New Old Secret Of Chyawanprash

Chyawanprash has been around for thousands of years.

In short, Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic herbal tonic that is very high in vitamin C content and helps strengthen the immune system hence protecting the body from everyday infections like cough, fever and cold. It helps revitalize the mind and body and is the best health supplement to fight stress. It has beneficial qualities for all age groups and men and women alike. Chyawanprash is well known as an immunity booster, antioxidant, rejuvenator, a great source of vitamin C and a very good energy provider. It is made from natural herbs, fruits and spices and has been the preferred antioxidant to fight free radicals in the body.

Mythology:
Chyawanprash is named after a great sage called Chyawan who had become very old, but once more became young and strong by taking this preparation. According to the legend, Chyawan married a very young and beautiful princess. But he soon realized that he would become a burden to her and sought help from the celestial physicians. They worked on an herbal preparation that made him young and strong again. Hence this herbal preparation was called Chyawanprash.

Ingredients :
(47 all together)

The ingredients of Chyawanprash have been divided into the following categories:
1. Amla (Emblica officianalis) or Indian gooseberry constitutes the main ingredient of the formulation.

2. Processing ingredients: help to process the main ingredient i.e.  Pippali (Long Pepper), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Bala (Sida Cordifolia) etc.

3.  Ingredients as lipid media: help to promote tissue penetration of the main ingredient. Ghee and sesame oil fall under this category.

4. Preservative ingredients: help preserve the clinical efficacy of the main ingredient (Amla). Organic sugar is included under this category.

5. Flavoring ingredients: help balance the Doshas and Dhatus (tissues) in the body. Herbs that fall under this category are saffron, cinnamon, pippali etc.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – the main ingredient of Chyawanprash:
– Amla is highly regarded in India for its health and nutritional benefits.
– Its juice contains almost 30 times as much vitamin C as orange juice. Its fruit contains moisture, proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorous, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin C), fibers and carbohydrates and is therefore a very effective antioxidant and rejuvenator.
– It has been mainly used as a Rasayana to prevent aging, and promote health to eyes and hair.
– Its use is also recommended in heart diseases and other debilitating conditions.
– It is also known to improve intelligence and memory.

Benefits of Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash has been very thoroughly studied and has been labeled as the best antioxidant to be researched and used.
Chyawanprash is used to treat the following conditions:
– Cough
– Asthma
– Pulmonary tuberculosis
– Renal conditions
– Chest diseases
– Gout
– Urinary disorders
– Disorders of the reproductive system.
– Digestion: It promotes digestion and relieves nausea.
Ingredients like Amla and cinnamon help to treat hyperacidity, flatulence and dyspepsia
– Immune System: Due to its high vitamin C content, Chyawanprash enhances the immune system and thereby reduces the incidence of common infections like cough, cold and fever.
– Brain and heart: It is a very good cardiac stimulant and helps in the smooth functioning of the heart, nourishes the brain cells and promotes intelligence and memory. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system thereby aiding in stress relief.
– Respiratory system: Chyawanprash helps in the smooth functioning of the respiratory system by maintaining the moisture balance and stimulating the metabolism. It is very good to prevent coughs and colds. It is also known to reduce symptoms of asthma.
– Hair, skin, bones and teeth: It helps improve skin complexion and prevent skin infections.  It promotes hair growth and helps in calcium absorption and hence strengthening bones and teeth.
– As a liver tonic: The presence of herbs like Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Amla (Indian gooseberry), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) makes Chaywanprash a very good liver tonic.

How to take Chyawanprash:
In case of tonics more does’t necessarily means better. No matter what the manufacturer says smaller amounts work better. Unless your doctor prescribes differently it is traditionally taken with milk or water once a day – 1/2 teaspoon with warm milk or water. It can also be taken on its own or as  spread on toast, crackers, or bread.

Some sources recommend (and I believe it makes sense) to take Chyawanprash on waxing moon and take a break on waning.

TODAY’S  TIP : For best results do not swallow just keep the jam in mouth until it dissolves and then wash down with one or two sips of warm milk.