Soma: Ayurveda’s Elixir of Bliss & Vitality

As winter wraps around us with her quiet stillness, Ayurveda invites us to return to Soma—the nourishing essence that softens, soothes, and sustains us.

In Vedic wisdom, Soma is the cooling nectar of the moon, the essence of nourishment and peace, and the deep inner calm we access through rest, beauty, and presence. It is the opposite of burnout. It is the sweetness behind stillness. And it is especially vital during this cold, dry, and depleting season.

 

What is Soma?

In Ayurveda and the Vedic tradition, Soma is much more than a substance—it is a divine principle, a sacred energy, and the essence of all that nourishes and restores.

Soma is said to flow from the moon, delivering its cool, calming, and rejuvenating properties to all of nature. It is the subtle nectar that nourishes the mind, heart, and body, promoting peace, longevity, and inner contentment.

In the classical Ayurvedic texts, Soma is described as:

• The lunar essence that balances heat, stress, and overactivity

• The source of Ojas, our deep vitality and immunity

• A stabilizing force that supports fertility, emotional equilibrium, and sleep

• The sweetness of sattva, the pure, clear state of mind

During the Full Moon, Soma is believed to be at its peak—making it the ideal time to slow down, receive, and replenish. When we engage in gentle, nurturing practices during this time, we allow Soma to gather in our tissues, calming the nervous system and restoring our inner radiance.

You can invite Soma into your life through moonlight rituals, cooling herbs like Shatavari and Brahmi, quiet reflection, and sensory beauty—all of which soften the edges of modern life and return you to your natural rhythm.

 

Winter & the Full Moon: Time to Replenish Soma

Winter increases Vata and dryness, often leaving us scattered, anxious, or depleted. The Full Moon, in contrast, overflows with Soma—its silvery light enhances receptivity, calm, and emotional clarity.

This is the perfect time to pause, nourish your body, and gently restore your inner reserves.

 

Soma-Nourishing Rituals for This Season

 

1. Daily Abhyanga (Oil Massage)
Our BioVeda Vata Oil, rich in Black Sesame, Ashwagandha, Bala, and calming herbs, deeply nourishes the skin, grounds the nervous system, and supports immunity. Warm gently and massage before bathing. Our you may need our Kapha Oil at this stage in Winter. 

2. Brahmi Oil (for the scalp)
Apply to the crown or massage gently into the scalp to cool the mind, enhance mental clarity, and support deep, lucid sleep during Full Moon energy.

3. Chandanadi Thailam
A sandalwood-based cooling oil ideal for Pitta types or anyone needing emotional cooling and heart-space expansion during the Full Moon. Especially beneficial for reducing menopausal night sweats. 

3. Ashwagandha Powder
A powerful adaptogen and Soma-builder. Add ½ tsp to warm milk with ghee, cardamom, and a pinch of nutmeg before bed to encourage deep, dream-rich sleep and emotional resilience. Delicious and so grounding. 

4. Full Moon Ritual Tea
Our Organic dried herbs can be mixed into a beautiful teas to suit your individual needs. Here is one you may like to try: Winter Full Moon Tea (blend of Shatavari, Rose petals, Brahmi, and Licorice) designed to be sipped under moonlight or in quiet reflection. Calming, cooling, and heart-opening.

Recommended Ayurvedic Oils for Winter + Full Moon Soma Rituals

1. Ksheerabala Thailam

• Why it’s ideal: Deeply nourishing and restorative, this classical oil is made with Bala, milk (ksheera), and sesame oil—a beautiful combination that pacifies Vata, builds Ojas, and supports the nervous system. It is slightly cooling. 

• Use for: Abhyanga, post-bath oiling, joint and nerve tenderness, sleep rituals.

2. Dhanwantharam Thailam

• Why it’s ideal: This powerful yet grounding formula supports circulation, musculoskeletal strength, and is often used post-partum for rejuvenation. It’s warming, strengthens core vitality, and pacifies Vata without overheating.

• Use for: Full body massage, especially if feeling cold, weak, or scattered.

3. Maha Narayana Thailam

• Why it’s ideal: A rasayana (rejuvenating) oil infused with herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Dashamoola, and Sandalwood. Perfect for deep tissue nourishment, pain relief, and Soma cultivation through stillness and inner ease.

• Use for: Evening abhyanga, before rest, or during moon-gazing rituals.

4. Pinda Thailam

• Why it’s ideal: Especially helpful if Pitta is flaring during the Full Moon. This cooling, anti-inflammatory oil contains Manjishtha and is used traditionally for skin heat, inflammation, or joint pain.

• Use for: Spot application to inflamed areas, foot massage before bed.