Chywanprash- The nectar of Ayurveda

Benefits, Ingredients, Indications, Usage, Side effects, Research Papers.

Regarded by many as the ultimate health tonic, chyavanprash has been widely used in India since ages. It is an ayurvedic herbal concoction that acts as an energizer, rejuvenator and immunity booster. A sage named Chyavana is believed to have prepared this tonic for the first time and regained his youth and vitality, hence the name chyavanprash.

Consuming chyavanprash offers a whole host of benefits. It balances the three doshas – pitta, kapha, and vatta in the body. It is considered to act as a blood purifier by eliminating toxins from the body. It aids in digestion, strengthening the immune system, easing constipation, enhancing fertility, fighting bacterial skin infection, slowing down the aging process and so on. It is also considered as a memory booster.

The first historically documented composition of chyavanprash is found in an ancient ayurvedic document, called the Charaka Samhita. According to that, the chyavanprash contains 48 different ingredients out of which the chief ingredient is Amla (Emblica Officinalis). With a number of companies engaging in the production of chyavanprash nowadays, its ingredients often differ from one brand to another though Amla remains the prime component.

The chief herbal ingredients that most chyavanprash are made of include:

• Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis)
• Bamboo manna (Tabasheer or Bamboo silica)
• Blue Egyptian water lily (Nymphaea Caerulea)
• Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum)
• Chebulic myrobalan (Terminalia Chebula)
• Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum Aromaticum)
• Cinnamon bark ((Cinnamomum Verum)
• Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum)
• Indian Rose Chestnut (Mesua Ferrea)
• Country mallow (Sida Cordifolia)
• Feather foll plant or Bhumyamalaki(Phyllanthus Niruri)
• Fresh Amla fruit or Indian gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis)
• Giant potato or Kiribadu Ala (Ipomoea Mauritiana)
• Indian kudzu (Pueraria Tuberose)
• Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
• Long pepper (Piper Longum)
• Malabar nut (Seed of Adhatoda Vasica)
• Nut grass (Cyperus Rotundus)
• Round zedoary (Zedoaria Rotunda)
• Sandalwood (Santalum Spicatum)
• Sesame oil
• Spreading hogweed (Boerhavia diffussa)
• Tiger’s claw or Ice plant
• Wild black gram
• Wild green gram
• Winter cherry or Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Most of the chyavanprash ingredients can be scientifically classified into the following groups:

Pradhana Dravya

Pradhana Dravya means the main ingredient. As mentioned earlier, in most chywanprash compositions, Amla (Emblica Officinalis) is used as the chief ingredient.

Samsadhana Dravya

Samsadhana Dravya means those elements that aid in processing the main ingredient. Example: Pippali (Long Pepper), Draksha (Vitis Vinifera), Bala (Sida Cordifolia), etc.

Yamaka Dravya

This set of ingredients helps to treat the main ingredient. The procedure of the treatment is called lyophilization. This promotes tissue penetration of the main ingredient. Example: clarified butter, sesame oil. 

Samvahaka Dravya

Samvahaka Dravya means those components used to preserve the Chyavanprash. Apart from preserving the main ingredient, it also acts as a carrier for the main and supportive ingredients. Example: sugar.

Prakshepa Dravya

These ingredients are mainly used for flavoring and are also known as balancing drugs as they help balance the Doshas and Dhatus (tissues) in the body. Example: saffron, cinnamon, pippali, etc. In Ayurveda, Chyawanprash is believed to possess anti-stress properties. It rejuvenates and also has antioxidant properties. Chyawanprash pacifies all doshas. It strengthens your body’s immune system. In addition, it also enhances your stamina along with general well being.

Chyawanprash is a complete health tonic for the entire family with multiple health benefits.

Chyavanprash is a mixture of 49 powerful ayurvedic herbs with ‘amla’ (Indian gooseberry) as the base. The other ingredients in this traditional recipe include Ashwagandha, Pippali, Cardamom, Nutmeg and Cinnamon in a base of Ghee (clarified butter) and honey.  Amalaki, unrefined sugar, sesame oil, bamboo manna,  Cinnamon,  Saffron, Cloves, Chandana (sandalwood), Indian Kudju, Asparagus, Indian trumpet Flower, Sida cardifolia, Indian Nightshade, Guduchi, Haritaki, Licorice, Water Lily, Punaranava, Bhumyamalaki, Vasaka, Eagle Wood are some of the other ayurvedic herbs.

Benefits

1) Strengthens the Digestive and Immune System: Chayvanprash’s basic ingredient amla has 30 times more vitamin C than orange and helps in strengthening the immune system and expediting the healing process.

2) Good for Heart and Brain: The perfect blend of Ayurvedic herbs acts as a cardiac stimulant and helps in the smooth functioning of the heart. Chyavanprash nourishes the brain cells by supporting the nervous system and enhances co-ordination and memory power.

3) For Lung, Liver, and Kidneys: The smooth functioning of the lungs is facilitated by the regular intake of chyavanprash. Chyavanprash helps purify the blood and eliminate toxins. It helps the downward flow of energy in the body and eases constipation.

4) The holistic traditional formula of chyavanprash improves skin complexion, glow and fights the dermal bacterial infection.

5) It promotes hair growth and helps the absorption of calcium resulting in strong bones and teeth.

6) It is especially good for alleviating cough and asthma.

7) Chyavanprash enhances fertility, keeps menstruation regular and helps to overcome difficulties in conception.

Indications

General Debility, Cough, Asthma, Tuberculosis, Infertility.

Dosage and Usage

One to two teaspoon twice daily after food along with warm organic milk. Please give enough time for digestion.

Chyvanprash is a unique rasayana from the treasures of Ayurveda. Proper usage enables longevity and eternal happiness. So this preparation is popular globally and continues to conquer the healthy minds.