Ashoka plant immensly benefits girls and women who struggle with menstraul problems . It is an important Ayurveda herb used mainly used in gynecological conditions. The botanical name of Ashoka plant is Saraka indica or Saraca ashoka. This plant belongs to Caesalpiniodeae family.
The word Ashoka is one which help to relieve the shoka ( greif) or sufferings.
Latin Name: Saraka Indica or Saraca Ashoka
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Ashok
- Bengali: Ashok
- Tamil: Asogam
- Telugu: Ashokamu
- Kannada: Ashoka
- Malayalam: Ashokam
- Marathi: Ashok
- Gujarati: Ashok
Sanskrit Name: Ashoka , Hempushpa.
Ashoka plant benefits in Ayurveda
The Ashoka tree has been celebrated in Ayurveda for centuries. Each part of the plant—its bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds—has unique therapeutic properties. Below are some of its properties in Ayurveda:
Ras ( taste )
- Kashay (Astringent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Virya ( Potency)
- Shita (Cooling)
Vipak ( Post -digestive effect )
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Light)
- Ruksha (Dry)
Benefits of Ashoka tree
Gynecological Health
The bark of the Ashoka tree is particularly valued for its ability to support women’s health. It is used to:
- Treat irregular menstrual cycles.
- Alleviate dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
- Address uterine disorders such as endometriosis and fibroids.
- Reduce excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
Traditional Remedy: A decoction of Ashoka bark is a common preparation used to tone the uterus and regulate menstrual flow.
Digestive Wellness
The plant supports the digestive system by:
- Acting as an astringent to reduce diarrhea.
- Also useful in dysentry with blood .
Usage: A powdered form of the bark is often combined with honey or warm water to ease gastrointestinal issues.
Skin Health
The Ashoka plant benefits the skin because of its ability to:
- Detoxify the skin and improve its texture.
- Treat acne and blemishes.
- Heal wounds and prevent infections due to its antimicrobial properties.
Tip: A paste made from Ashoka flowers can be applied topically to soothe skin irritations.
Mental Helath & Stress
In Ayurveda, the Ashoka plant is also known to:
- Calm the mind and reduce stress.
- Enhance mental clarity and focus.
Traditional Practice: Meditating under an Ashoka tree or consuming herbal teas made with its flowers is believed to uplift the mood and promote peace.
Medicinal Qualities of Ashoka Plant
Sheetala – coolant
Grahi – absorbent
Varnya– improves skin complexion
Doshahara– natural detoxifier, cleanser
Apachi hara– relieves growth,tumors
Trushnahara– relieves thirst
Dahahara– relieves burning sensation
Krumighna – relieves worm infestation
Shoshara _ relieves emaciation
Vishahara– useful in poisoning
Asrajit– useful in cardiac disorder acts as cardiac tonic
Gulmahar– relieves abdominal tumor bloating
Shulahar– relieves abdominal colic pain
Udarahar– useful in ascites
Adhmanahara– relieves bloating
Key Medicinal Compounds
The efficacy of the Ashoka plant comes from its rich phytochemical profile, including:
- Tannins: Promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Flavonoids: Powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
- Saponins: Help in detoxifying the body.
- Glycosides: Support cardiovascular health.
Spritual Significance of Ashoka tree
In addition to its medicinal uses, the Ashoka tree holds immense spiritual significance. It is said to be a favorite of Lord Buddha, and ancient texts mention its use in promoting fertility and warding off negative energy. Planting an Ashoka tree in your home or garden is considered auspicious and beneficial for overall well-being.
Goddess sita mata spent her days in Ashoka Vana- forest full of Ashoka tress, during her grief and was finally relieved from misery. The plant surely relieves various discomfort of women.
How to use Ashoka plant
Ashoka can be consumed in various forms, including:
Part used : stembark , seeds stem bark is usually used in decoction form.
Dosage : Kwatha ( Decoction) 40 -80 ml
Bija churna ( seed powder) 1-3 gms
Pushpa churna (flower powder) 1-3 gms
Cautions And Contraindications
It may worsen amenorrhea.
People with cardiac disorder should seek medical consultation before taking this herb.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Ashoka take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly shatavari work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been adviced with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Home Remedies of Ashoka
Ashoka in heavy bleeding in menstruation :
Take Ashoka stem bark 5 gms add one cup water and one cup milk to it. Boil this till only milk is left. Let it cool down . Drinking this milk helps to stop even severe bleeding during menstruation.
In all typyes of menstrual irregularities : Take ashok chaal ( bark stem) and crush it now add rasanjan ( extract of daruharidra berberis aristata) take this mixture with rice washed water and honey is helpful in all types of menstrual disorders.
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For Wound healing : disorders Ashoka bark decoction is prepared as mentioned above and used for washing and non healing ulcers.
Useful in leucorrhoea (White discharge) : Ashoka bark, Shatavari, Nagkeshar ( Mesua ferrea) are taken in equal amounts and make fine powder. 1-2 grams of this powder is mixed with cup of rice washed water and administered twice daily. This pacifies leucorrhea very effectively. In burping gastric regurgitation also this is found useful.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Ashoka
Ashoka (Saraka Asoka) is main ingriedients in following medicines
Ashokarishta : a very popular Ayurvedic medicine used in menstrual problems such as heavy bleeding, menorrhagia.
Chandanadi Tailam : menorrhagia Used in treatment of nasal bleeding, dizziness, jaundice , herpes etc.
Nyagrodhadi Kashyam : An herbal decoction used in bleeding disorders, obesity treatment etc.
Conclusion
The Ashoka plant is a timeless gift from nature that offers an array of health benefits, particularly for women’s health, skin care, and mental well-being. Its versatility and effectiveness make it an essential part of Ayurveda. By incorporating Ashoka into your daily life, you can harness its therapeutic properties to lead a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
What are your thoughts on the Ashoka plant? Have you ever used it in your wellness routine? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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