When I think of vitality, I think of the incredible combination of shatavari and ghee blended into a delicious bedtime latte. This nourishing drink is not only delicious but is also packed with good fat and the beneficial qualities of hormone-balancing shatavari and the golden elixir ghee!
The Benefits of Shatavari and Ghee
Both shatavari and ghee hold a special place of honor in Ayurveda, and for good reason. Nourishing, rejuvenating, and deeply supportive of our health, they make a dynamic duo for reproductive vitality and overall health.
Among a lengthy list of health-promoting benefits, shatavari has long been revered as an herb for supporting reproductive health.
Interestingly, one translation of the Sanskrit shatavari is “she who has one hundred husbands,” alluding to its building and nourishing powers in the female reproductive system, which is said to increase fertility and balance hormones. It is also known to support a healthy menstrual cycle and a smooth transition through menopause.
And ghee, considered the golden nectar of Ayurveda, is quite possibly the most lauded substance in Ayurveda. Ghee acts to lubricate the tissues of the body and also plays a big role in the transport of toxins out of the body. Ghee is said to promote memory and intelligence, and to support the digestive fire—the cornerstone of health and well-being.
How Ghee and Shatavari Enhance Each Other
Both ghee and shatavari are rasayanas—building, rejuvenating, and nourishing to the body's tissues. Shatavari is particularly rejuvenating to the reproductive organs and the blood.
On their own, ghee and shatavari are potent and effective. Blended together, they work synergistically to magnify and enhance each other's qualities.
When blended with milk, it further amplifies what this drink has to offer: milk too is a rasayana, and both ghee and milk are classified as anupans. As anupans, they help to carry the herbs deeper into the body's tissues, so the qualities of shatavari are enhanced through these vehicles.
Finally, as rasayanas, these ingredients support, protect, and build ojas.
What Is Ojas?
Imagine your body filled with a golden, honey-like substance that keeps you well and makes you happy, healthy, and vitalized. Ojas is something like this. It is also closely related to kapha dosha, which keeps the body lubricated and protected from diminishing forces like friction or dehydration.
Many describe ojas as that mysterious essence which keeps us “juicy” and excited about life.
If we don't nourish and protect ojas, it dries up and becomes insufficient. Our vitality suffers and our immunity is weakened. In short, life becomes a lot less fun. So you can imagine why we might want to preserve and cultivate this essence!
Sleep is one way we support our ojas, as is a healthy diet and daily routine. Not only is sleep a vital part of our lives, but a daily dose of quality deep sleep also equals increased ojas!
This bedtime latte is an excellent choice to increase and nourish ojas and to help support deep sleep, making it a great drink to have as part of your bedtime routine as it helps settle the body and mind for excellent sleep.
Purpose of the Spices
In general, spices are warming to the body and gently stimulating to the appetite. They also help balance the doshas. In the case of this latte, they add some warmth and lightness to the density of the milk and ghee, making it easier to digest. Cardamom is also said to neutralize the mucus-forming properties of milk.
You can see why the combination of all of these ingredients makes for an especially powerful drink!
Shatavari and Ghee Vitality Latte
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic whole milk from grass-fed cows (or nut milk of your choice)
- 1–2 teaspoons ghee
- ¼ teaspoons shatavari
- 2 medjool dates
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch cardamom
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 strand saffron
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a pot. Heat slowly until you reach the boiling point and then remove from heat. Pour into a blender (be careful when blending hot liquids). Blend for a minute or so. Pour into your favorite mug. Relax and enjoy before bed.
To your strength, vigor, and vitality!
