhara Samhita. This formula was historically used by Kings and warriors to enhance stamina, cognitive function and recover from fatigue. It was also used as a paste(lepa) to heal wounds. Additional formulas contain Licorice and Guduchi to enhance immunomodulatory benefits. The Chief ingredient always remained the same which was Amla. It has many therapeutic benefits for the body and the mind. It boosts the immune system by improving white blood cell count and antibody formation while supporting resistance to infections. It has high amounts of Vitamin C and is rich with antioxidants. It protects collagen and promotes skin elasticity. It aids in digestion by balancing agni(digestive fire). It alleviates indigestion, gas and constipation. Amla has neuroprotective effects that have been scientifically proven to reduce oxidative stress, support memory and cognitive function. Other studies have shown that it helps support Cardiovascular health by maintaining lipid profiles. One study from PubMed of which you will find attached at the bottom of this paper. It has also been shown to protect the eyes and reverse macular degeneration. This formula supports healthy liver function. Amla has been known to prevent greying of the hair and also strengthen hair follicles. It also strengthens the shukra dhatu also known as the male/female reproductive organs.
Rasayanas may be described in the form of a rasayana food, or a positive healthy lifestyle with a Rasayana effect or a rasayana drug or all three together. The rasayana remedies promote good qualities of the cells and tissues of the body through improved nutrient effect, boosting digestion, metabolism and/or augmenting the microcirculation and tissue perfusion. 3
-In this cited evidence from the Charak Samhita the word “drug” is referring to herbs
Rasayana is the means of obtaining the best qualities of body cells and tissues and is able to defeat aging and disease. All rasayanas are ojovardhaka i.e. promoter of Ojas or immune strength in the body, imparting vyadhikshamatva i.e. immunity in the body. The mode of action of Rasayana remedies has been deliberated for long. Many scholars consider Rasayana effect as the Prabhava (specific therapeutic effect) of these remedies without really giving a rational interpretation. However, Professor RH Singh et al (1972) have suggested that the Rasayana remedies and measures act at three levels and produce subtle molecular nutrient and immune-enhancing effect with a range of secondary impacts such as improved nutritional status, immune-enhancing, longevity, healthy aging, promotion of health and prevention of disease. The three levels of action are:
- At the level of rasa acting as a direct nutrient enriching the value of plasma.
- At the level of agni acting as digestive and metabolic booster.
- At the level of srotas acting as srotoprasadana promoting the microcirculation and tissue perfusion. The net effect of all the three levels of action is an improved nutrition. 3
-In this cited evidence “srotas” meaning channels of the body
The ojovardhaka remedies again are of two categories namely Rasayana and vajikarana. The chapter further describes the qualities of Rasayana and the methods of its use. It specially dwells upon the best Rasayana drugs like Amalaki, Abhaya, Chyavanaprasha, Brahma Rasayana, Amalaka Rasayana, Haritaki Yoga, etc.
-In this cited evidence of Charaka Samhita “Haritaki Yoga” meaning attainment of improved memory
Research Articles:
Kataria D, Singh G. Health benefits of ghee: Review of Ayurveda and modern science perspectives. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2024 Jan-Feb;15(1):100819. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100819. Epub 2024 Jan 5. PMID: 38181707; PMCID: PMC10789628.
Abstract:
This article talks about the benefits of Ghee and changes on the scientific view of dairy fats. New research finds that there are several functioning benefits of dairy fats and their fatty acids. Resulting in a scientific interest in Ghee and highlighting that is also one of the most important ingredients of the materia medica of Ayurveda. Noted in this article is the gap between modern scientific literature and how well Ayurveda has catalogued the therapeutic benefits of Ghee. Also how Ayurvedic literature is quite extensive of on Ghee. That it is referenced in eleven classical texts spanning over 3000 years and a whopping 4000 references to milk and milk products were curated from these texts as well. Of these 2913 mentions were in the context of therapeutic benefits of milk products. Of which 774 mentions were specifically of Ghee. A review of Ghee in modern literature published between 1990 and 2023 was also conducted. A comparison of this with Ayurveda showed that there were major differences in the focus areas of health between the two. While recent research primarily focused on cognitive benefits, gastrointestinal health and nourishing. While globally there are other areas of growing importance to human health. Including how the brain ages along with common brain conditions. Scientists are searching for solutions to these health related issues they are finding the answers in Classical Ayurvedic text. In addition Ayurvedic formulations and the detailed associations with Ghee’s animal source, processing, maturation, phases and health benefits may have scientific insights to offer that can guide future research.
Rajani J, Ashok BK, Galib, Patgiri BJ, Prajapati PK, Ravishankar B. Immunomodulatory activity of Āmalaki Rasāyana: An experimental evaluation. Anc Sci Life. 2012 Oct;32(2):93-8. doi: 10.4103/0257-7941.118546. PMID: 24167334; PMCID: PMC3807964.
Abstract:
Background: The Ayurvedic system of medicine holds a number of drugs that improve immunity. Amalaki is one such drug. Researchers with crude extracts of Amalaki have proven the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. However, works on Amalaki Rasayanas were not found reported.
Aims: With this in consideration, two samples of Amalaki Rasayana (AR7 and AR21) were studied to evaluate comparative immunomodulatory activity against the cyclophosphamide immunosuppression in rats.
Materials and methods: Test drugs were prepared by following classical guidelines. Wistar strain albino rats of either sex were used in the study.
Statistical analysis: For comparison data from cyclophosphamide control group with remaining cyclophosphamide plus test drug administered groups one way ANOVA with Dunnett’s multiple t-test (DMTT) was employed.
Results and conclusions: Amalaki Rasayana possesses significant immunostimulant activity and moderate cytoprotective activity. AR21 was found to have better activity profile in terms of both immunostimulant as well as cytoprotective activity.
Tiwari V, Saba K, Veeraiah P, Jose J, Lakhotia SC, Patel AB. Amalaki Rasayana improved memory and neuronal metabolic activity in AbPP-PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. J Biosci. 2017 Sep;42(3):363-371. doi: 10.1007/s12038-017-9692-7. PMID: 29358550.
Abstract:
The intervention with Amalaki Rasayana showed improved learning and memory in AbPP-PS1 mice.
Verma B, Sinha P, Ganesh S. Ayurvedic formulations amalaki rasayana and rasa sindoor improve age-associated memory deficits in mice by modulating dendritic spine densities. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2022 Oct-Dec;13(4):100636. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100636. Epub 2022 Nov 24. PMID: 36436297; PMCID: PMC9700303.
Abstract:
Conclusion: Both Amalaki Rasayana(AR) and Rasa Sindoor(RS) showed beneficial effects on memory functions of the middle-aged mice, possibly due to their effect on the dendritic spine densities. Our findings provide strong evidence to conclude that formulations AR and RS can prevent or delay the onset of age-associated cognitive decline.
Kumar V, Kumar AA, Joseph V, Dan VM, Jaleel A, Kumar TRS, Kartha CC. Untargeted metabolomics reveals alterations in metabolites of lipid metabolism and immune pathways in the serum of rats after long-term oral administration of Amalaki rasayana. Mol Cell Biochem. 2020 Jan;463(1-2):147-160. doi: 10.1007/s11010-019-03637-1. Epub 2019 Oct 8. PMID: 31595424.
Abstract:
In this article Wistar rats were given long term oral administration of Amalaki Rasayana. Global metabolic profiling was performed of the serum of rats administered with either Amalaki Rasayan or Ghee + Honey for 18 months and control animals that were left untreated. Pathway analysis suggests that altered metabolites in Amalaki Rasayana administered rats are those associated with different bio-chemical pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, leukotriene metabolism, G- protein mediated events, phospholipid metabolism and the immune system. Their study identifies AR components that induce alterations in lipid metabolism and immune pathways in animals which consume AR for an extended period of time.Dwivedi V, Lakhotia SC. Ayurvedic Amalaki Rasayana promotes improved stress tolerance and thus has anti-aging effects in Drosophila melanogaster. J Biosci. 2016 Dec;41(4):697-711. doi: 10.1007/s12038-016-9641-x. PMID: 27966490.
Abstract:
Amalaki Rasayana(AR) is a common Ayurvedic herbal formulation used for general good health and healthy aging. In this article they reported it to improve life history traits and to suppress neurodegeneration as well as induced apoptosis in drosophila. The present study examines Drosophila reared on AR-supplemented food to crowding, thermal or oxidative stress. Many other studies were conducted and found that the subjects were able to handle oxidative stress better. Other results showed better homeostasis, improved life span and the quality of the organism’s life.