Introduction:
Ashokarishta is a famous Ayurvedic formulation that is made from the bark of the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca).
Ingredients of Ashokarishta & Their Properties:
The major ingredients of Ashokarishta include- Water for decoction, Jaggery, and Ashoka (Saraca asoca).
- Ashoka- Anticarcinogenic (preventing or delaying cancer), Antitumor
- Bibhitaki- Anti-inflammatory
- Vasa- Antispasmodic (Relieving muscle spasms)
- Mustaka- Anti-inflammatory
- Amrasthi- Antitumor
- Amalaki- Anti-oxidant (preventing cell damage), Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulatory
- Nilotpala- Analgesic (pain relieving), Anti-inflammatory
- Krishna Jeeraka- Anti-spasmodic
- Haritaki- Anti-oxidant, Anti-carcinogenic
- Mustaka- Anti-inflammatory
- Shweta Jeeraka- Antispasmodic, Anticarcinogenic
- Daruharidra- Antitumor, Anti-inflammatory
- Chandana- Anti-gonorrheal (Sexually transmitted disease)
- Dhataki- Anti-tumor
Method of Preparation:
Extract from the bark of the Ashoka tree is obtained and made into a decoction. Other medicinal herbs are then processed with this decoction and left to ferment naturally to produce Ashokarishta.
- Wash and dry the Ashoka herb and obtain a powdered form of the bark.
- To make the decoction, boil the powdered bark of Ashoka with a large amount of water.
- Shift the decoction to a glass container and mix jaggery into the mixture.
- Boil the mixture and filter it.
- Then take other ingredients mentioned above and make them into a powdered form. Add this powder to the decoction.
- Close the container using a lid and select a temperature for the fermentation process to occur.
- Fermentation occurs in a few days and Ashokarishta is formed.
Therapeutic Uses of Ashoka:
In ancient times, it was believed that the Ashoka tree possessed a quality to reduce sorrow. It has been called “Friend of women” as it is being used in the treatment of menorrhagia (heavy bleeding during periods) and other women-related problems. Ashoka can be used either internally or externally depending on the condition.
- It helps reduce pain by its acting on nerves.
- It is effective in treating problems related to digestion.
- Ashoka has astringent (skin tightening) properties and is helpful in bleeding disorders.
- Ashoka is useful in managing helminthiasis (worm infections).
- Ashoka helps in blood purification and blood circulation.
- It helps reduce body temperature.
- Ashoka is used for treating dysuria and renal calculi.
- Ashoka paste can be applied on the affected area to reduce pain.
- Ashoka paste is effective in poisoning cases due to its antidotal characteristics.
Benefits of Ashokarishta:
- Ashokarishta functions as a uterine tonic and is said to help with heavy bleeding during periods, severe cramps, tiredness, and a burning sensation while menstruating.
- Ashokarishta is also effective in treating inflammation of the ovaries and uterus due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics.
- It also helps treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Apart from addressing gynecological problems, it also functions as a diuretic (expelling excess water from the body through urine) and a detoxifying agent.
- It is also helpful in arthritis and has pain-relieving properties.
Benefits of Ashokarishta for Skin:
- Ashokarishta enhances skin complexion and protects the body from toxins due to its detoxification properties.
- It is also effective in treating acne, and dark patches.
Benefits of Ashokarishta for Menstrual Problems:
- Ashokarishta has been used for several gynecological problems like amenorrhea (absence of periods), menorrhagia (heaving bleeding during periods), and metrorrhagia (irregular periods).
- It also helps in balancing female hormones.
- It is also effective in uterine inflammation, menstrual pain, and ovarian pain.
- Ashokarishta relaxes the muscles of the uterus.
Benefits of Ashokarishta for Abortions:
- Uterine fibroids are benign masses inside a women’s uterus. They are non-cancerous and often develop during childbearing years.
- Uterine fibroids could affect pregnancy and delivery.
- Ashokarishta taken along with other herbal medicines helps relieve the symptoms and restore fertility in women.
Benefits of Ashokarishta for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):
Ashokarishta combined with other herbal remedies is effective in enhancing hormone utilization and promotes hormone balance. This medicine helps relieve symptoms of PCOS and strengthens the menstrual system.
Other Benefits of Ashokarishta:
Ashokarishta is also helpful in bleeding piles, dysentery, backache, inflammation, anemia, vaginal discharge, and excessive salivation.
How to Use Ashokarishta:
Ashokarishta is to be taken after a meal along with the same quantity of water. Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the dosage as per your age and condition. It is essential to get a complete examination and diagnosis of your condition before initiating the treatment.
Side Effects of Ashokarishta:
Generally, Ashokarishta is safer than modern alternatives when taken in recommended doses. However, an overdose of Ashokarishta may produce side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Precautions & Warnings to be Taken with Ashokarishta:
- Ashokarishta must be avoided if menstrual problems like heavy bleeding and menstrual pain have not shown any improvement.
- Ashokarishta is said to have a cardiotonic action (contraction of the heart muscle to improve blood flow). However, it should not be used in cardiac diseases without the doctor’s supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Where are Ashoka Trees Commonly Found?
In India, the Ashoka tree is extensively found in South India, Orissa, and Assam. Ashoka tree thrives well in tropical places with well-distributed rainfall.
2) Can Ashokarishta be Used for Digestion Problems?
An imbalance of Pitta dosha leads to indigestion (upset stomach). Ashokarishta balances the pitta dosha and helps treat indigestion.
3) Can Ashokarishta be Used in Menopausal Syndrome?
Menopausal refers to the symptoms that occur when a woman’s period of fertility comes to an end. Ashokarishta used with herbal remedies like Ashwagandha churna and praval pishti is effective in psychological symptoms like headache, depression, mood swings, etc. It is also helpful in vaginal discharge and GIT disturbances.
4) Can Ashokarishta be Used for Piles?
Piles or hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that can occur inside or around your anus. Ashokarishta is effective in the management of piles due to astringent properties. It provides relief from the burning sensation in piles.
5) What are the different formulations obtained from the Ashoka tree?
Saraca asoca is marketed in different formulations like Ashokarishta, Ashokkwath, flower powder, seed powder, and Ashokghrita.