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.

Ancient Indian health secrets

Yoga: Yoga is believed to be born in India more than 26, 000 years ago during the Golden Period, more commonly known as the ‘Sat Yug” and means “union” in Sanskrit. Sat Yug was well known for a time of eternal peace and abundant blessings amongst the people who could afford all the time to seek the truth and search within. Nonetheless, historians have argued that Yoga is only 5000 years old – the Indus Valley Civilization is responsible in opening up the various channels of the knowledge and origin of Yoga. The term can be more precisely termed as ‘asana’ (again in Sanskrit) that denotes the practice of physical postures. However, asana forms only one of the parts of the whole yoga that focuses on the physical aspect; the others concentrate more on the mental and spiritual well being of an individual. Nevertheless, in the present world the terms asana and yoga can be used synonymously.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone and everyone. Unlike the aerobics or the other forms of physical activities that are aimed at the young and flexible, this form is meant for older ages like 70 to 80 years. Besides, according to the needs it can be customized, so that you can avail the best benefits.

Yoga has the remarkable ability to cure almost all types of ailments and shows huge amount of health improvements. In fact, medical science is validating all that was known and done by the yogis for thousands of years. So, various yoga therapies are now being incorporated in the field of medicine. There are definitely a lot of practical reasons for encouraging such steps. Even medical insurance companies are honoring yoga as legitimate and authentic healing practices. You will also be surprised to know that this ‘wonder form’ is also much less expensive and more effective method of treatment. Diseases like asthma, arthritis, heart problems and carpal tunnel syndrome have all shown considerable improvement after the patients practiced specific yoga techniques.

Indian Medicinal Herbs: There is a sudden emphasis on the holistic approach to healthcare – newspapers, television and journals are flashed with advertisements about the popularity of the ancient Indian herbs which are extremely effective in dealing with any kind of ailment in the most natural and safest way.

Herbs play a very important role in the modern times when the damaging effects of food processing and over-medication have assumed alarming proportions. Not only as alternative medicines, herbs, are also used in cosmetics, various food items and most popularly teas. People are slowly starting to believe that herbs have a vast potential for their use as a curative medicine.

Medicinal herbs
Atharva Veda has mentioned various herbs that can be used for medicinal purposes.

Some of these are very common and used in everyday lives
Neem – this herb is very powerful for handling all sorts of skin related issues like scabies, eczema, warts, psoriasis and dandruff. Neem contains Nimbidol and Gedunin that have very good fungicidal properties.

Basil – more commonly known as Tulsi, basil is considered to be one of the purest and most sublime plants. It is also used for dealing with skin disorders as it is a blood purifier and kills bacteria. For cough or cold or any inflammation of the throat, tea made with basil leaves can be used for instant relief.

Turmeric – turmeric or haldi is a common and popular medication for treating any kind of injuries and infections.

Sandalwood – also called chandan, this plant has an extraordinary fragrance. The bark of a sandalwood tree is very smooth and can be made into a fine paste. Sandalwood paste can be applied on any parts of the body to give a smooth, unblemished and lustrous look. Its unique fragrance is also used in various oils and soaps.

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. 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.