Ashokarishta is an Ayurvedic tonic that has great benefits for the female reproductive system. It strengthens the functioning of the ovaries and uterus and helps in the normal functioning of the menstrual cycle. Most of the Ayurvedic doctors recommend this powerful tonic to women suffering from gynaecological issues and menstrual problems. There is 5-10% self-generated alcohol in Ashokarishta which acts as the active compound.
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The reason why Ashokarishta is so beneficial for the health is due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. It also acts as a mild estrogen and is a great tonic for postmenopausal women. It relieves flatulence, is capable of increasing the haemoglobin levels, aids digestion and acts as a muscle relaxant. All of these properties are what makes this astringent tasting liquid a power-packed tonic for women.
Ashokarishta Tonic Ingredients
Ashokarishta is prepared using several ingredients but the main ingredient is the bark of Ashoka tree. The other ingredients used are:
| BOTANICAL NAME | COMMON NAME | AMOUNT |
| Saraca Ashoka Bark | Ashoka Bark | 4.8 kg |
| Saccharum Officinarum | Jaggery | 9.6 kg |
| Woodfordia Fruticosa Flowers | Dhataki Flowers | 768 kg |
| Cyperus Rotundus | Mustak Roots | 48 g |
| Zingiber Officinale | Ginger Rhizome | 48 g |
| Nigella Sativa | Kalonji | 48 g |
| Berberis Aistata | Daruharidra | 48 g |
| Nymphaea Stellata | Utpala Flowers | 48 g |
| Emblica Officinalis | Indian Gooseberry | 48 g |
| Terminalia Bellerica | Vibhitaki | 48 g |
| Terminalia Chebula | Haritaki | 48 g |
| Mangifera Indica Seeds | Mango Seed | 48 g |
| Cuminum Cyminum | Cumin Seeds | 48 g |
| Adhatoda Vasica | Adulsa | 48 g |
| Santalum Album | Sandalwood | 48 g |
| – | Water | 49.152 litres |
| – | Kashayam | 12.288 litres |
How Ashokarishta Tonic is Prepared?
All the herbs are coarsely powdered and a water concoction or kashaya is made. It is kept in a pot or a vessel for fermentation. Next, sugar, jaggery or honey is added to this formulation. The medicinal drugs are powdered and added. Dhataki flowers are added in the end. They should be properly cleaned before adding.
The mouth of the vessel is covered tightly and the edges are sealed using several layers of clay. The container is kept in paddy for optimum fermentation conditions. After the determined time period, the lid is opened and the concoction is examined to check its status. The concoction is decanted and then strained after 3-4 days. It is again strained to remove any fine particles and then bottled.
Ashokarishta remains effective for 10 years after manufacture. After opening it is advised to use within 4 months. Avoid keeping the bottle in direct sunlight or in areas of high moisture. Store the bottle in a cool and dry place. Always close the lid tightly after use.
Benefits of Ashokarishta
Ashokarishta can bring about a great improvement in the health of a woman. Many uterine and ovarian disorders can be treated using Ashokarishta. Here are various ways in which Asokarishta can be beneficial for women –
1) Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases
The pelvic inflammatory disease is a common condition involving issues like swollen fallopian tube, infection or development of scar tissue. Women experience fatigue and pain in the pelvic region. More than 1 million women in India are suffering from the pelvic inflammatory disease. Ashokarishta contains herbs that act as anti-inflammatory agents. They have a protective effect on the female reproductive organs.
2) Aids in Menorrhagia, Metrorrhagia, and Menometrorrhagia
Menorrhagia is a condition in which the woman experiences heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. Metrorrhagia is a condition in which there is excessive and prolonged bleeding that is attributed to a uterine disorder and not menstruation. And, Menometrorrhagia is a condition in which there is heavy and prolonged bleeding irrespective of menstruation. It can be considered as the combination of the above two conditions.
Ashokarishta can prove to be useful for all of these conditions. It regulates the uterine bleeding and helps in stopping it naturally. Sometimes the excessive bleeding may be because of hormonal imbalance. Ashokarishta has properties that help in balancing out these hormones and hence regulate the bleeding. Ashokarishta has a very good effect on the female hormones.
If there is a case in which the bleeding does not seem to come under control even after taking Ashokarishta, then this may be an indication of some serious problem. Uterine polyps, cervical cancer or uterine cancer may also cause abnormal bleeding. Consult your physician or a gynaecologist to get a correct diagnosis for your condition.
3) Helpful in Painful Periods
Ashokarishta is rightly called as the uterine tonic. It strengthens the uterus and improves the blood supply to it. Ashokarishta helps in the smooth removal of the uterine lining during periods and regularizes the contraction and relaxation of the uterus. This results in fewer instances of painful cramps. In addition to this, Ashokarishta also helps in the management of PMS symptoms like nausea, headache, backache, etc.
In cases of dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, the levels of prostaglandins are high. Ashoka bark has phytoestrogens that help in bringing down prostaglandin levels. Ashokarishta tonic can single-handedly be of help to bring down the heavy menstrual flow and cramps. But if you feel that you are experiencing less than normal blood flow, then stop consuming Ashokarishta or reduce the dosage.
4) PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
A polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in which there is a hormonal imbalance which causes the formation of cysts in the ovaries. Due to the cysts, the size of the ovaries increases and they appear bulgy. It has become a very common disorder among young women.
Ashokarishta is very useful in the treatment of PCOD. It helps in regularizing your menstrual cycle and once it regularizes, there are no cysts that are formed. Sometimes, women with PCOD may experience allied menstrual disorders like dysmenorrhoea or, menorrhagia. Ashokarishta helps in improving the functioning of the ovaries and reduces the instances of these conditions.
PCOD also leaves many girls with problems like acne or excessive hair growth. Since Ashokarishta brings about a balance in the hormones all these problems will disappear. It is important to consult an ayurvedic doctor for the correct dosage.
In a few cases, a low-grade inflammation may be the cause of PCOD. In such cases, the ovaries secrete an excess of testosterone which disturbs the hormonal balance. Since Ashokarishta has anti-inflammatory properties, it brings down the inflammation levels and normalizes the hormones.
5) Osteoporosis
Once women attain menopause, there is a reduction in the hormone estrogen. Oestrogen has bone protective functions which prevent bone mineral loss. Because of this, many women face the risk of osteoporosis after menopause. Ashokarishta harmonizes the hormones and prevents bone mineral loss. It helps the body to adapt to the changes occurring post menopause. It also contains calcium which is good for the bones.
Ayurvedic and Biomedical Effects of Ashokarishta
Image Source: Parmanand Ayurveda
Ashokarishta contains a few key herbs that make this health tonic very effective. It contains Ashoka bark, which brings down the inflammation and is good for the skin. Dhataki also has healing properties. Mustak is responsible for the improved appetite and reduced inflammation. Haritaki and Amlaki herbs have immune modulating properties that strengthen the body and also act as anti-oxidants.
It also has rejuvenating properties. Since it contains phytoestrogens, it helps in reducing the bleeding and restores the endometrium. The compounds in it act like estrogens in the body. Phytoestrogens are also good antioxidants and bring down the inflammation in the body. Hence they also protect you from heart diseases, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
According to Ayurveda, most of the menstrual problems arise due to Vata imbalance. Ashokarishta helps in balancing the Vata. It has an effect on the digestive system and improves the appetite, digestion, and absorption of nutrients.
Maintaining proper hygiene is also important for women to stay healthy down there. Read this article to know more about female hygiene tips.
Ashokarishta For Weight Loss?
Weight gain in women may be attributed to hormonal imbalance. Ashokarishta helps in bringing about a balance in the body. It can, therefore, indirectly contribute to weight loss.
Recommended Dosage
Consuming 5-20 ml of Ashokarishta 2-3 times a day has been considered as safe. The doctor may increase the dose in case of heavy and prolonged bleeding. In these cases, you may be asked to start taking Ashokarishta a week before the period starts and continue taking it till it ends. In a few cases, it is enough to take Ashokarishta alone, but some cases require an adjuvant medicine. The adjuvant medicine is decided by the ayurvedic doctor. The most common adjuvant of Ashokarishta is water. It should be after meals.
Ashokarishta Side Effects
1) In most cases, it is deemed safe to consume Ashokarishta. However, women prone to acidity may experience a burning sensation after consuming it.
2) Ashokarishta does not have the properties to clear blocked fallopian tubes. A surgery may be required for the same. It is best to consult a gynaecologist for the same.
3) Ashokarishta is not advisable for people with diabetes.
4) Since Ashokarishta has an effect on the hormones it should be avoided by pregnant women.
5) It is safe for lactating mothers to take Ashokarishta. This is because it helps in reducing the post-partum bleeding and balances the hormones. It is also good for the infant as it has calcium.
Most Popular Ashokarishta Brands
| PROPERTIES | DABUR ASHOKARISHTA | PATANJALI ASHOKARISHTA |
| Benefits Claimed | -Goodness of Ayurveda
-100% Ayurvedic -Relieves abdominal pain -Improves digestive strength and appetite -Improves Overall Health -Provides strength and stamina |
-Cures gynaecological disorders
-Antibacterial properties -Has multivitamins -Soothes pain and discomfort -Boosts immunity -Made from natural extracts -Gives immediate relief |
| Key Ingredients | Ashoka
Dhataki Musta Haritaki and Amlaki |
Ashok
Gudd Dhaiful Kalajeri Nagarmotha Saunth Daruhaldi Nelophar Harad Behara Amla Aam Safed jeera Vasa Safed Chandan
|
| Dosage | Adults: 1-2 tbsps with an equal amount of water after meals or as directed by the doctor. | Adults: take 15-30 ml orally with an equal amount of water after meals. You may take it twice a day or as directed by the physician. |
Image Source: Dabur
Buy Dabur Ashokarishta (450 ml)
Buy Patanjali Ashokarishta (450 ml)
A few other brands that manufacture Ashokarishta are Baidyanath, Zandu, and Sandhu.
Ashokarishta FAQ’s
1) Is it ok if I Take Ashokarishta During My Periods?
The answer is yes. You may take Ashokarishta during periods as it strengthens the uterus and improves the functioning of your reproductive system. It is especially useful in case you feel that the bleeding is very heavy and prolonged. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor before consuming it to know the correct dosage for your condition.
2) Can Ashokarishta Reduce Unwanted Hair Growth in Women?
Unwanted and excessive hair growth in women can have several causes. PCOD or adrenal gland disorders may be the reasons behind. Treating the underlying cause is the only solution to this problem. Any superficial treatments will not give a permanent solution. Ashokarishta helps in treating PCOD. Therefore, indirectly, it does play a part in reducing unwanted hair growth.
3) Does Ashokarishta Help in Conceiving?
Ashokarishta helps in balancing the hormones. If you are having difficulty in conceiving due to hormonal imbalance, then it would be good to consume Ashokarishta. However, take care to stop consuming Ashokarishta as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. This is because it may not be desirable during pregnancy.
4) If I am Experiencing Irregular Periods or Spotting, can I Take Ashokarishta?
Ashokarishta is not the right medicine in this case. It may further delay or bring down the menstrual flow. However, if the period comes early and is heavy and painful, then you may start taking Ashokarishta. You may be required to take another medication too as an adjuvant. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor for the same.
5) I do Not Have Any Menstrual Problems. Can I Still Take Ashokarishta?
Consuming any medicine without a reason is not considered desirable. You can consume small amounts every day to maintain the strength of your uterus. But it is important to take the advice of your gynaecologist for the same.
Apart from menstrual ailments, Ashokarishta can also be used for reducing fever, stopping nasal bleeding or treating haemorrhoids. It can be used to reduce systemic inflammation, regain the loss of appetite and balance the pitta in the body. Consult a good ayurvedic doctor who will recommend the correct dosage and duration for which you should consume Ashokarishta.