Chyawanprash- An All Rounder
Rasayana is a special concept explained in Ayurveda. The herbal medicine which specifically helps in increasing Ojas and Strength is termed as Rasayana. In general, Rasayana helps to increase intellect, skin lustre, generalised body strength, vocal strength etc. It can also be used for strengthening either organ or tissue in body or even to build immune system for recovery after diseases. Thus, there is mention of different Rasayanas and their specialised usage for either or all of the above mentioned benefits.
Chyawanprash is among most popular ayurvedic preparations. It is a formulation made in form of avaleha i.e. medicated Jam, which is prepared from Aqueous extract of certain herbal medicines, pulp of Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Sugar, Ghee, Sesame oil and certain spices. It is termed as a rejuvenator/ Rasayana by Ayurveda. Its use is not only limited to winter but can be used all round the year. Today, lets focus on benefits, dosage, who and how much to consume of Chyawanprash.
What does Chyawanprash give me?
It is an immunity booster
It helps in cognitive functions like alertness, concentration.
Enhances memory, grasping capacity and retention capacity and hence proves a boon for children and adolescents.
It is useful against Respiratory disorders including Tuberculosis to Asthma, recurrent cold and coughs. Helps in strengthening respiratory function.
Helps in improving digestion and thereby helps in proper nourishment.
Helps in building healthy tissues and overall development in kids.
Works on reproductive functions and can help infertility issues
Reduces debility of sense organs.
Improves skin lustre
Useful in cases of emaciation- skinniness as it builds strength by increasing appetite
How much should I consume?
In a normal healthy individual, it can be 1 tsp daily as the first thing to eat in the morning
Dosage varies with age, any special condition or requirement of individual and season. To get that assessed by your Ayurvedic practitioner is always a good option
Who Should Consume?
Generally speaking, all can consume, only dosage might change with your requirements or any other disease condition.
At times, people with diabetes can also consume it but under ayurvedic practitioner’s supervision only and with suggested dose.
Which brand should one opt for?
In case of India there are many Vaidyas who prepare on small and large scale with all traditional methods. It’s always good to buy from them as it is prepared by themselves or under their personal supervision
For other option you can always order it from traditional ayurvedic practitioner for your supply or ask for best brand easily available in your country (as brands differ from country to country)
How about flavoured or extra added ingredients to original Chyawanprash?
It cannot work well. Chyawanprash has got its own formulation and benefits. Moreover, these formulations are made by keeping in mind various rules of formulation making. It wouldn’t be wise enough to change any of them. Finally, the result depends on formulation as whole and not individual drugs.
Also, the formulation which is so strong in itself, doesn’t need any other addition to work better. In Ayurvedic medicines it’s not always 2+2 is 4. It might not turn out to be that beneficial if we play with originally stated formulations.
Can it be Sugar Free?
No, absolutely not. Amla is an important ingredient in formulation so is Sugar. It’s not the usual crystal sugar or brown sugar. It is Rock Sugar known for its balya i.e. strengthening properties. Reducing sugar or replacing with other sweeteners will not reap benefits as usual does. If at all you cannot have it because of any constraints of diabetes it’s better to ask for any other formulation for specific issue instead of using sugar-free.
Can we have it with Milk?
No. This is a common misconception. Ayurveda states milk cannot be combined with sour and salty taste. As Amla one of the major ingredient is sour by its nature it is not advised to have with milk.