Ayurveda aims to bring vitality, life force and immunity, otherwise referred to as Ojas, to the body and mind. Ojas is described in Ayurveda as the most refined substance of digestion—the golden elixir of all the vital fluids in the body. It literally translates to ”vigor” and is understood as the essential energy for the body and mind. Without Ojas, we would cease to exist.

Rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments, aimed at increasing Ojas, encompass a range of modalities that work holistically and synergistically to enliven the innate intelligence in our bodies. Diet and lifestyle practices play an important role in maintaining longevity. By understanding the doshas, or principles of an Ayurvedic diet based on the dominant elemental properties in the body and mind, we can use diet to manage present imbalances and bring overall health on a long-term basis.

Lifestyle practices play an equally important role when it comes to anti-aging. Eating and sleeping at times that correspond to nature’s circadian rhythms helps to set our internal clock and balance the Doshas. Vata Dosha governs the nervous system. It is the most temperamental and first to move out of balance, making it most affected by routine and schedule. As we age, we enter into the Vata stage of life, making it even more important to keep Vata grounded. Keeping a consistent schedule and eating a balanced diet is paramount to healthy aging. Implementing multi-modality approaches such as meditation, yoga, abhyanga, pranayama and panchakarma treatments (Shirodhara) also adds to Ayurveda’s holistic anti-aging approach.

In conjunction with diet and lifestyle practices, herbs can greatly assist the body and mind in regaining balance. Ayurvedic herbs work with the body to restore natural balance to every cell. The intelligence within plants is truly amazing. There is a plant for every human need, and Ayurveda’s extensive research on these plants over thousands of years of human experiential knowledge is astounding. “There is an herb for every organ, every gland, Mother Nature has put medicine in our food. Pure intelligence,” says Akin Olokun.

My favorite Ayurvedic herbs for rejuvenation help to boost immunity, strengthen the tissues of the body, aid in digestion and promote a balanced, Sattvic mind. These herbs are under the classification called Rasayanas in Ayurveda.

Ashwagandha: This stress-relieving adaptogenic herb has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to promote overall well-being and vitality. Modern scientific research has begun to unravel the mechanisms behind its effects. The word Ashwagandha is alternately translated as the “strength, sweat and smell” of ten horses. It helps build the tissues of the body and strengthens the nervous and reproductive, immune and respiratory systems. It is one of the best ojas builders.

Shilajit: Shilajit has been used for thousands of years to support energy, memory, absorption of vital nutrients, intelligence, healthy blood sugar, detoxification and cellular protection. Found in the rock crevasses of the Himalayan Mountains, it is mineral-dense and one of the few substances to contain fulvic acid. It is used to accelerate the properties of other substances and combines well with ashwagandha.

Amla: Modern science is fascinated by Amalaki. It supports digestion, elimination, immunity, blood, liver and skin health. Amalaki has repeatedly shown to support heart and arterial health, healthy blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels already within the normal range and overall vitality.

Vidari: Vidari kanda (Ipomoea digitata) is a nutritive tonic that is rejuvenating for both body and mind. In both sexes, it is a strengthening aphrodisiac that supports fertility and vitality. It is also traditionally used to pacify excess vata. It is an excellent herb for supporting healthy aging in seniors and for supporting healthy weight gain in vata types.

Brahmi (Gotu Kola): Named after one of the highest states of consciousness (Brahman or God consciousness), Brahmi supports energy and mental clarity while encouraging deep, restful sleep. It is famous as a tonic for nerve and brain cells, cerebral circulation, memory, intestinal health and sleep, brahmi is considered one of the best rasyanas in the Ayurvedic medicine.

To learn what herbs are right for you, book a consultation or try a rejuvenating Ayurvedic body treatment, Shirodhara, call 612-293-5168 or visit SimplyVeda.net. Natural Awakenings Readers can also receive 20% off a Shirodhara treatment for the month of October, which relieves stress and supports a healthy nervous system.

Leah Moss is a board-certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and owner of Simply Veda in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota.