Encountering challenge is an inevitable part of life. Whether its balancing the duties of home and work, training to run a marathon, starting a new business, or getting up at dawn to practice yoga, living fully means that you will be met with challenge. In order to meet life’s situations with strength and equanimity, building up one’s stamina and energy reserves makes a world of difference. When you are strong and resilient—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too—it is easier to bear life’s challenges and unpredictable moments with grace. If you are looking for some helping tools, there is much in the way of Ayurvedic medicines for energy and stamina.

Deep Nourishment

Ayurvedic medicines for energy and stamina are a bit different than performance-enhancers. Much of what we consider herbs for energy in Ayurveda fall under the category of rasayanas. These herbs are deeply nourishing, thus they help to build lasting energy from deep within. Let’s take a look at some herbs for energy and stamina for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.

Ayurveda for Energy - Vata Dosha

Vata dosha is like a bumblebee. Vata types tend to be energetic and to like movement. However, sometimes their stamina and endurance are not so good and they can tend to run off nervous energy. Therefore, herbs, foods, and lifestyle practices that nourish and regulate energy are helpful for Vata dosha. Ashwagandha is one of the premier herbs for Vata dosha when it comes to building energy and stamina. Translated as “the smell of a horse” ashwagandha is known for its ability to bestow endurance and vitality—horse power! This root is warming and nourishing. It serves many functions, including: boosting libido (especially for men), regulating sleep cycles, nourishing the nervous system, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha is an ingredient in Chyawanprash, which is one of Ayurveda's most popular and effective formulas for building strength and ojas (vitality). You can also take ashwagandha as a powder, capsule, infusion, or tincture.

Ayurveda for Energy - Pitta Dosha

It is perhaps worth mentioning that there are many options when it comes to Ayurvedic medicines for stamina and energy. Even for each dosha, there are multiple herbs to choose from. However, for Pitta dosha, one of the most rejuvenating herbs is amla or amalaki. The key ingredient in Chyawanprash, amla is a wonderful, versatile Ayurvedic medicine for energy and stamina. This tart berry is incredibly rich in vitamin C, and though it is quite sour has a cooling energy. Its cool energy makes it especially good for Pitta dosha. Amalaki also nourishes the blood and builds ojas. In fact, it nourishes all the bodily tissues (1).

Ayurveda for Energy - Kapha Dosha

If you are looking for Ayurvedic medicine for Kapha dosha, shilajit is a great choice. Actually a mineral pitch, shalajit is pungent, bitter, salty, astringent, and is heating and purifying—all while serving as a rejuvenative! Shilajit is particulary good for kidneys and urinary system, but also benefits the reproductive, nervous, and circulatory systems (1). This is an unusual rasayana in that it is heating, drying, and scraping, but these qualities make it balancing for Kapha dosha. If you are looking for Ayurvedic medicines for energy and stamina, there are a wealth of options to choose from. These are just a few ideas to get you started! Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), as well as a writer, editor, and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Her Ayurveda practice is based in Asheville, North Carolina and she is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville. References (1) Dass, V. (2013). Ayurvedic herbology: East & West. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.