Ashoka
Ashoka
Ashoka, known as the Ashoka briksh is one of the most ancient and sacred trees found all over India. Ashoka has various medicinal properties, especially its bark and leaves.
Ashoka helps to manage various gynecological and menstrual problems in women such as heavy, irregular and painful periods. It can be taken in the form of churna/powder or capsule twice a day after meals to get relief from abdominal pain and spasms. Taking Ashoka bark juice or kwath can also promote healthy skin due to its blood purifying property.
According to Ayurveda, Ashoka is useful in controlling internal bleeding, especially in the case of piles due to its Kasaya (astringent) property. It is also beneficial in relieving pain and healing wounds faster due to its Ropan (healing) property. Applying Ashoka bark juice or kwath on the skin helps to get rid of oily and dull skin[2][3].
Ashoka helps to manage various gynecological and menstrual problems in women such as heavy, irregular and painful periods. It can be taken in the form of churna/powder or capsule twice a day after meals to get relief from abdominal pain and spasms. Taking Ashoka bark juice or kwath can also promote healthy skin due to its blood purifying property.
According to Ayurveda, Ashoka is useful in controlling internal bleeding, especially in the case of piles due to its Kasaya (astringent) property. It is also beneficial in relieving pain and healing wounds faster due to its Ropan (healing) property. Applying Ashoka bark juice or kwath on the skin helps to get rid of oily and dull skin[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Ashoka?
Saraca asoca, Asok Tree, Ashokadamara, Ashokamara, Kankalimara, Asokam, Asok, Asogam, Asogu, Asokam, Ashokapatta, Anganpriya, Oshok, Asupala, Ashopalav, Kankelimaram[1].
What is the source of Ashoka?
Plant Based
Benefits of Ashoka
1. Painful periods (Dysmenorrhea)
Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Ashoka has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle.
Tips:
a. Boil the bark of Ashoka tree in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth of its original quantity.
b. Strain the liquid and store this Ashoka kwath in a bottle.
c. Take 8-10 teaspoons of this Ashoka kwatha.
d. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to manage pain during menstruation.
2. Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia)
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Ashoka balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
a. Boil the bark of Ashoka tree in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth of its original quantity.
b. Strain the liquid and store this Ashoka kwath in a bottle.
c. Take 8-10 teaspoons of this Ashoka kwatha.
d. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to control heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia.
3. Piles
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment 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 discomfort in piles due to its Sita (cold) nature. It gives cooling effects and reduces burning sensations in the anus.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashoka powder.
b. Add honey or water to it.
c. Take it preferably after meals for a better result.
4. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Ashoka shows a good result in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Tips:
a. Boil the bark of Ashoka tree in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth of its original quantity.
b. Strain the liquid and store this Ashoka kwath in a bottle.
c. Take 8-10 teaspoons of this Ashoka kwatha.
d. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to manage leucorrhea.
Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Ashoka has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle.
Tips:
a. Boil the bark of Ashoka tree in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth of its original quantity.
b. Strain the liquid and store this Ashoka kwath in a bottle.
c. Take 8-10 teaspoons of this Ashoka kwatha.
d. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to manage pain during menstruation.
2. Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia)
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Ashoka balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
a. Boil the bark of Ashoka tree in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth of its original quantity.
b. Strain the liquid and store this Ashoka kwath in a bottle.
c. Take 8-10 teaspoons of this Ashoka kwatha.
d. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to control heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia.
3. Piles
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment 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 discomfort in piles due to its Sita (cold) nature. It gives cooling effects and reduces burning sensations in the anus.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Ashoka powder.
b. Add honey or water to it.
c. Take it preferably after meals for a better result.
4. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Ashoka shows a good result in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Tips:
a. Boil the bark of Ashoka tree in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth of its original quantity.
b. Strain the liquid and store this Ashoka kwath in a bottle.
c. Take 8-10 teaspoons of this Ashoka kwatha.
d. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to manage leucorrhea.
Precautions when using Ashoka
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor while taking Ashoka if you have constipation.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Ashoka should be avoided or used under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Patients with heart disease
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor while taking Ashoka if you have heart diseases.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Ashoka should be avoided or used under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Ashoka
- Ashoka Powder - ¼ - ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Ashoka Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Ashoka Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
How to use Ashoka
1. Ashoka Powder
a. Take ¼ -½ teaspoon of Ashoka bark powder.
b. Add honey or water to it.
c. Take it preferably after meals for a better result.
2. Ashoka Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Ashoka extract.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
3. Ashoka Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Ashoka extract
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals
4. Ashoka Kwatha
a. Take 8-10 teaspoons of Ashoka kwatha.
b. Add same quantity of water and drink it preferably after meals.
a. Take ¼ -½ teaspoon of Ashoka bark powder.
b. Add honey or water to it.
c. Take it preferably after meals for a better result.
2. Ashoka Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Ashoka extract.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
3. Ashoka Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Ashoka extract
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals
4. Ashoka Kwatha
a. Take 8-10 teaspoons of Ashoka kwatha.
b. Add same quantity of water and drink it preferably after meals.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Ashoka bark has a shelf life of almost 3 years.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Borokar AA, Pansare TA.Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ashoka (Saraca Asoca (Roxb.), De. Wilde) – A Comprehensive Review. JAHM.2017;7(2):2524–2541.
- Bhalerao S, Verma D, Didwana VS,et al. Saraca asoca (Roxb.), De. Wild: An overview. Annals of Plant Sciences.2014;3(7):770-775.
- Tabassum N, Hamdani M. Plants used to treat skin diseases.Pharmacogn Rev.2014;8(15):52–60.
- Shah A, Krishnamurthy R.Swine Flu and Its Herbal Remedies.The International Journal of Engineering and Science.2013;2(5):68-78.
- Baranwal V.Asoka: Herbal Boon to Gynecological Problems An Overview of Current Research. Ayurveda- Journal of Health.2014;12(4): 58-62.
- Mishra A, Kumar A, Rajbhar N, et al.Phytochemical and Pharmacological Importance of Saraca indica.IJPCS.2013;2(2):1009-1013.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.