Balanced Body Ayurveda (2025)

16/02/2025

A take on the modern day "twix" bar, these sweet little treats are packed with ojas building foods and herbs including almonds, coconut oil, maca, shatavari and ashwaganda. No refined sugar, vegan and gluten free 👊....

Ojas translates as vigor, vitality or strength. It is responsible for our immunity, strength, vitality and overall well being..

Signs of low or depleted ojas include fatigue, weak immunity, poor digestion (i.e. gas, bloating, constipation), anxiety, depression and brain fog.

Ojas can easily become depleted due to stress, poor diet, lack of sleep and work, work, work.....

To build healthy ojas we can focus on grounding and nourishing practices while supporting our digestion. Adequate rest and sleep, finding ways to manage stress and eating wholesome ojas building foods (ghee, almonds, dates, milk, honey) is a great way to build strength and resiliency! Herbs like ashwaganda, shatavari and maca all build healthy ojas and make up the chocolate base of these delicious bars!

Ojas bars (very slightly adapted from Golden Barrel)

Shortbread Ingredients
2 cups almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

Caramel Ingredients
1/2 cup creamy almond butter
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt (if nut butter isn't salted)

Chocolate Ingredients
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup "Ignite" ojas building cocoa mix (purchase in my Etsy shop via link in bio)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt

Maldon salt/flaky salt for garnishing

Instructions in comment section.....

06/11/2024

After a surgical procedure, our bodies undergo major physical trauma which can disrupt homeostasis.

While allopathic medicine does an amazing job at saving lives, it tends to fall short when it comes to educating patients on the importance diet and lifestyle, especially when it comes to supporting the body post surgery.

Fortunately my background in Ayurveda and herbalism has given me all the tools I need to support my body during this time!

If you or anyone you know is undergoing a surgery any time soon.. these are some great tips to keep on hand to facilitate healing!

~Rest is best! Aim for 8-10 hours a night, getting into bed by 10 at the latest so our liver can detoxify our systems while we sleep.

~Stay warm and cozy. Pile on the layers and wear warm socks. We lose warmth through our head and feet. When our system becomes cold, we leak energy and vitality.

~Practice some deep breathing exercises to support the flow of prana through the system.

~Call on the power of visualization and mantra to support healing.

~Incorporate some gentle movement to support circulation. Stretching in bed or getting up and walking every few hours will keep blood flowing!

~Opt for warm, easy to digest foods Our digestive fire takes a hit when we undergo surgery, especially if we are prescribed antibiotics, narcotics or OTC pain relievers. Avoid cold, raw foods, refined flour/sugar and alcohol. Focus on soups, stews, bone broth, congee, miso soup with seaweed, baked apples or pears, kitchari, mung dal etc.. use small amounts of digestive and anti inflammatory spices in your cooking like ginger, turmeric, fennel, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary.

~Stay hydrated! Herbal teas are a great way to keep hydration levels up while supporting the body with natural medicine. Having some pre-made blends on hand made it easier to brew a cup and get back in bed.

Note: Always check with your P*P before using any herbs, especially post surgery or if you are taking any medications.

Interested in any of these blends? Head to the link in bio to purchase!

12/04/2024

Let's make an Oxymel!

Oxymels are essentially herbal extracts of vinegar and raw honey, a prime example being the infamous fire cider. Oxymels have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal benefits mainly supporting digestion and immunity. You start with a base of vinegar (raw apple cider vinegar is great) and raw honey.. then have fun experimenting with different combinations of herbs. Some great herbs I have used in the past include tulsi, rosemary, thyme and elderflower.

I was inspired to make the spring oxymel from which consist of a combination of dried orange peel, nettles and lemon balm.

Nettles are a classic spring time herb that are simultaneously nourishing and purifying. Lemon balm is a gentle nervine that has an uplifting yet calming effect and the orange peel complements the flavor of the honey and vinegar.

So.. how do you enjoy oxymels?

Take by the spoonful every few hours at the first sign of a cold.

Add to warm water and drink before a meal to stimulate digestion.

Use as a base for a vinaigrette to toss with greens.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, oxymels are have a pungent, sour and sweet taste and are energetically heating. Despite their medicinal properties it is best to take one constitution into consideration before diving in!

Oxymels may support digestion in Vata and Kapha types as the sour taste in vinegar helps increase digestive secretions. Honey is best for Kapha dosha as it is heating and has a cleansing effect, but may benefit Vata as it is a highly nutritive food.
Pitta types should stear clear of oxymels as they will further increase heat signs in the body.

Basic formula for an oxymel:

Fill a pint jar 1/4 full with dried herbs. Good combinations include tulsi, rose hips, elderflower or elderberry, lemon balm. Cover with equal parts raw honey and apple cider vinegar. Screw on a plastic lid, or cover with a piece of parchment and cover with a metal canning lid. Shake well and place in a cool dry place for two weeks, giving it a shake every few days. Strain with a fine mesh strainer and enjoy!

Address

Website

http://www.balancedbodyayurveda.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Balanced Body Ayurveda posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Balanced Body Ayurveda