Chyawanprash
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Chyawanprash, also spelled chyavanaprasha, chyavanaprash, and chyawanaprash, is an ancient Ayurvedic health tonic, widely used in India. It is a rejuvenative, energizer and immunity booster.
Origin
It is said that Chyawan Rishi was the first to prepare this tonic. Hence the name Chyawanprash. The first historically documented formula for Chywanprash is found in Charaka Samhita, the ancient Ayurvedic treatise.
Composition
Since many companies manufacture Chyawanprash, the recipe may differ a bit. The number of herbs used varies from 25 to 80. The main ingredient is amla (Indian gooseberry or Embellica Officinalis), which is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C. Other chief ingredients are dried catkins, Cinnamon, Asparagus, Ashwagandha, turmeric, ghee, dehydrated sugar cane and honey. It has the consistency of jams and tastes sweet-sour. It can be taken directly or in warm milk. One of the best known makers of Chyawanprash is Dabur.
Benefits
Note: These benefits are as mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts and manufacturers' ads. Many of these benefits may have not been proven scientifically.
- Chyawanprash is a rejuvenative and prevents body against three kinds of doshas.
- Regular intake of Chyawanprash strengthens digestion, absorption and assimilation of food. It eases constipation.
- Chaywanprash's basic ingredient amla is the richest natural source of Vitamin C and strengthens the immune system.
- Chaywanprash is also beneficial to the heart and the brain cells. It is considered a memory booster.
- It also works as an antioxidant, thus slowing down the ageing process.
- It is believed that Chyawanprash purifies blood, eliminates toxins and is beneficial to liver.
- It is also said to fight bacterial skin infections and improve complexion.
- It promotes absorption of calcium, leading to stronger bones and teeth.
- It also improves muscle tone by enhancing protein synthesis.
- It is especially beneficial for cough and asthma patients.
- It enhances fertility and keeps menstruation regular.
- According to this study (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/10006212/ABSTRACT), Chyawanprash helps to prevent steroid induced cataract in the developing chick embryo.
