Amazing benefits of Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash is a delicious, herbal formula, nutritive jam that has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to boost overall vitality, restore youthfulness and boost immunity to protect against disease.
Chyawanprash is named after a Rishi, or sage by the name of Chyawan, who was the first person to prepare this tonic. The story starts off with the sage, who was quite old in the beginning, restoring his youthfulness and vitality with the use of this herbal tonic.
In Sanskrit, the word, “prash” refers to a specially prepared food – thus the name, “chyawanprash”.
This nutritive jam is mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic book written by Charaka in the 4th century B.C. The formula for this herbal preparation is included and it claims that Chyawanprash is the best and most effective of all herbal tonics available to mankind.
Ayurvedic jams are often used as anupans (carriers) for other herbs, but they can also be used on their own and frequently are— especially to rejuvenate and as aphrodisiacs. Chyanaprash is used as part of a rejuvenation program.
Chyawanprash is made with a mixture of herbs and substances. The base is amalaki fruit (Emblica officinalis) also called Amla or Indian Gooseberry. Amla is one of the worlds richest sources of Vitamin C (they say 30 times more Vitamin C than oranges!)
The formula also contains several other herbs including ashwagandha, saffron, long pepper, white sandalwood, cardamom, tulsi, brahmi, arjun, jatamansi, neem.
It also contains ghee, sesame oil, sugar, and/or honey. The honey, ghee, and sesame oil serve as yogavahis (catalytic agents) to carry the herbs deep into the tissues.
The sugar is used a samvahaka dravya (preservative substance) which helps to safeguard the clinical efficacy of the main ingredients.
All this combined creates the consistency of a jam, which is why it’s often referred to as a fruity jam with honey in it.
Health Benefits
Chyawanprash for Supporting Overall Strength, Immunity, and Rejuvenation
The primary action of Chyawanprash is to bolster immunity. As it is high in Vitamin C, it aids in the production of haemoglobin and white blood cells. It protects the body from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections which makes this a great medicine to take this time of year (Autumn) before the winter flu’s kick in.
Amla supports elimination of toxins (ama) and supports the blood, liver, spleen and respiratory system. It is deeply nourishing to the bodies tissues so builds overall strength and resilience; it therefore protects the body’s natural defence systems.
From an Ayurvedic perspective it builds Ojas – the essence of immunity and youthfulness. It pacifies vata, pitta, and kapha and is considered a rasayana (rejuvenative) for all of the tissues in the body.
Chyawanprash is safe for both the elderly and young children to take. It is wonderful to take after a Panchakarma program to rejuvenate the body after the cleanse.
Other benefits:
- Strong mind: Chyawanprash is said to support healthy aging and to promote intelligence, concentration and memory. The herbs it contains have potent anti-anxiety and anti-depressant actions also.
- Healthy Respiratory system: beneficial for the healthy functioning of the lungs. This makes it an ideal and healthy, herbal remedy for those with asthma and chronic bronchitis.
- Strong digestion: balances stomach acids, promoted assimilation and absorption of nutrients into the blood. Provides relief in constipation and reduces flatulence.
- Great for heart health: Arjuna, an herb found in this formula strengthens heart health and regulates blood pressure.
- Anti-aging: Chywanprash is high in antioxidants, delays aging of cells, provides proper cellular nutrition and promotes longevity. Its also said this formula prevents wrinkles and greying of hair.
Recommended Dosage:
- One teaspoon should be taken twice a day — once in the morning and then again at night. The usual dose of chyawanprash is 1–2 teaspoons, once or twice daily. Children can take ½ teaspoon daily. Please seek advice by your healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplementation.
- It can be taken directly, or traditionally is mixed with warm milk or water.
- You can enjoy taking this herbal tonic by spreading it on a cracker or bread, as well.
Buying Chyawanprash
There are a lot of chyawanprash brands on the market. Make sure you buy from a reputable source which will ensure you are purchasing a high-quality product with good quality ingredients from an ethical source. Speak to your local Ayurvedic Practitioner for a trusted brand, or be in touch and we can point you in the right direction.
For more information or to book an health consultation or private yoga class, please contact rejuvenation@sukhavatibali.com.
Author: Tegan Wallis
Holistic Health Practitioner