If you are craving a nutrient-rich energy kick in your diet, try this Ayurvedic recipe for Ojas Balls. This superfood provides a delicious and power-packed snack to increase immunity and vitality. According to Ayurveda, “Ojas” is our most refined by-product of digestion. It is the force that supports immunity and promotes longevity. It serves as the container of strength in times of change and transformation. It makes us resilient in the face of physical and emotional stress. Ojas is the nectar that keeps us healthy and happy. So it wouldn’t hurt to eat foods that help bolster our Ojas.
Ayurveda tells us that there are three vital energies representing the most refined essence of each Dosha. Prana is a form of Vata; Tejas is a form of Pitta; and Ojas is Kapha. Like Kapha, Ojas is the force of stability. When our Ojas is high, we can weather the wear and tear of life that occurs to our physical body. In our subtle body, Ojas protects the mind from the overwhelm of excess Prana or the burnout of too much Tejas. Dr. Vasant Lad described Ojas to be “rich in soma, which is a blissful state of consciousness and cosmic plasma.” When we are physically strong and emotionally supported, we find contentment, health and happiness.
When we eat foods that are nourishing, their qualities are digested and assimilated into our bodies to support the rejuvenation and production of our tissues, known as the Dhatus in Ayurveda. Ojas emerges from the seventh Dhatu, Shukra, relating to our reproductive and hormonal fluids. In this recipe, you will notice that many ingredients support reproductive health, such as dates, ashwaganda, and shatavari.
Food is medicine.
- Dates are considered an Ayurvedic superfood. They are Sattvic, promoting peace of mind and also increasing Ojas and immunity. They are medicine for the heart, help alleviate constipation, and strengthen sexual vitality.
- Almonds are nutrient-rich nuts that have many tonifying functions. For thousands of years, it’s been said almonds support intelligence, and they also calm the nervous system and support muscle relaxation. They have aphrodisiac and reproductive qualities, too.
- Coconut is a superfood. According to the father of Ayurveda, Charaka, coconuts increase the quantity and quality of all the dhatus, our tissues of the body. They relieve stress, calm emotions, and improve body strength.
- Cardamom is a tri-doshic herb that cleanses the stomach and improves sluggish digestion. It is a muscle relaxant that cleanses the lymphatic system and acts as a carrier herb, assisting digestion and assimilation.
- Ginger is recognized as one of the most Sattvic spices. It promotes lightness, compassion, and clarity. It kindles our agni or digestive fire and burns the build-up of ama or toxins. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of nutrients, boosts the immune system, and supports vitality.
- Cinnamon is a warming, reproductive tonic with an arsenal of benefits. It stimulates circulation, regulates blood sugar levels, and kindles digestion.
- Shatavari. With a name that translates to “having one hundred roots” signifying one hundred husbands, it is no wonder this herb supports reproductive health. It improves digestion, balances hormones, and holds natural antioxidant properties.
- Ashwaganda holds the reputation of having “the strength of ten horses” according to ancient Ayurveda texts. It is an adaptogenic herb that improves energy and mood, boosts immunity, and calms the nervous system.
- Raw honey helps ward off infections, combat allergies, and support the immune system. It helps promote sleep, too.
- Vanilla extract is a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown that it helps reduce anxiety and depression.
- Cacao is known to be an antioxidant-rich heart opener and aphrodisiac.
- Himalayan salt is said to heat the body and calm the nervous system.
Ojas Balls
Use this recipe as inspiration, and feel free to modify the ingredients to your taste. Invite Ojas Balls to be a part of your Ayurvedic arsenal for health and wellness.
Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Makes 10 Ojas Balls
Ingredients:
- 10 dates
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon shatavari powder
- 1 teaspoon ashwaganda
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Handful of cacao nibs
- Splash of almond milk
- Pinch of Himalayan salt
*Ingredient quantities may differ from batch to batch. Improvise depending on your needs. Spice it to your taste preference.
Directions:
- In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine dates, almonds, and coconut. The consistency will be very thick. If you are having trouble blending, use a splash or two of almond milk to soften the mixture. One alternative is to pre-soak the dates in almond milk for 10 minutes.
- Add all spices. Taste to preference.
- In a pan, toast coconut flakes until you can smell their aroma and the color is a light brown.
- Take your Ojas ball mixture and using your hands, form into small 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in the toasted coconut flakes until the surface is completely covered and voila! Enjoy your Ojas balls!
Sources:
- https://www.joyfulbelly.com/Ayurveda/ingredient/Almonds/59
- http://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-knowledge/plants-spices-and-oils/coconuts-and-ayurveda.html
- https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/herbs/shatavari/
- https://draxe.com/vanilla-extract/
- https://lifespa.com/confused-salt/
