Chyawanprash

What is Chyawanprash?
Chyawanprash (also called chyavanaprasha or chyavanaprash, and chyawanaprash) is an ancient Indian health tonic that has multiple benefits which includes energy enhancing, rejuvenating and immunity boosting. It is used all across the world today especially in India.

The origin of chyawanprash
“Rishi” or sage Chyawan was the inventor of this tonic to regain his youth and longevity. The earliest formula of this wonder tonic is found in the Charak Samhita, the Ayurvedic book composed by sage Charak in the 4th Century BC.

Appearance and the ingredients of this magic tonic Chyawanprash is brown in color, sticky in nature and has the consistency of a jam. It has an interesting tangy taste and is usually consumed directly from the bottle (one to two teaspoons per day) or mixed with tepid milk or water. It has a combination of 49 powerful Ayurvedic herbs with ‘amla’ (Indian gooseberry) as the chief ingredient. Dabur is one of best known manufacturers of chyawanprash; it occupies 67 percent of the branded chyawanprash sales. However, a few other companies have also come up with this product. Since multiple companies are involved in the production of this tonic today, there is a slight difference in the recipes. The number of herbs used varies from 25 to 80 though the chief ingredients remain the same.

These include
Amla or the Indian gooseberry – rich in Vitamin C
Ashwagandha or winter cherry
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Asparagus
Turmeric
Honey
Dried catkins
Sandalwood
Clarified butter or ghee (this helps the body to absorb all the vitamins)

Benefits of Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash can be used by all irrespective of any age group. It brings about a harmonious synergy in the body that leads to a better metabolism.

Some of the benefits of chyawanprash are
Improving the digestive and immunity system of the body – Amla, the key ingredient of this tonic is most powerful sources of natural vitamin C – it has more Vitamin than orange and is very helpful in improving the immunity system hastening the healing process. If you consume chyawanprash regularly, you will notice considerable improvement in digestion and absorption.

Good for the brain and the heart – The powerful Ayurvedic herbs help in the smooth functioning of the cardiac system; they also nourish the brain cells by supporting the nervous system and enhancing co-ordination and memory power. It is thus highly recommended for young students.

Good for the Lungs, Liver and Kidneys – Chyawanprash is also effective for the proper functioning of the lungs. The moisture balance is maintained in the lungs thus giving new energy to the respiratory system. It is also very effective for the liver as it acts as a blood purifier and discards the harmful toxins. It combats constipation by the downward flow of energy in the body. Moreover, it throws away excess water from the body without overworking the urinary system.

Others – Besides all the above discussed benefits, chyawanprash also acts as a beauty tonic by improving the skin complexion, giving radiance to the skin and fighting all the harmful bacteria which are instrumental in the development of acne or pimples. It also promotes hair growth and helps in the absorption of calcium that gives strong bones and teeth. It’s anti oxidant properties acts against the ageing process and maintains youthfulness. It improves muscle tones by enhancing protein synthesis; it enhances fertility and regulates the menstruation cycle in ladies.

As a whole it can be considered as an all-embracing herbal health tonic and should be used by each and every family.

Please note that all these benefits of chyawanprash are mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts and the manufacturer’s advertisements; many of these benefits are yet to be scientifically proven.