Have you had a chance to slow down this week and take a pause? Pause is an opportunity to receive, replenish, restore what is loss from constant activation in body and mind. Supporting your pause with a warm healing drink especially before bed can help seal restorative intention with nourishing ingredients that have therapeutic qualities, assimilate in restful sleep, and provide replenishment for the next day.
This Ayurvedic recipe (passed down to me from one of my yoga therapy teachers) is one of my favorite drinks when I’m feeling depleted from a week of extra doing, overactivity or too much having to figure things out. The concept of ojas in Ayurveda is the body’s immune function and our deepest source of energy - its what gives us that glow of vitality. When imbalanced, we can find depletion or loss of luster physically (bright eyes and glowing skin) but also in our relationships and interactions around us (positive, warm, stable).
The combination of nourishing ingredients soothes qualities of the Pitta dosha which is more susceptible to inflammation and burnout from overdoing and striving. The ingredients in this drink also support the nervous system and help to ground Vata dosha; those Vata predominant in their constitution or anyone with Vata imbalance might have a tendency to find themselves feeling pulled in different directions, juggling many things at once, anxiety or unsettled mind, quick to respond. etc.
All the ingredients in this drink are known to support the replenishment of ojas, and in their combination they promote vitality, energy, and immunity while nourishing tissues and bones.
Recipe for single serving:
10 almonds, soaked in pure water overnight and peeled
1-2 medjool dates, pitted
1 tsp ghee (I use homemade ghee)
1/8 tsp ground cardamon (I use fresh from the pod and ground them)
1/8 tsp cinnamon
2-3 saffron threads
crushed rose petals optional
1.5 cups organic milk - cow or unsweetened plant-based milk (I like almond milk especially if I don’t have soaked almonds prepped)
Bring to low boil with all the ingredients just for few mins, milk will cook down some but make sure not to overcook/overboil
Remove from heat and blend until smooth with an immersion blender or blender;
or if using a whisk make sure to chop the almonds and dates into fine bits and enjoy them when you get to the bottom of the cupAdd rose petals for extra touch of self-love, known to promote qualities to soothe and calm mind and emotions of the heart
~ML