Along with the buds and blooms of spring comes a chance to refresh and renew our bodies. This is a season of awakening where we wake up the systems of our bodies and revive our health.
In Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing system that has stood the test of time, spring is the perfect time for addressing imbalances in the body. When we take this seasonal cue as a signal to begin our personal health revivals, we tap into a rich longevity that supports a full and balanced life.
We have already covered methods of gently detoxifying during spring, what to eat, and how to live well this spring. Now, let’s dive into what it really means to refresh, renew, and, most importantly, rejuvenate the whole self with Ayurveda.
What is Rejuvenation?
The definition of rejuvenation according to the Merrian-Webster dictionary is “to make young or youthful again : give new vigor to.” And vigor means “active bodily or mental strength.”
According to Ayurveda, the definition of rejuvenation is being optimally nourished so that you can live a full and balanced life. In order to experience rejuvenation, more than one part of the self must be nourished and supported.
This is why in Ayurveda, the mind, body, and consciousness are all considered inextricable parts of health. For instance, the mind, body, and consciousness are all used in determining your dominant dosha, and when a Vaidya recommends ayurvedic remedies, they address many parts of the self.
Which Herbs to Use For Rejuvenation
Ayurvedic herbs for rejuvenation are those that fall into the Rasayana category. Rasayanas are practices and herbs that serve a special purpose in Ayurveda, so let’s dive deeper into this important holistic therapy.
What is the Meaning of ‘Rasayana’?
The meaning of Rasayana is derived from the two roots of the word — Rasa and Ayana. Rasa is loosely translated as ‘juice’, ‘fluid’, or ‘essence.’ It generally refers to the nourishing liquids we extract from our foods as well as the fluids produced during digestion that help break down and distribute nourishment to the body. Ayana is translated as ‘path’ or ‘way.’ Together these two words indicate a way or path for nourishment.
Rasayana is an Ayurvedic practice and therapy that focuses on increasing the strength, efficiency, and vitality of the body’s systems. At its core, Rasayana means to recover, renew, and refocus on yourself. It is a way of life and ethos that maintains balanced doshas for optimal longevity.
What are Rasayana Herbs?
There are many herbs in the Ayurvedic tradition that are considered Rasayana herbs. These Ayurvedic herbs rejuvenate the body, mind, and consciousness. Many Ayurvedic herbs for rejuvenation and Rasayana also qualify as adaptogens — herbs that support the body in adapting to stress and help with healthy immune responses.
Rasayana herbs promote longevity, optimal nourishment, gut health, mental health, and a thriving memory. Overall, these herbs decrease emotional stress, oxidative stress, and physical stress on the body while strengthening the health-sustaining systems crucial for well-being and vitality.
What are Rasayana Capsules?
Wouldn’t it be great to bottle up all of the balancing effects of Rasayana practices and herbs in one convenient blend? We’ve done just that. Our Rasayana complex capsules support regular Rasayana practices and therapies and bring optimal nourishment into the everyday.
Rasayana - Where to Buy?
Rasayana, our signature blend, can be found in our online store.
What are Rasayana Capsules Good For?
With Amla, Indian Tinospora, and Tribulus, our Rasayana complex helps manage moodiness and other manifestations of stress. This timeless herbal and botanical infusion activates the body’s energetic pathways and is perfect for any dosha. Our Rasayana blend incorporates fresh, non-GMO, and organic ingredients, all following the ancient Vedic recipe from the Kerala region of India.
Now that you have a broad understanding of Rasayana let’s take a look at our other top Ayurvedic herbs for rejuvenation and Rasayana — Ojas (or Immune Balance), Brahmi, Gotu Kola, Guduchi, Shilajit, Amalaki, Ashwagandha, and Holy Basil.
What is Ojas in Ayurveda?
Ojas in Ayurveda is both a wellness concept and a specific herbal blend. Ojas is the vigor and radiance of a healthy person — very likely one who practices Rasayanas and embraces Rasayana herbs in their daily routines. Ojas is known as the essence of the Kapha Dosha, and it is somewhere between body and mind in terms of its characteristics and qualities. Ojas can be thought of as the after-effects of a nourished body. While your body receives physical nourishment from your food within a day or less, your Ojas isn’t built up and strengthened until 27-30 days later.
What is Immune Readiness?
A strong Ojas supports immune readiness and fortifies the immune system. A ready immune system can block, attack, and destroy toxic and viral loads on the body. Having immune readiness is crucial to a healthy inflammation or immune defense response. Physically speaking, Ojas and a ready immune system will support reproduction, hormones, skin health, digestion, and cerebrospinal fluid health.
On a subtle and more spiritual level, Ojas can block harmful energies.
If you’re looking to boost your Ojas, our Ojas (also called Immune Balance) might be the symbiotic powerhouse blend you’re looking for. Immune Balance supports healthy inflammatory responses and helps the body protect against oxidative stress linked to aging, too.
Read more about Ojas on our blog here.
What is Brahmi?
Ayurvedic Brahmi is a nootropic blend of herbs that are particularly beneficial for Rasayana, focused on the mind and mental support. The Brahmi herb supports a balanced mood for clarity of mind to better cope with stre
ss. Animal studies have shown that Brahmi “stimulates the release of neurotransmitters serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, and glutamate into the hippocampus – the brain region responsible for long-term memory and mood regulation.”
Brahmi benefits the Vata and Pitta doshas.
Additional Brahmi benefits include:
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Support of healthy skin and hair
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Support of cell vitality & natural regeneration
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Great for mental fatigue and brain fog
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Supports healthy circulation & blood flow
This long list of benefits makes Brahmi a powerhouse for supporting a youthful mind and is one of our favorite Ayurvedic herbs for rejuvenation.
How Long Does Brahmi Take to Work?
It is typically advised the Brahmi herb be taken once in the AM and once in the PM. The length of time for each individual to notice the effects of Brahmi varies.
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Brahmi – Where to Buy?
As with any herb or medicinal substance, we recommend choosing a high-quality supplier. Your Ayurvedic Brahmi herb source should be reputable, clear about their farming practices, and sustainability-focused.
We are proud to be a company of integrity and an uninterrupted Ayurvedic tradition and would be honored to be your chosen Brahmi source.
Read more about Brahmi on our blog here.
What is Gotu Kola?
Known as the herb of longevity, Gotu Kola is an Ayurvedic herb for rejuvenation that has been used since the ancient yogis discovered its effects on mental clarity and serenity. It is rich in a saponin called asiaticodes that is responsible for many of its longevity-promoting benefits.
What is Gotu Kola Good For?
The health benefits of Gotu Kola are plentiful. In Ayurveda, Gotu Kola is categorized as a Medhya Rasayana, which means that it supports brain power, intellect, and immunity. Gotu Kola benefits include its tri-doshic qualities. If you are a Vata or Pitta dosha experiencing emotional aggravation, you may find Gotu Kola particularly balancing and rejuvenating.
Gotu Kola - How to Use It?
Gotu Kola is typically taken in the morning and at night or as advised by your Vaidya, or Ayurvedic practitioner.
Read more about “the student herb” on our blog here.
What is Guduchi Herb?
Guduchi is an Ayurvedic herb for rejuvenation with a claim to fame for how it brings harmony to the body. Guduchi, in Ayurveda, is a Pitta-balancing herb that can cool your body when it is irritated and hot.
What is Guduchi Good For?
This Rasayana herb is known as ‘The Legendary Protector’ due to its reputation of being responsible for maintaining the eternal youth of celestial beings. While we can’t promise Guduchi will keep you eternally young, we can confirm its detoxifying effects. The cellular rejuvenation it supports will offer a boost to longevity and youthful vitality in your life, just one of the Guduchi health benefits that makes it so popular in Ayurveda.
Guduchi health benefits include supporting a healthy metabolism and balanced blood sugar. Immunity support, revitalizing the mind, and improving the working of the digestive system are also great Guduchi uses.
How to Use Guduchi Tablets
Guduchi tablets should generally be taken one in the morning and one in the evening. It is ultimately best to take Guduchi as advised by your Vaidya.
Read more about Guduchi on our blog here.
What is Shilajit?
Pure Himalayan Shilajit is another Rasayana that is ‘grown’ in an unusual place — between rocks! This resin-like substance provides vital nutrients to the body and supports the body in absorbing nutrients from other foods and herbs. Its synergistic qualities and ability to work with all three doshas make for an impressive list of Shilajit health benefits.
What is Shilajit Used For?
If you experience general stress-related fatigue, the fulvic acid, antioxidants, and 80+ essential minerals in Shilajit may bring you just the energy renewal you need. Shilajit health benefits also include:
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Supporting immune readiness and responses
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Supporting the body’s natural detoxification process
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Supporting longevity, healthy aging, and vitality
Shilajit – Where to Buy?
Seeking quality Shilajit that has been collected responsibly is crucial to getting the best ‘bang for your buck.’ Pure Himalayan Shilajit is the only Shilajit that we recommend and carry in our online store and use at our resorts and clinics.
Read more about Shilajit on our blog here.
What is Amalaki?
Amalaki Rasayana, also known as Amla, isn’t just any Ayurvedic herb for rejuvenation it is considered one of the strongest Rasayana rejuvenatives. Amalaki packs an antioxidant punch that helps with healthy aging by supporting skin, tissue, and cellular renewal. Amalaki is also adaptogenic, supporting the body through stress by aiding in healthy digestion and supplying the body with vital nutrients.
What is Amalaki Good For?
Ayurvedic Amalaki is best for the Pitta dosha as it can gently remove excess Pitta from the body. Yet, it can be used for all three doshas. Amalaki is used to support the liver and clear toxins from the body in Ayurveda. You can also turn to Amalaki for a Rasayana herb that centers the mental and emotional aspects of your being.
Where to Buy Amalaki?
A pure, sustainable source of Amalaki is key to obtaining all of the health benefits of Amalaki. Our seed-to-shelf process of farming and encapsulating this herb ensures optimal quality and maximized results.
Read more about Amalaki on our blog here.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic, nootropic herb that is also classified as a Rasayana. It is well known for helping those suffering from adrenal fatigue and burnout. Kapha and Vata types will receive the most Ashwagandha benefits.
What is Ashwagandha Good For?
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb for rejuvenation that is said to help balance the body’s six responses to stress by helping to regulate mood, balance hormones, and revive the immune system. Promoting natural energy levels, easing inflammation, and supporting healthy sleep cycles are just a few Ashwagandha benefits that make it a powerful Rasayana herb.
When is the Best Time to Take Ashwagandha?
It is best to take Ashwagandha both in the morning and in the afternoon. We usually recommend splitting a two-capsule dose so that one capsule is taken in the AM and one in the PM. If you have a Vaidya or Ayurvedic practitioner, defer to them for how to take Ashwagandha yourself.
Where to Buy Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has become widely popularized, and not all companies are creating their products equally. You’ll get the most benefit from Ashwagandha herbs that are responsibly grown, farmed with nature-honoring practices, and sustainably harvested. You can check out our Ashwagandha here.
Read more about managing stress with Ashwagandha and other herbs on our blog here.
What is Holy Basil?
Holy Basil is a warm, soothing herb for calming physical and mental manifestations of stress while aligning the mind, body, and spirit. The feelings of lightness and inner peace that Holy Basil supplements offer can contribute to a youthful outlook and sense of peace.
What is Holy Basil Good For?
The health benefits of Holy Basil are so extensive it’s hard to count them! Because of its ability to bring serenity and reduce stress, any condition exacerbated by stress can be supported with Holy Basil.
Holy Basil balances the doshas by reducing Kapha and balancing Vata. The herb has even been shown to harmonize a bio-energetic field. In yogic philosophy, Holy Basil is even believed to balance the chakras, or energy centers, in the body.
Holy Basil vs Thai Basil
Basil is a common cooking herb, and Thai Basil is a favorite in many cultures. These types of basil are not the same as Holy Basil, though, and do not have the same health benefits. When shopping for Holy Basil, which also goes by the name Tulsi, make sure that you’re buying the right product.
Where to Buy Holy Basil?
Holy Basil supplements are widely available at health food stores and online. When you’re looking for a Holy Basil supplement, though, you want to ensure that it is grown without harmful pesticides and that it is sustainably farmed.
Our Holy Basil supplements are always grown, harvested, and bottled with care.
Read more about the blissful benefits of Holy Basil on our blog here.
