Come rainy season and you see your mother feeding you a big spoon of some dark coloured jam-like substance claiming to be the big saviour of all infections. Touted for its immense health benefits, Chyawanprash is a powerful herbal remedy that literally lives up to its fame and is an absolute answer to almost all health anomalies. Since ancient times, this formulation has been used by ayurvedic healers to bolster overall immunity and enhance the longevity of a person.
Fortified with powerful herbs, spices, minerals and powered with vitamin C, this ayurvedic supplement extensively helps in the prevention of a variety of health conditions via its immunomodulatory effects and rejuvenative properties. Be it to boost the immune system, treat any lung or breathing problems, bolster immunity, aid in digestion, enhance cardiac functioning or to improve memory and brain function, the magical formulation does it all.
Ayurvedic Indications Of Chyawanprash
Ayurveda, the holistic science of herbal remedies has extensively mentioned the use of this time-tested formulation multiple times in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals of Charaka and Susruta. It is mostly indicated for use in the following conditions which include, Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting), Shonitasthapana (prevents bleeding), Kasahara (Relieves cough, Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties), Amahara (treats indigestion), Dahahara (relieves burning sensation), Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst), Hridaya (treats heart problems), Krichra (treats painful micturition), Chakushya (treats eye problems), Pandu (treats anaemia), Varnya (improves complexion), Kshayajit (treats tuberculosis), Vayasthapana (prevents ageing), Jvara (useful in fever), Anulomana (improves breathing), Gulmajit (useful in abdominal tumours), Prameha (manages diabetes), Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders), Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body), Medhya (improves intelligence), Balya (improves muscle strength), Hikkanigrahana (controls hiccups), Kantya (relieves sore throat), Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation), Garbhaprada (treats infertility), Vamanopaga (treats emesis), Sangrahini (treats diarrhoea), Kustha (treats skin disorders), Kamala (prevents jaundice), Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms), Kanthya (improves voice), Arsha (treats piles), and Pushtida (good for nutrition).
Chyawanprash Nutrition
This incredible formulation contains a host of healthful nutrients including antioxidants like Vitamin C, proteins, dietary fibres, sodium and abundant amounts of alkaloids and saponins, making it a great supplement for the heart, blood vessels and elevated cholesterol levels. Although it has all these incredible herbs and spices, the formulation includes zero percent cholesterol, no trans-fat, and even calories from fats are quite minimal.
10 grams of Chyawanprash contains:
Calories 35 cal
Calories from Fats 7 cal
Protein 150 mg
Vitamin C 2.1 to 3.4 mg
Sodium 5 mg
Total Carbohydrate 7.5 grams
Dietary Fiber 500 mg
Total Sugars 3.5 to 5.5 grams
Total Fats 750 mg
Saturated Fat 300 mg
Trans Fat 0 mg
Cholesterol 0 mg
Phenolic Compound 535 mg
Antioxidants 280 mg
Total Alkaloids 80 mg
Total Flavonoids 20 mg
Total Saponins 5.24 grams
Piperine 4.2 mg
Chyawanprash Formulation:
Chyawanprash is a time-tested herbal formulation that most of us have taken right from our childhood as the magical immunity booster. Be it men or women, young or old, this ayurvedic supplement is beneficial for all. It has a distinctly sweet, sour taste with a spicy undertone, brownish-black hue and a jam-like consistency.
Ancient folklore has it that two ancient sages of the holistic science of Ayurveda concocted this rejuvenative formula to restore youth to the elderly sage, Chyawan. Hence the name of the formulation “Chyawanprash” comes from two words “prash” to prepare something and “Chyawan”, the sage for whom it was first prepared. It usually falls under the category of drugs named “Rasayana,” which are rejuvenating tonics that intend to maintain youth and delay the aging process.
Chyawanprash has a jam-like consistency and is considered as an anupana i.e. a carrier that helps in concocting all the incredible herbs and spices together so that it can be easily used by the human body for rejuvenation and immunisation purposes. It consists of a whopping 12 vital ingredients which are common in all formulations. These 12 ingredients include Amlaki, Neem, Pippali, Ashwagandha, Safed Chandana, Tulsi, Elaichi, Arjun, Brahmi, Kesar, Ghrita and Shahad. 
Amla:
The abundance of Vitamin C in Amla helps to boost your immunity, metabolism and prevents various viral and bacterial infections, including cold and cough. It also boosts digestion and aids in weight loss.
Neem:
Touted for it’s anti-microbial and antiseptic properties, the leaf of Azadirachta indica is used for leprosy, eye disorders, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, cardiovascular disease, fever, diabetes, gum disease, liver problems and other infections.
Pippali:
Pippali or Indian long pepper is extensively used for the treatment of indigestion, heartburn, diarrhoea, cholera, asthma, etc. It also improves digestion and skin health.
Brahmi:
Containing powerful antioxidants, the brahmi leaves are extremely beneficial for reducing inflammation, boosting brain functions, relieving anxiety and stress, lowering blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of cancer.
Saffron:
Saffron threads rich in antioxidants are famous in lightening the skin colour and improving complexion. The potent warming and kantivardhaka properties of saffron normalises the Pitta and Vata doshas and acts as an aphrodisiac, relieves stress and depressive symptoms, promotes weight loss and reduce PMS symptoms.
White sandalwood:
The bark of the sandal tree is not only beneficial in augmenting the skin but also increases alertness, fights infections, supports wound healing and manages anxiety and stress.
Ashwagandha:
Noted as an adaptogen, ashwagandha is a powerful remedy for treating umpteen health problems including infertility, reduced immunity, arthritis, depression, insomnia, mental disorders, etc.
Tulsi:
Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, the holy basil helps in mitigating stress and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, inflammatory bowel conditions, rheumatoid arthritis etc. Chewing of Tulsi leaves soothes fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough, flu and various other infections.
Cardamom:
Cardamom or elaichi has potent antioxidant and diuretic properties. Not only does it help in managing diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels but also aids in weight loss and improves heart, and liver health.
Arjun:
Named after the warrior prince “Arjuna”, the leaves and bark of arjuna is an effective remedy for various cardiac anomalies, respiratory problems like asthma, high blood pressure, male infertility, kidney stones etc.
Honey:
Honey or shahad is a powerhouse of phytonutrients that has myriad benefits including treating respiratory anomalies, promoting digestion, enhancing hair and skin health, aiding in weight loss and relieving sore throat.
Ghee:
One of the treasured foods, ghee or clarified butter is an excellent source of energy. It holds high significance in keeping the body warm, helping on shedding weight, clearing blocked nose, enhancing digestion, managing diabetes and promoting cardiac activity.
But with passing time, and with the available ayurvedic knowledge from the various scriptures, this formulation is prepared in different ways by adding a few more ingredients to the original 12. Nowadays most top-selling ayurvedic pharmacies use the below-mentioned ingredients to formulate Chyawanprash.
Largescale Preparation:
Vital Ingredients:
Each 10 gram of chyawanprash contains:
7060 mg Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry) – Phyllanthus Emblica (Emblica Officinalis)
206 mg Cow’s ghee (Clarified Butter)
206 mg Sesame Oil (Til tail)
5880 mg Sugar (Sharkara)
706 mg Honey (Shahad)
Decoction Ingredients:
Vasaka – Adhatoda Vasica
Bilwa (Bael) – Aegle marmelos
Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) – Terminalia chebula
Guduchi (Giloy or Heartleaf moonseed) – Tinospora Cordifolia
Agaru (Agarwood) – Aquilaria agallocha
Punarnava (Spreading hogweed or Common Hogweed) – Boerhaavia diffusa
Karchoor – Curcuma Zedoaria
Mustak (Nagarmotha or nut grass) – Cyperus rotundus
Shalaparni – Desmodium gangeticum
Elachi (Green cardamom) – Elettaria cardamomum
Kshir Kakoli – Fritillaria Roylei
Gambhari (Gmelina) – Gmelina arborea
Riddhi – Habenaria intermedia
Shati (Spiked Ginger Lily) – Hedychium spicatum
Pushkarmool (Elicampane) – Inula Racemosa
Lal Chandan (Red Sandalwood) – Pterocarpus santalinus
Vidarikand – Pueraria Tuberosa
Chandan (White Sandalwood) – Santalum album
Vidari (Alligator Yam, Milky Yam or Giant Potato) – Ipomoea Digitata
Jeevanti (Jiwanti) – Leptadenia Reticulata
Kakoli (White Himalayan lily) – Lilium Polyphyllum
Meda – Litsea Glutinosa
Kakanasika (Maritima annua or Martynia diandra)
Jeevaka – Microstylis muscifera
Mudgaparni – Phaseolus Trilobus
Bhumi Amla – Phyllanthus Urinaria
Pippali (Long pepper) – Piper longum
Karkatakashringi (Crab’s claw) – Pistacia integerrima
Kamal Gatta (Lotus Beads) Nelumbium speciosum
Utpala (Blue Star Water Lily) Nymphaea Stellata
Shyonaka (Broken bones plant) Oroxylum indicum
Maha medha (Tendril Leaf Solomon’s Seal) – Polygonatum cirrhifolium
Agnimantha (Premna) – Premna corymbosa
Bala (Country Mallow) – Sida cordifolia
Brihati – Solanum indicum
Gokshura (small caltrops) – Tribulus terrestris
Prishnaparni (Indian Uraria) – Uraria picta
Mudgaparni (Wild Gram) – Vigna trilobata
Draksha (Dry Grapes) – Vitis vinifera
Kantakari (Thorny Nightshade) – Solanum Surattense
Patala (Rose Flower Fragrant) – Stereospermum suaveolens
Mashaparni (Vogel Tephrosis or Blue wiss) – Teramnus labialis
Vanshlochan (Bamboo manna)
Dalchini (Cinnamon) – Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Tejpata (Indian bay leaf) – Cinnamomum tamala
Nagkesar – Mesua Ferrea
Although it may seem difficult but this ayurvedic wonder can even be prepared at the comfort of your home using some easily available ingredients.
How To Make Chyawanprash At Home?
Ingredients
750 gm Amla
750 gm Sarkara or sugar
85 gm Madhu or honey
250 gm Ghee
75ml Sesame or til oil
Decoction Ingredients (powdered form):
25 gm Cardamom or Elaichi
12 gm Guduchi Satva
12 gm Vanshalochan
12 gm Triphala
10 gm Chandan or Sandalwood
10 gm Gaja Pippali or long pepper
10 gm Sunthi or ginger
5 gm Dashamoolas
2.5 gm Prabal bhasma
2.5 gm Mrigashruga Bhasma
2.5 gm Nagkesar (Cobras Saffron or Indian Rose Chestnut)
5 gm Tej patra or bay leaves
5gm Laung or cloves
5gm Dalchini or cinnamon
5gm Maricha or pepper
Method:
Mix all the powders in a glass bowl and set aside.
Wash the amla and pat dry it completely.
Prick them with a fork and pressure cook them in water till 02 whistles.
Remove the seed and prepare a very smooth paste and keep it aside.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, add clarified butter, oil and add sugar.
Add the Indian gooseberry paste and cook on a slow flame, till all the moisture in the mixture evaporates.
Now add the mixed powders to it and mix well.
Switch off the flame and allow the mixture to cool completely.
Add the honey to it and blend it properly to get a homogeneous mixture.
Transfer the prepared mixture in a glass bottle for future use.
Consume as it when required.
Chyawanprash Benefits:
Bolsters Immunity
Thanks to the presence of antioxidants and Vitamin C, Chyawanprash offers an absolute remedy for improving the immune system, fighting microbes and shielding the body against various infections. It also portrays the presence of strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties, which is extremely effective in preventing infections like fever, common cold, sore throat, and other respiratory anomalies. Also Read: Top 8 Ayurvedic Formulations That Can Bolster Your Immunity
Promotes Digestion
Apart from adaptogenic properties, chyawanprash characterizes excellent digestive qualities. The anti-flatulent property of the formulation reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distension. The abundance of fibre in the root powder makes this a powerful remedy for constipation and other digestive issues. The antacid property of the herbs prevents the formation of excessive acids in the stomach thereby treating indigestion, ulcer, gastritis and promoting better absorption of nutrients in the body. Also Read: 5 Herbs For A Healthy Digestive System
Aids In Cardiac Functioning
The extensive heart-healthy properties of the herbs like Arjuna and Ashwagandha present in this formulation, plays a crucial role in treating a host of heart ailments. It relaxes the cardiac system, by calming the mind, which is extremely beneficial for patients suffering from arrhythmias and palpitations. It holds high significance in strengthening the heart muscles, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and preventing lipid build-up, which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, etc. Also Read: Top 10 Superfoods For A Healthy Heart
Slows Ageing Process
Chyawanprash is well known for its regenerative effects. Not only does it help in tissue repair and regeneration but also owing to the potent antioxidant properties of the various herbs and spices, it protects the body against cellular damage, and hence reduces the ageing process in the tissues of the heart, lungs, liver, and skin. The presence of antioxidants shields the body against free radical damage and maintains a balanced ratio of calcium in the bones making one stronger.
Enhances Fertility And Libido
Chyawanprash offers a one-shot traditional remedy for boosting libido and improving fertility in men. It showcases strong aphrodisiac properties that not only helps in reducing mental stress and anxiety but also stimulates the production of reproductive hormones in both men and women. It plays a key role in increasing virility and stamina in men and improves lactation in women. Consuming Chyawanprash in specified quantity alongside milk before sleeping has been known to increase blood circulation in the genitals which thereby improves the libido in men and women alike. Also Read: Shilajit: Benefits, Uses, Formulations, Ingredients, Method, Dosage and Side Effects
Skin Augmentation
Blessed with antioxidant properties, Chyawanprash is a blessing to achieve spotless radiant skin. It helps in shielding the skin from oxidative radical damage due to the harmful UVA and UVB rays, and hence reduces the risk of the various signs of aging like wrinkles, spots, fine lines, dark circles, etc. The abundance of anti-inflammatory herbs in the formulation also reduces allergic conditions like acne, pimples, zits and prevents various other skin infections.
Aids In Weight Loss:
The abundance of flavonoids in Chyawanprash, helps the body shed excess weight faster. Being loaded with fibre and essential nutrients, when taken regularly, this herbal formulation satiates the hunger pangs and prevents overeating and hence can play a pivotal role in one’s weight loss regimen. The powder also reduces the accumulation of LDL (i.e. Low-Density Lipoproteins or bad cholesterol) in the body, thereby improving metabolism and helping the body to maintain a proper weight. Also Read: Belly Fat Burners From Your Kitchen Shelf
Effect On Doshas:
According to ancient ayurvedic scriptures and literary texts, Chyawanprash is a celestial formulation that showers the human body with innumerable benefits. It not only rejuvenates the body, but also balances the three Doshas i.e. Kapha (earth and water), Vata (air) and Pitta (fire and air). Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Chyawanprash Dosage:
The effective therapeutic dosage of Chyawanprash may vary from person to person depending upon the age, body strength, effects on appetite, severity, and condition of the patient. It is firmly recommended to consult an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner as he or she would evaluate the patient’s indications, past medical conditions and prescribe an effective dose for a specific period.
It is advised to consume chyawanprash in the winters or flu seasons only, as most herbs present in the tonic are known to produce heat in the body; hence avoid having it in the sweltering hot months.
Children: ½ to 1 tbsp
Teenagers: 1 to 2 tbsp
Adults: 1 to 3 tbsp
Chyawanprash can be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning or before a meal; if taken twice a day, then one can also take it 30 minutes before dinner or 2 hours after dinner. Usually, doctors advise to consume it with warm cow’s or goat’s milk according to preference and for vegan people, it can also be taken with warm almond milk.
In case, if the adjuvant milk causes any gas formation or flatulence, you can avoid it altogether and simply have it alone.
Chyawanprash Side effects:
Although the formulation has been reported to be extremely beneficial in treating umpteen health conditions, it is still necessary to consume it in the prescribed amount. If consumed in excessive quantity without prior consultation with the doctor, it can cause indigestion, flatulence, abdominal bloating, loose stools and abdominal distention.
Chyawanprash Contraindications:
The incredible formulation though has extensive curative applications should not be used if a person has the following conditions:
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- High acidic urine or dark yellowish urine
- Nocturia
- Nocturnal emission
- Chronic constipation
- Loose stools
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal Gas or Abdominal distension
- Slow digestion process
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Consume Chyawanprash?
While the optimal time to take Chyawanprash is generally before breakfast, it can also be consumed at night ideally 1-2 hours after having dinner.
Can A Person Eat Chyawanprash In The Summer?
Without the presence of credible scientific evidence to support the consumption of Chyawanprash in summer, it is hard to confirm its efficacy for the same. But according to Ayurveda having Shita Virya, Chyawanprash produces a cooling effect in the body during summers whereas the strong Rasayana property makes it suitable for the winters to boost immunity and keep the body warm.
Is It Necessary To Drink Warm Milk After Taking Chyawanprash?
While it is certainly not compulsory to drink milk after consuming Chyawanprash, it provides helpful results by keeping the body warm in winter. Additionally, some of the components in Chyawanprash might cause a burning sensation in the stomach, which the milk assists in subduing afterwards.
Can Chyawanprash Help Manage Eye Problems?
Endowed with a rich concentration of natural herbs, some ayurvedic texts claim that Chyawanprash can act as an eye tonic and can be extremely useful in case of eye disorders.
Is Chyawanprash Beneficial For Kids?
Imbued with Balya (strength provider) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) qualities, Chyawanprash is highly effective for kids. Not only does it helps to enhance the strength and vitality of the body tissue, but also promotes growth and overall development of the child, while also boosting immunity.
Conclusion
Chyawanprash is a traditional herbal remedy sanctified with umpteen health benefits. It holds high significance in bolstering immunity, enhancing heart functioning, treat loss of libido, improves fertility, promotes hair and skin health, boosts digestion etc. The extensive health benefits of the various herbs used in this formulation also increase its therapeutic efficacy in treating respiratory issues. If taken in the proper dosage, one can steer clear of the side effects and enjoy the myriad health benefits.
