This is one of my basic staples ~ great for calming Vata, or any space-y, scattered, restless, anxious, busy, can’t settle down sort of energy. It is such a basic staple that for years I’ve had it on the Basics page. But people were always asking me for the recipe and not finding it there, so I’m posting it here for all to see, share and enjoy.
Rod Stryker of Para Yoga described it to us many years ago, tossing it out casually as something Pandit Rajmani Tigunait gave him after too much work, too much travel, and too much of an overwhelming need for the land of nod.
In translation and over time the recipe may have been modified, so I can’t promise you it is exact according to Ayurvedic tradition (which likes its exactitudes). What I do know is that it is resoundingly, deliciously potent, and seems to work for everyone.
Try taking it an hour before bed for a night of sweet dreams and deep slumber.
As this extraordinary, whole food, medicinal drink came without a name, we nicknamed it Ojas Rasayana. Here’s why:
Ojas is the Ayurveda word for deep nourishment, our underlying reserves of energy. Ojas gives patience, contentment, longevity, stamina, endurance, strength, stability. In the Autumn, when Vata dominates, Ojas is available to us through seasonal foods like root vegetables, grains, ghee, nuts and seeds, dates, raisins and sweet Autumn fruits.
Rasayana is a grand word used in many contexts, including an entire branch of Ayurveda. Generally it means rejuvenative, and more modernly, anti-aging, stress-reducing. According to Ayurvedic Dr. Vaidya Mishra, “Rasayana is the designation given to special herbs, fruits and spices, or combinations of them, that are particularly renowned for the positive influence they have on overall health, vitality and longevity.”
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The ultimate nourishment, of course, is love, and a delicious tonic like this is a rich reminder that food is a nourishing love story.
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If you do not know what ghee is, where to find it or how to make it, check out this post with a video demonstrating how easy it is to make.
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Gentle Yoga is wonderful in the evening to prepare you for a deep sleep, or any time you want to unwind and come home to yourself. I offer you this gift of a 10 minute, simple practice that can be done any time, any where, and hope it brings you peace.
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Namaste!
Photos and Illustrations: Getty Images
Please note: If this tonic does not seem to work for you, it may be a sign of a deeper imbalance, which you might want to take to your health practitioner.
I am making this tonight! Thank you!
Melanie
Thanks, Melanie. Hope it gives you and your children “Sogni d’Oro!”
My mouth is watering. I can’t wait for bedtime! Thank you so much.
Thanks, Alex. Let me know how you like it.
Oh, this is just what I need! Thank you Beautiful Laura.
Shannon, We Love YOU!
Mmmm, Laura, I think I will go soak some almonds right now for tonight! Thank you as always for nourishing us.
Back at you Stephanie, Queen of Inspiring, Healing Foods!
Ooo… good one.
Full of Ojas, Boyd. Like you!
Looks and sounds yummy!!!
Thank you!
Laura! This remedy sounds delicious to my sleepless nights…As I’m vegan, could you think a substitute of ghee?
Laura! This recipe sound delicious to my sleepless nights. As I’m vegan, could you think of a substitute for ghee? Maybe sesame oil? Love, Micky
Hi Micky, Wonderful to hear from you! Sesame Oil would be okay, but how about Coconut Oil for delicious flavor? Let me know how it goes. Un abbraccio!
You could always go for sesame oil or blackseed oil… they are packed with nutrients! I added some vanilla powder to this, tasted delicious. You could try that!
Thank you, Suraiya!
I will be making this to lull lull lullaby- feeling the effects of vata season and being swept away in the wind lately. Many thanks to you! Kisses and love!
Yes, Autumn so far this year has been Maha VATA season. Hope you and Chloe enjoy it! Love to you Dawna!
Thank you! I have had lots of trouble sleeping and I am going to make this tomorrow at bedtime. Thank you – I need this!
Thank you, Pamela. You are such a heart-warming inspiration.
This is so yummy and easy to make! Thank you!! 🙂
Glad you like it, Shawna! Thank you ~
Thankyou Laura, I feel warm and fuzzy inside already!
You are warm and fuzzy already! Now you have a tonic to match.
Just told Scott tonight how much I have been enjoying this-delish and the sleep benefits are wonderful! Thanks Laura!
I am so glad to hear this! Thanks, Lynn.
Squisito! Delicious….a favorite around here….
Grazie, Squisitissima!
This might be a stupid question, but is this safe to give to kids? My 5 yr old is very hyper and has a difficult time calming down at night and still doesn’t sleep through the night. Desperate for anything.
When it comes to our kids, there can’t be a dumb question. Yes it is safe and okay for a 5 year old. We’ve been giving it to ours since that very age. Nutmeg and milk are very soothing, helping with sleep. The Tonic is very nourishing, too, providing strength to growing bodies. Please let me know if it helps. Good Luck!
Thank you so much for writing me back!!! Gonna try it this weekend! I appreciate the feedback!!
Of course. Please let me know how she likes it and if it works. Thanks ~
This sounds delicious. I hope it looks as good as yours….I even have the exact same cup! Thank you for sharing.
love the alignment. hope you enjoy it!
ok tell me what ghee is and where do you get it at
Great question. Ghee is clarified butter. It is very easy to make. I posted a how to video here ~ http://food-alovestory.com/2012/03/25/how-to-make-ghee/
What if I can’t use almonds as they are an allergy item
Are you allergic to all nuts?
This sounds so yummy, as well as helpful! Thanks to Ann for telling me to take a look! Thanks to you Laura for your wonderful and natural ideas!! Hugs <3
Hi Catherine, Welcome! Thanks for coming to visit. Hope you find recipes here that help you deepen into restful, healing and abiding love. XO
Thank you for your sweet words, Laura!
Rex and I tried the Deep Sleep Tonic last night! It was delicious and worked well! I had my best sleep in weeks! Thank you Laura for all you do for so many!! Hugs, C
I am so glad to hear this, Catherine! Thank you!
Well, after all that pep talk, I believe I will make myself up a batch. I am a musician and more often than not, I have music stuck in my head, harmonies and such well into the early morning, especially after a long rehearsal or concert/gig…Music is my prayer, but it, too, must rest the brain. I suppose it’s time for yoga. I’ve been putting it off for 40 years, and my sister feels and looks pretty good since going to y’all. Do you have a good natural prune mixture that can work magic on the digestive system? I saw the fasting idea, but is there a marvelously tasty concoction out there?
Hi Nancy, Thanks for connecting. Sleep is a marvelous concoction that can heal the digestive system, and this delicious Sleep Tonic can also be a digestive aid so it has a double potency.
Beyond that, you might want to join our upcoming Autumn Cleanse as we offer foods and tonics that heal and strengthen digestion, and physiology all round.
love this recipe! thank you lauraji
thanks. love you, dipikaji!
I’m assuming the almonds should be raw, correct?
Yes, Dee. Sorry that wasn’t clear.
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Hi, I was wondering if I could use almond milk instead of raw almonds? Thank you.
Yes, Aline, definitely. It will make a thinner tonic, and of course,home made almond milk is best. Thanks!
Use inky almond milk I meant! Ops!
isn’t the pepper too stimulating?
hi debra, thanks for asking. i haven’t found that, nor ever heard anyone say so. it is there to help balance the heavy wet of the main ingredients, and does seem to give it just the right digestive boost. but if you think it is too much for you, you could replace it with a generous pinch of clove.
Reblogged this on Crystal's Whole Health and commented:
How many people could use some sweet dreams? I know I could!
Thank you, Crystal!
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This sounds great, am having major sleep issues. Can you make it ahead or does it need to made fresh everyday?
You can make it ahead but be sure to drink it warm. If sleep is a real challenge for you, Yoga Nidra might also be helpful. Wishing you sweet sleep and dreams.
Thank you! I already do yoga and will try the Nidra also.
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Laura, this recipe look fantastic. I am brand new to ayurveda, so this might seem like a dumb question, but do I use ground spices (cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric and nutmeg) for this?
Yes, Jay. It’s a great question. Measurements refer to the ground powder, which you may enjoy grinding yourself. Thanks!
Hi Laura. I’m new to Ayurveda and as I sometimes have trouble sleeping I thought I’d try this drink. It tasted absolutely divine but unfortunately I slept worse than ever. Could it be the richness that I’m not used to? I used raw milk sourced locally here in Yorkshire UK. My digestion is quite sensitive at times. Thank you.
Hi Karen, I am sorry to hear that! Could it be that almond milk would be better for you than cow’s milk?
This Rasayana is the most delicious way to end the day. I am making it almost every night and have a restful revitalizing sleep. Thank you for sharing it. Claire
Dearest Claire, Thank you! I love hearing that you are taking good care of yourself. You matter!
This sounds delicious! Laura, you are amazing! Ty for this fantastic site and yummy recipe 😊
Is this safe
To have every night? 🙂
Yes!
Is there an alternative to ghee!
of course – you can use coconut oil. enjoy!
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Making healthy recipes like this one.
So glad I read all the great comments! I wasn’t even sure what ghee was….but I love and have coconut oil. Thanks so much for the recipe.
i have a post here on my blog on what ghee is and how to make it. i hope you enjoy the sleep tonic. thanks marva.
Oh I will have to try this! It’s been a lean week for sleep while traveling😴
good luck john. i hope you get some deep delicious sleep. love to you and lisa.
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Can I use coconut milk instead of the others? And coconut yogurt? I can go for days with almost zero sleep. Looking forward to trying this 🙂 thank you.
Yes! Coconut milk/yogurt is a good substitute. If your sleeping is so irregular you might need more of a boost, like one of Banyan Botanical’s sleep formula.
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