An important and effective Ayurvedic health supplement, Chyawanprash is well known for boosting immunity and treating various infections like cold and cough. A fruit jam-like tonic that tastes sweet, sour, and spicy, Chyawanprash has therapeutic potential, which has been proved scientifically.
Chyawanprash word is made up of ‘Chyawan’ and ‘Prasha’. While Chyawan is the name of a sage, it also symbolises degenerative change. Prasha means a drug that can be consumed. This ancient Indian formulation was prepared as per a traditional Ayurvedic recipe, which entered the large scale consumer market in the 1950s.
Its nutrient-rich ingredients
This ancient Indian tonic is made up of several nutrient-rich herbs and minerals. Rich in antioxidants, Chyawanprash is formulated by processing about 50 medicinal herbs and their extracts including Amla (Indian gooseberry), which is its main ingredient. It also consists of honey, clove, cardamom, and cinnamon for flavour.
Chyawanprash contains four categories of herbal drugs—Dashmula class (ten roots), Chaturjata class (four aromatic plants), Ashtavarga (eight medicinal herbs) and a general class consisting of those materials that do not belong to the previous classes.
Regular consumption is essential
This Ayurvedic tonic balances the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In other words, it is beneficial for all body types. Chyawanprash’s health benefits are mostly because of its ingredient, Amla. Other herbs and spices used in the tonic also aid in making it a powerful Rasayana.
When consumed daily, Chyawanprash maintains physiological functions and rejuvenates the whole body. Its regular intake helps to attain immunity, enhances memory power, eliminates diseases, improves the functioning of the senses, builds up strength and stamina, improves the digestive system and improves skin quality.
Boosts immunity
Amla, the main ingredient in Chyawanprash, is rich in Vitamin C. This antioxidant boosts immunity. Studies have shown that vitamin C has a positive effect on bolstering immunity. In addition, Amla has adaptogenic properties, which helps the body to adapt to stress. Chyawanprash helps the body to produce haemoglobin and white blood cells. Amla detoxifies the body and cleanses the blood, liver, spleen and the lungs, promoting healthy muscle mass.
Improves digestion
Chyawanprash improves digestion and metabolism. It aids in eliminating the accumulated excreta by improving digestion and excretion. It also alleviates nausea, vomiting, hyperacidity, dyspepsia, and flatulence. The Amla-based tonic supports the liver by removing ama, or toxins from the blood, thereby producing ojas.
Improves gastrointestinal functions
This Ayurvedic tonic has been found to improve gastrointestinal functions. It purifies the blood and promotes healthy liver function.
Strengthens the heart
Chyawanprash acts as a vital cardio tonic, which strengthens the functions of the heart and helps in heart-pumping rhythm. It corrects blood disorders and improves the functions of the vascular system. It has the ability to rejuvenate and restore the functions of the cardiovascular system.
Improves respiratory health
Studies have found that Chyawanprash promotes lung power and helps to maintain the respiratory passage healthy. Proved to be a vital tonic in winter months, Chyawanprash enhances strength, energy and helps to fight infections by boosting overall health and wellbeing.
Improves memory
Chyawanprash nourishes the brain cells and improves memory. Consequently, it enhances learning ability and intellect. It acts as an anti-depressive, and relaxes the nervous system, and helps in insomnia.
Improves sexual life
Chyawanprash is known to balance the endocrine system and the hormonal flow. Its regular intake will improve sexual life, and boost fertility in men and women. It improves semen quality in males and the menstrual cycle in females.
Strengthening bones
Chyawanprash helps in absorption of calcium and protein, thereby strengthening bones and teeth, and improving muscle tone. It also enhances growth in children and helps to gain weight.
Promotes healthy skin
Regular intake of Chyawanprash makes the skin healthy and radiant. A study showed that vitamin C intake lowers wrinkles, reduces dry skin, and signs of ageing. The antioxidant Amla fights free radicals and promotes premature ageing.
When and how to take Chyawanprash
Usually, the tonic is consumed with milk (about 100-250 ml) on an empty stomach in the morning. The AYUSH Ministry has suggested consuming about 10g (1 tablespoon) of Chyawanprash in the morning. People, who have asthmatic or other respiratory problems, should take it with lukewarm water and not with milk or curd.
