09/08/2021
Ojas and Building Your Immune System Tip #2: Raw Milk
Real milk is amazing. In the Rig Veda, the oldest written text in the world it states that âmilk is for thee who is set on the highest summitâ. Itâs a huge part of the traditional Yogic Diet. You canât get it everywhere. Here in California you can buy it in the store. You can also get it straight from the cow if youâre near a local farm. Itâs the best. Non pasteurized. Non homogenized. Itâs fresh and it has to be because it goes bad after a few days.
Terminology differs in different counties. In the US, whole milk is milk with all the natural fat in it. Usually, thatâs about 3.5 â 4%. But, whole milk is highly processed. All of the fat is removed during the processing. Then, the prescribed amount of fat is added back into in order to make 1%, 2% and âwholeâ milkâ. All of the milk is pasteurized meaning it is exposed to high heat to kill all of the pathogens. And, it is usually homogenized, meaning that the fat molecules are passed through a tiny or***ce under high pressure to make very small fat globules. This is not natural. Pasteurized and homogenized and with fat added back, the milk can now be bottled or packaged for sale. The processing of milk changes it. It affects the fat and protein molecules. By the time it is done, itâs not really milk. It is something else - even though we call it milk. Many people have milk allergies or donât feel well after consuming milk. This may be why.
Raw milk is milk from the cow and it is unprocessed. It is as nature intended it to be. It is very rich in ojas and sustains the human being. It keeps the immune system strong. It is excellent for vata and pitta doshas but can increase kapha dosha. Still, when prepared properly anyone can take it. For everyone, it should be heated to boiling before consuming it to be sure it is free of bacteria. Then it can be cooled but should still be taken warm. When heating it up, add spices to support agni. For vata add cardamom and ginger. For pitta added cardamom and fennel. For kapha add ginger. There are other recipes as well. Add ½ -1 tsp. per cup. For kapha, consider diluting the milk with 50% water to lighten it. Donât take milk with fish, meats or fruits (esp. sour). I like to take raw milk between meals or an hour before bed.
Some people are lactose intolerant. If you are, avoid milk because you just canât digest the milk sugar. It will cause diarrhea. You can find other ways to build ojas. Please note that there is no substitute for real milk. Oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc. do not have the same ojas building potential. They have other uses though that weâll explore another day.
Be well, Be kind, Be love
