Ojas – The Ayurvedic Elixir of Vitality and Joy
©Photo by Laura Wencker for ISLA Yoga & Ayurveda
Have you ever noticed how some people seem to glow from the inside out – with luminous skin, a calm presence, and a zest for life that feels contagious? In Ayurveda, that inner glow has a name: Ojas.
The ancient texts go so far as to say: without Ojas, there is no life.
As Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum explains, Ayurveda works carefully with each person to repair digestion and teach them how to eat in a way that encourages the production of Ojas – the very substance that gives strength, stamina, and a deep sense of resilience.
What Is Ojas?
Ojas is produced after all seven bodily tissues have been nourished – a process that takes roughly one month, as food spends several days passing through and feeding each tissue layer. It’s a reminder (yes, I may sound like a broken record!) that food is 80% of our health — the most important pillar alongside daily routines and good-quality sleep.
Ojas is considered the most refined product of digestion and metabolism – the subtle essence that nourishes body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda teaches that it resides in the heart, fortifies our immunity, and gives us our natural radiance.
When Ojas is strong, we feel grounded, joyful, calm, and full of life. When it’s depleted, we may experience fatigue, irritability, emotional emptiness, and frequent illness.
“The excellent essence of the dhatus (tissues), beginning from plasma and ending in sukra (reproductive tissue), is called Ojas. Ojas is also known as Bala (strength) in the context of medical science. This strength provides stability and nourishment of the muscle tissue, and the individual remains undeterred in all efforts. He is endowed with excellence of voice and complexion. His internal organs and external senses are capable of performing their will to their full abilities.” – Vaidya Bhagwan Dash
In other words: when Ojas is abundant, we radiate from within. It shows in our eyes, our skin, our smile and how we express through the heart.
Signs Your Ojas Might Be Low
Ayurveda offers simple clues to gauge your Ojas levels. Ask yourself:
Do you often feel tired, drained, or burned out?
Is your skin pale, your eyes dull, or do you have dark circles?
Do you go through phases of low motivation or emotional exhaustion?
Do you catch colds easily, even after rest or vacation?
Is your libido low or fertility affected?
Do you frequently feel anxious, irritable, or sad?
If several of these resonate, your Ojas may need some extra care.
How to Rebuild Ojas
The first and most important step is nourishment – especially during perimenopause and menopause. Ojas is your “juiciness,” and when hormones decline, we lose some of that natural glow.
Choose foods that are naturally sweet, grounding, and slightly unctuous:
Warm milk and ghee
Raw honey (never heated)
Almonds, dates, raisins
Mango and pomegranate
Rasayanas like Amla (Indian gooseberry) and Chyavanprash – a traditional herbal jam with over 40 ingredients
