Energy in Ancient Medicine - Ojas & Vitality
Ojas & Energy: An Herbalist’s Guide to Vitality
By M. Raven Townsend | Townsend Draft Goods
In the quiet hills of Highland County, where mist clings to the pasture and the moon rises over rusted trucks and grazing cows, vitality is more than caffeine and hustle. It’s ojas—the subtle essence of life described in Ayurveda as the root of endurance, immunity, and emotional steadiness.
This post explores the Ayurvedic view of energy, the concept of ojas, and how traditional herbs like yerba mate, maca, and eleuthero root have been used to support vitality across cultures.
All information is for educational purposes only
What Is Ojas?
In Ayurveda, ojas the life force. It is the refined essence of digestion and tissue nourishment. It’s the final product of balanced agni (digestive fire) and healthy dhatus (body tissues), stored in the heart and circulating throughout the body.
When ojas is strong:
- The skin glows, the mind is clear, and the spirit feels connected.
- Immunity is robust, and emotions are steady.
- One feels grounded, joyful, and resilient.
When ojas is depleted:
- Fatigue, anxiety, and frequent illness arise.
- The body feels heavy, the mind dull, and the heart disconnected.
Ayurvedic Causes of Low Energy
Ayurveda teaches that fatigue is rarely just physical. It often reflects deeper imbalances:
- Depleted Ojas: From chronic stress, grief, or poor nourishment
- Weak Agni: Impaired digestion leads to ama (toxins) that block energy channels
- Disturbed Prana: Scattered life force due to overstimulation or irregular routines
- Burnt-out Tejas: Overwork or excess heat in the body-mind system
- Lifestyle Imbalances: Lack of sleep, emotional isolation, or seasonal disconnection
Herbs Traditionally Used to Support Vitality*
While Ayurveda emphasizes food, rest, and routine first, many cultures have used herbs to support energy and resilience. Here are three examples:
| Herb | Traditional Use* | Energetic Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) | Traditionally consumed in South America to promote alertness and mental clarity | Light, stimulating |
| Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii) | Used in Andean cultures to support stamina, mood, and reproductive health | Warming, grounding |
| Eleuthero Root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) | Known in traditional Chinese and Russian herbalism to support endurance and stress adaptation | Neutral, adaptogenic |
*These herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
Rebuilding Energy - Ojas
To restore energy and vitality, Ayurveda recommends:
-
Nourishing Foods: Ghee, soaked almonds, dates, warm milk with cardamom
- Raven's version: Butter, milk with cinnamon, warm cooked apples
-
Rasayana Herbs: Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Guduchi, and Amalaki (used traditionally to support ojas)
- Raven's version: Maca, Eleuthero Root (and add Yerba Mate for a boost!)
-
Sattvic Lifestyle: Regular sleep, meditation, loving relationships, and nature connection
- Raven's version: Get good sleep. Take a nap when you can. Be kind. Get outside.
-
Gentle Routines: Avoid overstimulation, honor seasonal rhythms, and cultivate joy
- Raven's version: Take a break from social media. Dress for the seasons (stay warm in the cold and cool in the heat.)
References
- Yerba Mate: Journal of Plant Medicines
- Maca Root: Sunwarrior – Maca Root Benefits
- Eleuthero Root: Medical News Today
- Eleuthero Root: Traditional Medicinals Herb Library
- Ojas & Ayurveda: Ayurvediceating.com
- Ojas & Fatigue: California College of Ayurveda
- Rasayana Herbs: Ayurveda.com