Unlocking the Power of Chyawanprash: A Comprehensive Guide to its Benefits, Uses, and Optimal Dosage

Introduction

When winter season comes, mothers start giving their children spoonful of a dark-coloured, jam-like substance along with the milk. Children are told that this jam safeguard against all infections.

Yes, we are talking about Chyawanprash.

Chyawanprash is a polyherbal jam prepared by cooking a mixture of sugar, amla, honey, ghee, sesame oil, berries, herbs, and other ingredients in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Ayurvedic literature. Known for its extensive health advantages, Chyawanprash is a potent herbal remedy that serves as a comprehensive solution to nearly all health irregularities.

Chyavanprash is made of the two words Chyavan and Prash. According to legend, Chyavan was a sage and a descendent of Sage Bhrigu. When Sage Chyavan became very old, he prayed to the Ashwini twins to regain his youth. The twins, who were royal physicians in Vedic times, prepared a divine medicine for Rishi Chyavan, due to which Rishi Chyavan regained his youthful state. Prash, on the other hand, is a Sanskrit term. In the Sanskrit language, a meal that has been meticulously prepared is commonly known as "Prash".

Major Ingredients of Chyavanprash

Chyavanprash is an Ayurvedic concoction prepared by mixing a wide range of ingredients.

Amla or Indian Gooseberry (main ingredient)

Brahmi

Ashwagandha

Jaggery

Pippali

Tulsi

Cardamom

Arjun

Sesame oil

Honey

Ghee

Extracts of numerous herbs

Health Benefits of Chyavanprash

Chayavanaprash is revered for its nourishing and revitalizing properties and ability to enhance general well-being.

o   Enhances Immunity

Due to the presence of antioxidants and Vitamin C, Chyawanprash provides a comprehensive solution for enhancing the immune system. It combats microbes, and safeguards the body against diverse infections. Additionally, it exhibits potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties, which are highly effective in preventing ailments such as fever, common cold, sore throat, and other respiratory disorders.

o   Improves Digestion

Chyawanprash possesses exceptional digestive qualities. Its anti-flatulent property diminishes the formation of gas within the alimentary canal, thereby mitigating bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distension. High fiber content renders it a potent remedy for constipation and other digestive ailments. Furthermore, antacid property of Chyawanprash prevents the excessive formation of stomach acids, thereby treating indigestion, ulcers, gastritis, and promoting optimal nutrient absorption within the body.

o   Reduce Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases

Chyawanprash plays a pivotal role in the treatment of various heart ailments. It contains herbs like Arjuna and Ashwagandha that possess extensive heart-healthy properties. These herbs aid in the relaxation of the cardiac system by calming the mind, which is particularly advantageous for patients experiencing arrhythmias and palpitations. Furthermore, they strengthen the heart muscles, reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, and prevent lipid build-up. As a result, the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, and other related conditions is significantly reduced.

o   Bolsters Libido and Fertility

Chyawanprash enhances libido and fertility in men. Aphrodisiac properties of Chyawanprash not only alleviate mental stress and anxiety but also stimulate the production of reproductive hormones in both genders. It augments virility and stamina in men and enhances lactation in women.

o   Nourishes Skin

Chyawanprash is endowed with antioxidant properties which effectively shields the skin from oxidative radical damage caused by the harmful UVA and UVB rays. It mitigates the risk of various signs of aging such as wrinkles, spots, fine lines, dark circles, and the like. Additionally, it curtails allergic conditions such as acne, pimples, and prevents skin infections.

o   Strengthen Muscles

Regarded as a rasayana, Chyavanprash tones and nourishes the tissues of the entire body, preserving youthfulness and promoting systemic health and well-being. This potent formula is known to impart strength, energy, and vitality to the body and aiding in the development of toned and healthy muscle mass.

o   Keep Respiratory System Healthy

Chyavanprash is particularly beneficial for the lungs, as it nourishes the mucous membranes and facilitates the maintenance of clean and clear respiratory passages. Chyawanprash has been found to be efficacious in managing the symptoms of asthma and alleviating breathlessness. The consumption of Chyawanprash helps to restore the balance of Kapha and eliminate excess mucus from the lungs, thereby providing relief from the symptoms of asthma.

o   Boosts Memory

Regular consumption of Chyawanprash has been shown to enhance memory. As per Ayurvedic principles, inadequate memory is largely attributed to Vata dosha aggravation. The consumption of Chyawanprash aids in the harmonization of Vata and subsequently improves memory and learning ability. Further, its calming effect on the central nervous system reduces anxiety and other stress-related disorders.

o   Slows Down Ageing Process

Chyawanprash is recognized for its regenerative properties. It facilitates tissue repair and regeneration, and safeguards the body against cellular damage through the potent antioxidant properties of its various herbs and spices. As a result, it mitigates the ageing process in the tissues of vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and skin. We have already seen how Rishi Chyavan regained his youthful state.

Recommended Dosage

1.    The therapeutic dosage of Chyawanprash may vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, body strength, severity, and condition of the patient.

2.    It is recommended to consult an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner, as they would evaluate the patient's indications, past medical conditions, and prescribe an effective dose for a specific period.

3.    It is advisable to consume Chyawanprash only during winters or flu seasons, as most herbs present in the tonic are known to produce heat in the body. Therefore, it should be avoided during sweltering hot months.

4.    The recommended dosage for children is ½ to 1 tablespoon, for teenagers it is 1 to 2 tablespoons, and for adults, it is 1 to 3 tablespoons.

5.    Chyawanprash can be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning or before a meal. If taken twice a day, it can also be taken 30 minutes before dinner or 2 hours after dinner.

6.    Chyawanprash is usually not given to individuals if they have uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, high levels of acidic urine, nocturia, chronic constipation, loose stools, and diarrhoea.