The Consumer Guide to Chyawanprash
In this guide... Chyawanprash (syn. Chayavan prash; Chayawan prash; Chyavanprash) Traditional uses Recent findings Do scientists know how it works? Amla's antioxidant actions have been confirmed in Japanese studies, and the fruit has proven useful in the treatment of anemia, diabetes, chronic respiratory disorders, colds, flu, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Amla also stimulates the immune system of some cancer patients. Clinical research suggests that it enables cells to regenerate, and that it increases lean body mass. It also has positive effects on interferon and corticosteroid secretion. In addition, the other herbs in chywanprash add therapeutic actions. For example, bala (Sida cordifolia) is a heart and nerve tonic; pippali (Piper longum), is a stomach and lung herb; and cinnamon improves circulation. Types of products Safety *Chyawanprash Herbs:
Traditional Uses
Modern Uses
Recent findings
Do scientists know how it works?
Types of products
Safety
References
Chyawanprash is an ayurvedic herbal tonic, used for over 5,000 years as a rejuvenating food. Chyawanprash contains a combination of up to 50 different herbs*, sugar, honey, sesame oil and clarified butter. The mixture is cooked slowly until it becomes a thick, sticky paste. Each of the ingredients contributes to actions of chyawanprash, and ayurvedic tradition holds that it helps to balance physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of life in order to assure optimal health. Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is the main ingredient, and one of the world's best sources of vitamin C.
In India, the sweet and spicy jam is recommended to prevent colds and provide quick energy. Its reputation for enhancing strength and vitality makes it the best known of all ayurvedic formulas. Because it improves all aspects of well being, it is considered a 'rasayana' in ayurveda. Rasayanas revitalize the body; they slow the aging process, prevent debility, and improve the quality of life. The many conditions it has been used for include digestive disorders, heart disease, allergies, scorpion sting and cancer.
Studies published in India note that chyawanprash has significant antioxidant actions, and that it assists the liver with its detoxifying function. In addition, experimental studies show that chyawanprash stimulates natural killer cell activity in the immune system.
Many, but by no means all of chywanprash's tonic effects are likely attributable to its antioxidant and vitamin C content. Science is still far from understanding all of the individual and synergistic effects of the many ingredients in chyawanprash or similarly complex ayurvedic and Chinese herbal formulas. Amla (Indian gooseberry; Emblica officinalis), one of the world's richest sources of vitamin C, is the main ingredient in chywanprash. One plum-sized fruit provides 700-1,000 mg vitamin C, which according to some studies is better absorbed by the body than synthetic vitamin C. The jam also contains antioxidant polyphenols and vitamin E.
Chywanprash is available as a jam-like product that is spread onto bread or added to tea, juice, or hot water. In India, it is traditionally taken in goat's milk.
Chywanprash may thin the blood, and may cause nosebleeds if taken to excess. It has also caused heartburn in some individuals, which can be relieved by reducing the dose. Because of its high sugar content, it is not recommended for people with diabetes.
References
Aegle marmelos, bark
Premna serratifolia,
Bignonia indica
Gmelina arborea
Bignonia suaveolens
Sida cordifolia, root
Hedysarum gangeticum
Uraria lagopoides
Phaseolus trilobus
Glycine debilis
Piper longum
Tribulus languinosus
Solanum xanthocarpum
Rhus succedeanea
Phyllanthus nirurui
Grapes
Caelogyne ovalis
Aplotaxis auriculata
Aquilaria agallocha
Chebulic myrbalans
Tinospora cordifolia
Riddhi or if not Sida cordifolia
Jivak or if not Tinosporia cordifolia
Rishabhaka (Bhemi kushmanda or Bamboo manna)
Curcuma zerumbet
Cyperus rotundus tubers
Boerhavia diffusa
Meda
Withania somnifera (or Cassia fistula)
Elettaria cardamomum
Nymphae stellata
Red Sandalwood
Convolvulus paniculatus
Justicia adhadota roots
Kakoli
Leea hirta
Emblica officinalis
Sesame oil
Cinamon
Mesua ferrea
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