Rasayana

The magic word for our health in winter is "Rasayana". In the context of Ayurvedic medicine, the term often translated as rejuvenation encompasses all measures and substances that have a regenerative and renewing effect on the body's tissues and build up substantial vital energy and immunity (ojas).

A Rasayana medicine chest is a good investment in health, especially in winter. The focus here is on spices and herbs that stimulate cell metabolism, strengthen the immune system and increase physical and mental performance.

The best-known Rasayana food supplement is the Amla fruit, which is also known as Amalaki and forms the basis of Chyavanprash. The Amla recipe Chyavanprash, which is processed as a fruit puree, also contains over 40 other rasayanas, making this recipe the absolute "mega rasayana". However, other rasayana herbs such as brahmi, guduchi and ashwaganda are now also very popular outside of Ayurveda insider circles. And in Ayurveda, they can all be added to the daily diet as superfoods.

An Ayurvedic rule of thumb states that at least one third of the winter diet should consist of foods with Rasayana quality. In addition to Rasayana herbs, Rasayana foods are also preferred on a daily basis if possible. This means that almonds, cashew nuts, rice, wheat, raisins, dates, apricots, figs, mango, apples, carrots, cooked onions and garlic, saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg as well as animal products such as milk, ghee, honey and possibly also eggs and some meat are allowed on the table every day.

The Ayurvedic arguments for the regular intake of Rasayana foods and herbs are obvious:

Rasayanas

• bring all doshas and agni into balance

• strengthen health, immunity and help to avoid diseases

• preserve youth and give a long life

• stabilize the psyche and strengthen intellect and memory

• promote excellent charisma, a clear voice and beautiful skin

• help with disturbed sleep, physical and mental listlessness and depression

Rasayana tips for every constitution

For Vata and Pitta types, the rich Rasayana recommendations are health-promoting for winter nutrition and can be enjoyed without restrictions. However, people with a Kapha metabolism should be careful with too many tissue-building substances.

For this reason, it makes sense to take the Rasayana herbs in well-dosed doses of max. 2-3 g per day and to select them according to type. In principle, Rasayana herbs have no or very few contraindications and can be taken safely in small quantities, regardless of constitution. However, a targeted selection enhances the beneficial effect.

Article by Kerstin Rosenberg