One of the best ways to take care of your vitality, longevity, and immunity is with nourishing herbs. These herbs for deep nourishment are not a quick fix, but rather are most effective if taken over long periods of time. The herbs that I will discuss in this post are known as rasayanas in Ayurveda. You may recognize some of them as adaptogens. They are plant allies that work broadly and deeply to nourish us from the inside out.

The term rasayana is unique to Ayurveda. However, many of these herbs and their usages are shared across different herbal traditions. A rasayana is an herb that is deeply rejuvenating. Translated as “to enter the rasa” rasayanas work by penetrating the rasa (fluids, plasma) of the body which bathes all the other tissues and organs (Dass, 2013). Rasayanas support the agni (digestive fire) of all the bodily tissues, which ensures proper tissue development and elimination of wastes. As an ayurvedic practitioner and author Vishnu Dass (2013) describes, “[Rasayanas] promote the regeneration and revitalization of all cells, tissues, and organs, and increase immunity, vitality, mental function, and longevity”

Rasayanas have a broad-spectrum effect and they even contribute to the formation of ojas, the essential essence of the immune system (Dass, 2013). Furthermore, each rasayana has specific indications and a prabhav—a word in Ayurveda that describes a “special action” or targeted function. Now let’s take a look at rasayanas based upon the dosha that they are suited for, with a deeper dive into a few nourishing herbs that you may be less familiar with.

Rasayanas that are particularly suited for vata dosha are generally heavy, warm, and deeply nourishing—though there are exceptions to this guideline. Heavy, warm herbs are often best for vata types because vata dosha is cold, light, and dry in nature. You can learn more about vata dosha in my article 3 Tips on Managing Vata Dosha During Autumn. Examples of vata-pacifying nourishing herbs include ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root, kapi kacchu (Mucuna pruriens) seed, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) fruit, haritaki (Terminalia chebula) fruit, and guggulu (Commiphora mukul) resin. Sesame seeds, sesame oil, and ghee are also particularly beneficial for vata dosha (Dass, 2013). Seeds, oils, and ghee bring balance to dryness and lightness—hallmark characteristics of vata dosha. Also, sesame seeds and sesame oil are warming and nourishing.