Health Benefits Of Ashoka
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Ashoka
Ashoka is an important Ayurveda herb used mainly in bleeding gynecological conditions. Saraca asoca or Saraca indica is the scientific name of Ashoka and it belongs to the Caesalpinioideae family. Ashoka, known as the Ashoka briksh is one of the most ancient, sacred trees found all over India and is widely seen in Khasi, Bengal, Orissa, Assam, and South region. Ashoka requires strong sunshine, proper rainfall with organic soil for the proper growth and development. The plant is usually 10 to 12 m tall and has broad branches. It has compound, paripinnate (leaflets are borne in pairs), drooping, dark-green colored leaves. The flowers are arranged in clusters and are orange, orange-yellow, or white.
According to Ayurveda, Ashoka is useful in controlling internal bleeding, especially in the case of piles due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. It is also useful in relieving pain and healing wounds faster due to its Ropan (healing) property. Ashoka helps to manage various gynecological and menstrual problems in women such as heavy, irregular, and painful periods. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. So it helps in the management of infections, swelling, and pain. Besides these uses, it is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, difficulty in urination, ulcers, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), blood disorders, cancer, depression, and other health conditions. Asokarista, Asoka ghrita, Asoka decoction, and Asoka tablets are famous pharmaceutical preparations.
Plant Details
Name: Ashoka
Botanical Name: Saraca asoca or Saraca indica
Useful Parts: Bark, flowers, seeds
Names In Different Languages
English: Asoka
Hindi: Ashoka
Malayalam: Asokam
Bengali: Ashoka
Gujarati: Asopllaka
Kannada: Aksunkar, Ashokadamara, Achenge, Kankalimara
Tamil: Asogam, Asogm, Malaikkarunai, Asogu, Asokam, Sasubam
Telugu: Asoka, Asokapatta
Medicinal Properties Of Ashoka
Asoka has various medicinal properties, especially its bark and leaves. The main medicinal properties of Asoka are:
- Anti-diabetic
The flower of Ashoka contains Flavonoids. These flavonoids help the function of certain enzymes that are effective for the absorption of glucose.
- Anti-cancer
The bark of the Asoka contains compounds like Flavonoids, gallic acid, and phenolic compounds. These compounds prevent the increase of cancer cells and cause cancer cell death.
- Antioxidant
Flavonoids and the phenolic compounds present in the Asoka stop the release of free radicals and prevent cell damage.
- Antipyretic
Tannins and flavonoids present in the seed extract of the Asoka tree reduce the high body temperature.
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
Flavonoids present in the bark and dried flower extract are known to reduce pain and swelling.
- Anti-bacterial
Flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in the bark and dried leaves extract of Asoka control the action of several bacteria.
- Anthelmintic
Alkaloids present in the bark extract of the Asoka stop the activity of parasites and kill them.
Health Benefits Of Ashoka
In Ayurveda, the Ashoka tree is famous for its spiritual qualities. The extracts of Asoka are considered as the key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine for treating several diseases. It has a lot of health benefits too. Some of them are as follow:
- Painful Periods
Ashoka has Vata balancing property and gives relief in painful periods. It controls aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia)
In Ayurveda, this condition is known as excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Ashoka balances an increased Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its cold properties.
- Treats Piles
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and an inactive lifestyle. This leads to the imbalance of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to pile mass. Ashoka gives relief in swelling of pile mass by balancing Vata. Ashoka also reduces burning sensation and pain in piles due to its Sita (cold) nature. It gives cooling effects and reduces burning sensations in the anus.
- Treats Leukorrhea
Leukorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. As per Ayurveda, leucorrhea is caused due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Ashoka treats leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
- Wound Healing
Asoka heals the wound quickly and reduces pain and swelling in the affected area. It regains skin texture due to its healing property.
- Treats Joint Pains
In Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered as the site of Vata dosha in the body. Any imbalance in the Vata dosha will lead to joint pains. Ashoka has Vata balancing property and application of the bark will give you relief from joint pains.
- Treats Gynecological Problems
In Ayurvedic formulations bark of the Asoka tree is used for Gynecological Problems. The bark works as a uterine tonic; helping with severe cramps, heavy bleeding, bloating, tiredness, and burning sensation during the menses.
- Asoka tree leaves in skincare
The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of Asoka help in the management of skin infections, swelling, and pain. Because of its antioxidant property, Ashoka powder helps in managing skin-related problems and maintains clearer skin by removing toxins from the body.
- Prevents Internal Bleedings
According to Ayurveda, Ashoka is useful in controlling internal bleeding, especially in the case of piles due to its Kasaya (astringent) property.
- Prevents diarrhea
Flowers of the Ashoka tree control blood loss in stools and thus treats diarrhea without causing any side effects. Ashoka tree leaves, flowers, and bark can be used as a tonic that will give relief from this painful condition.
- Removes kidney stones and treats asthma
The natural properties of Asoka help to cure kidney stones and asthma. When the seed powder is covered in betel leaves and consumed several times, it helps to cure asthma.
- Deals with stomach swelling and inflammation
The bark of the Asoka tree has antifungal, anti-bacterial, and pain-relieving properties. It is helpful for both internal and external inflammation and provides relief from the burning sensation. Consuming the bark or leaves of the Asoka plant helps to remove worms from the stomach and gives comfort from pain and swelling.
The Asoka tree is famous for its spiritual qualities. Various diseases can be cured with Asoka. It treats painful periods, Heavy menstrual bleeding, Leucorrhea, piles, wound healing, joint problems, Gynecological Problems, skincare, internal bleeding, diarrhea, Removes kidney stones, and treats asthma, Deals with stomach swelling and inflammation.
Ashoka Tree contains many essential nutrients. It contains tannins, glycoside, essential oils, and calcium. It also contains carbonic compounds of carbon and iron while the bark of the tree contains ketosterol.
Ayurvedic Formulation Of Ashoka
Ashoka is a key ingredient in the preparation of the following Ayurvedic Medicines:
- Ashokarishta.
- Ashoka Ghrita.
- Ashoka Shirpa.
- Chandanadi Tailam.
- Nyagrodhadi Kashayam.
Dosage Of Ashoka
- Asoka Powder
Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Asoka powders with honey or water. Use it after meals twice a day for better results.
- Asoka Capsule
Take 1-2 capsules twice a day. Swallow it with water after meals.
- Asoka Tablet
Use 1-2 tablets twice a day after meals.
- Asoka Kwatha
Take 8-10 teaspoons of Asoka kwatha. Add the same quantity of water and drink it after meals.
Side Effects
There have been no reports of any side effects when consumed at the right proportion. But overdose of Asoka can lead to constipation. So use only after the consultation with your physician.
Precautions
It should be used in pregnancy, lactation, and children only after consultation with a physician. Heart Patients should use only under medical supervision.
Conclusion
All the information related to Ashoka is based on different Ayurvedic resources. Always prefer the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before using Ashoka for better results.
References
- Charaka Samhita.
- Sushruta Samhita.
