Ashokarishta: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

Introduction: 

Ashokarishta is a famous Ayurvedic formulation that is made from the bark of the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca).¹ In this blog, we’ll discuss the ingredients of Asokarishtam, its method of preparation, various Ashokarishta uses and benefits, how to use and its side effects.

Ingredients of Ashokarishta & Their Properties:

The major ingredients of Ashokarishta include- Water for decoction, Jaggery, and Ashoka (Saraca asoca).³   

• Ashoka- It may have anticarcinogenic (preventing or delaying cancer) and antitumor  
• Bibhitaki- it may have anti-inflammatory  properties
• Vasa-It may be antispasmodic (Relieving muscle spasms)  
• Mustaka- It may show anti-inflammatory  activity
• Amrasthi- It may have potential antitumor  properties
• Amalaki-  It may have anti-oxidant  (preventing cell damage), anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory  properties
• Nilotpala- It may show analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory  properties
• Krishna  Jeeraka- It may be anti-spasmodic  
• Haritaki-  Anti-oxidant, Anti-carcinogenic  
• Mustaka- It may show anti-inflammatory activity  
• Shweta  Jeeraka- It may posses antispasmodic and anticarcinogenic  properties
• Daruharidra- It may demonstrate antitumor and anti-inflammatory  properties
• Dhataki- It may have potential anti-tumor  effect^2,3

Method of Preparation:

Ashoka tree bark may be extracted and it is obtained and made into a decoction.  Other medicinal herbs are then processed with this decoction and left to ferment naturally to produce Ashokarishta.^4,1

1. Wash and dry the Ashoka herb and obtain a powdered form of the bark. 

2. To make the decoction, boil the powdered bark of Ashoka with a large amount of water. 

3. Shift the decoction to a glass container and mix jaggery into the mixture. 

4. Boil the mixture and filter it. 

5. Then take other ingredients mentioned above and make them into a powdered form. Add this powder to the decoction.  

6. Close the container using a lid and select a temperature for the fermentation process to occur.  

7. Fermentation occurs in a few days and Ashokarishta is formed. 

A quick story for you! A 15-year-old girl had an ovarian cyst and received hormonal therapy without success. after this, instead of surgery, she opted for an Ayurvedic solution. This remedy included a daily dose of 40ml Ashokarishta along with other Ayurvedic medicines. Interestingly, after two months, the cyst disappeared, and she found relief. However, more research is still needed to confirm these fantastic results.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Ashokarishta:    

In ancient times, it was believed that the Ashoka tree possessed a quality to reduce sorrow. It has been called “Friend  of women” as it may have some beneficial benefits for many health conditions. Ashoka can be used either internally or externally, depending on the condition.⁵ There are many potential Ashokarishta uses, including:

Potential Uses of Ashokarishta for Skin:  

Ashokarishta may enhance skin complexion and protect the body from toxins due to its detoxification properties. It is also effective in treating acne, and dark patches². These potential Ashokarishta benefits are not backed up by sufficient research, so it is advised that you take it only if prescribed by a qualified doctor.

Also Read: Safed Musli: Benefits, Nutritional Value, Side Effects & Precautions

Other Potential Uses of Ashokarishta:  

• Ashokarishta may function as a uterine tonic and is said to help with heavy bleeding during periods, severe cramps,  tiredness and a burning sensation while menstruating, and can be considered potential Ashokarishta benefits for periods. ¹
• Ashokarishta may also be effective in inflammations due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics. ¹
• It may functions as a diuretic (expelling excess water from the body through urine) and a detoxifying agent.
• It may be also helpful in arthritis and may demonstrate pain-relieving properties.²
• It may help reduce pain by its acting on nerves.    
• It may be effective for problems related to digestion.  
• Ashoka may have astringent (skin tightening) properties and it may be helpful in bleeding disorders.  
• Ashoka may be useful in managing helminthiasis (worm infections).  
• It may help to reduce body temperature.  
• Ashoka may also help in dysuria and kidney stones.  
• Ashoka paste may be applied on the affected area to reduce pain.  ⁵

Though there are studies that show the potential uses of ashokarishta in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of ashokarishta on human health.

Did you know that Ashokarishta is a magical concoction that may help in treating menstrual disorders like leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, and irregular menstruation? This powerful elixir comes to the rescue, bringing balance and harmony to the female body.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Ashokarishta: 

Ashokarishta is to be taken after a meal along with the same quantity of water. Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the dosage as per your age and condition. It is essential to get a complete examination and diagnosis of your condition before initiating the treatment.¹  

You may consult your Ayurvedic physician for the form and dosage. In addition, we advise you to not replace or quit your current medications with any herbal preparations made from ashokarishta without talking to a physician or an Ayurvedic doctor.

Ashokarishta has a possible targeted action on the mucosa of the uterus and the gastrointestinal tract. It works its magic and might be effective in reducing catarrhal (mucous) build-up and inflammation in these areas. When nothing else works, Ashokarishta might just swoop in to save the day by calming and healing the uterus and gastrointestinal tract.

Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Side Effects of Ashokarishta: 

Generally, Ashokarishta is safer than modern alternatives when taken in recommended doses. However, despite different Asokarishtam uses, an overdose of Ashokarishta may produce side effects like nausea and vomiting.⁹  

Therefore, if you experience any of such side effects, seek immediate medical help from your doctor who has prescribed it to you. They will be the best guide for providing proper treatment to overcome side effects.

Ashokarishta, made from the bark of the Ashoka tree, has some fascinating powers! It’s like a personal trainer for the uterus and may help to tone and regulate its muscles for a smoother menstrual flow. This magical bark is rich in tannin and catechin, which directly work their magic on the uterine muscles. Not only that, but it might also activate the endometrium and ovarian tissue!

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Precautions & Warnings to be Taken with Ashokarishta: 

• Ashokarishta must be avoided if menstrual problems like heavy bleeding and menstrual pain have not shown any improvement.  ⁴
• Ashokarishta is said to have a cardiotonic action (contraction of the heart muscle to improve blood flow). However, it should not be used in cardiac diseases without the doctor’s supervision.⁴    
• One must take extra precautions while giving it to children and elderly adults might develop a few harmful reactions in the body.
• Without consulting a doctor, people should not use ashokarishta to self-medicate themselves.

Also Read: Gulvel – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

References:

1. Kamini Dhiman et al; Ayurvedic treatment of ovarian cystic mass: A case study. Journal of biological and scientific opinion. 2014, 2(4). Available from: http://www.jbsoweb.com/admin/php/uploads/152_pdf.pdf 
2. Planet Ayurveda. Ashokarishta (Asokarishtam) Ashokarishta uses, benefits, indications, and dosage. [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/ashokarishta-asokarishtam/ 
3. Planet Ayurveda. Ashoka (saracaasoca) – Properties, benefits, parts used, and dosage. [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/ashoka-saraca-asoca/ 
4. National center for biotechnology information. Ayurvedic management of recurrent abortions due to uterine fibroid. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5566827/ 
5. AYURLOG: National journal of research in Ayurved science. A clinical study to evaluate the role of kuberaksha and Ashokarishta in the management of PCOS. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ayurlog.com/index.php/ayurlog/article/view/493 
6. P. Pradhan, L. Joseph, V. Gupta, R. Chulet, H. Arya, R. Verma, A. Bajpai; Saraca asoca (Ashoka): A review. Journal of chemical and pharmaceutical research. 2009, 1(1): 62-71. Available from: https://www.jocpr.com/articles/saraca-asoca-ashoka-a-review.pdf 
7. National center for biotechnology information. Kingiodendron pinnatum, a pharmacologically effective alternative for Saraca asoca in an Ayurvedic preparation, Ashokarishta. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756021/ 
8. Vikaspedia. Saraca asoca. [Internet] Available from: https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/saraca-asoca 
9. National center for biotechnology information. Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665193/ 

Also Read: Munakka: Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More

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