Did you know that Ashokarishta is an effective herbal uterine tonic?

Centuries ago, Ayurvedic Vaidyas formulated Ashokarishta to support women’s reproductive health and normalize menstruation. It is a liquid Ayurvedic formulation known as Arishta.

Arishtas are fermented medicines, immensely therapeutic and nutritious – brimming with Probiotics and Prebiotics. They are prepared by fermenting a sweetened solution containing potent herbal extracts. The fermentation process (Sandhana Kalpana) results in a clear liquid high in self-generated alcohol infused with the medicinal compounds from the herbs.

Baidyanath offers a range of highly effective Asava and Arishta formulations, such as Ashwagandharishta, Ashokarishta, Khadirarishta, Kalmeghasav, Bhringrajasav, and Drakshasav.

This blog is all about the important Ashokarishta formula – its composition, preparation, benefits, and usage. Continue reading to know more.

Baidyanath Ashokarishta – Composition & Preparation

Ashokarishta is a polyherbal made from several valuable herbs. Many of these herbs are Kashaya Rasa Dravyas – meaning drugs with astringent taste, The star ingredient is the bark of the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca).

Baidyanath Ashokarishta is an authentic, traditionally-processed composition. Most of the ingredients are astringent herbs, known to relieve problems associated with women’s menstrual cycle and reproductive system.

The herbs used are as follows:

Following is the Kwatha Dravya (the medicinal drug):
Sl no.	Herb name	Part used	Therapeutic action
1.	Ashoka (Saraca asoca)	Bark	The Ashoka tree bark contains phytoestrogen – plant-based estrogen – that helps maintain hormonal levels.
Following are the Prakshepa Dravyas (herbs added for their aromatic value and to speed up fermentation).
2.	Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa)	Flowers	The primary fermenting agent. It also helps in minimizing excessive menstrual bleeding.
3.	Amla or Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)	Pericarp (outer layer of the fruit)	High in antioxidants that help boost immunity and health
4.	Sunthi (Zingiber officinalis)	dried rhizome powder	Helps relieve pain and spasms associated with menstrual cycles
5.	Jiraka or Cumin (Cuminum cyminum)	Root	Possesses analgesic and antispasmodic capabilities that help relieve pain and menstrual cramps
6.	Shvetajiraka or Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L)	Fruit	Possesses analgesic and antispasmodic capabilities that help relieve pain and menstrual cramps
7.	Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)	Pericarp (outer layer of the fruit)	Provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Also helps treat digestive issues
8.	Vasaka (Adhatoda Vasica)	Root	Helps manage heavy uterine bleeding
9.	Musta (Cyperus rotundus)	Rhizome (subterranean plant stem)	Help fight uterine infection
10.	Bibhitaki or Baheda (Terminalia bellirica)	Pericarp (outer layer of the fruit)	A powerful anti-inflammatory herb
11.	Daruharida, Darvi, Indian Barberry, Tree Turmeric (Berberis aristata)	Stem	An astringent that helps manage menorrhagia and leucorrhea
12.	Amrashti or Mango (Mangifera indica)	Seed or the Pericarp (outer layer of the fruit)	Is known to be beneficial for the female reproductive health
13.	Utpala, Kumuda, Indian Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata and Nymphaea caerulea)	Flower	Aids in managing ailments related to the uterus. Also helps control menstrual issues
14.	Svet Chandan or Sandalwood (Santalum album)	The heartwood is used	Helps treat uterine tract infections
Following ingredients go into the preparation of the sweet solution on which the natural bacteria and yeast in the Woodfordia and other flowers thrive, resulting in self-generated alcohol. Natural alcohol plays a two-fold role, that of a preservative and solvent.
15.	Gudh or Jaggery	Made from Sugarcane Juice	Provides the sugar required for the fermentation process – resulting in self-generated alcohol
16.	Water	to dissolve the jaggery and create the sweet solution	Water constitutes nearly 95% of the volume

The preparation:

Sandhana Kalpana is the Ayurvedic term for preparing Arishta medicines.

• Preparing the Kwatha Dravyas: The Ashoka tree bark is washed clean, dried, and converted into a coarse powder.
• Preparing the Kwatha Decoction: Soak the bark powder overnight in clean water (drug to water ratio is 1:4). Next day simmer on low flame until the volume reduces to one-fourth. Cool and filter the concentrated extract.
• Preparing the Prakshepa Dravyas: All herbs (except the Woodfordia flower) are cleaned and coarsely powdered.
• Preparing the fermentation mixture: In a pre-prepped earthen pot*, the following ingredients are mixed well: concentrated Ashoka bark decoction (from step 2), coarsely powdered Prakshepa Dravyas (from step 3), Jaggery, and Woodfordia flowers.
  *An earthen pot (pre-checked for holes) with a lid is selected. Both pot and lid are cleaned, dried, and smeared with pure cow ghee on the inside.
• Starting the fermentation: The pot is covered with a lid, sealed with a clay-smeared cloth, and left undisturbed in a dark, warm area for 10-12 days in summer and 20-30 days in winter.
• Filtering the clear medicine: Finally, the pot is opened and the top layer of clear medicine is filtered and used.

Let us now understand the benefits of Ashokarishta medicine.

What makes Ashoka Tree Bark Therapeutic?

The Ashoka tree is aptly named. Ashoka – a Sanskrit word – translates into ‘without sorrow’ or ‘no grief’, which is true, as the bark, seeds, leaves, and flowers help treat multiple health issues. And good health equals happiness!

The Ashoka Tree is also known as women’s best friend! The bark is a rich source of the following phytochemicals:

• Secondary metabolites
  • Antioxidants – such as Polyphenolics, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, etc.
  • Flavonoids – such as catechin, epicatechin, etc.
  • Lignin glycosides – such as lyoniside, isolariciresinol, schizandriside, etc.
  • Steroidal glycosides – such as β-sitosterol glucoside
• Essential micronutrients
  • Minerals – Potassium, Sodium, Aluminum, Strontium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphates
• Cellular species
  • Powdered bark carries species, such as Tracheid, Stone, Parenchyma, Sieve tubes, etc.

The bark exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, anti-menorrhagia, mildly estrogenic, apoptogenic, muscle-relaxing, and analgesic action.

Baidyanath Ashokarishta – Therapeutic Benefits

Women today lead stressful lives, often juggling several responsibilities at home and office – negatively impacting hormone secretion, menstrual cycles, and reproductive processes. Ashokarishta is a purely herbal, non-hormonal treatment that provides the following benefits:

1. Helps control excessive menstrual bleeding

The monthly period, for a woman, usually lasts for 3-5 days. Some women experience prolonged heavy bleeding for over 8 days, causing anemia and weakness. Regular use of Ashokarishta aids in managing this irregularity.

Components such as Ashoka bark, Woodfordia flower, and Vasaka possess astringent quality. They work together to help stabilize the functioning of the uterus and regularize blood flow during menses.

2. Helps reduce menstrual cramps and pain

Dysmenorrhea is the term for extremely painful menstruation. Going through daily routines during monthly periods becomes a chore.

Ashokarishta, as mentioned above, is a powerhouse of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic herbs, such as Jiraka, Shvetajiraka, and Sunthi. They help relax the uterus muscles and reduce uterine contractions – there is a marked lowering of pain and spasmodic cramps.

3. Helps regulate menstrual cycles

Menstrual cycles occur once every 21 to 35 days. Nowadays, many girls and women are complaining of irregular menses, such as:

• Amenorrhea: delayed starting of menses; or menses stop for months
• Oligomenorrhea: infrequent menses – the gap between menses exceeds more than 35 days
• Polymenorrhea: frequent menses – the gap between menses is less than 21 days. Irregular menstrual cycles are often due to hormonal imbalances.

Ashokarishta is an herbal supplement high in phytoestrogen. It helps regularize hormonal levels naturally. Besides, Blue water lily flowers (Utpala) help control uterine issues.

4. Helps manage pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive organs. The condition is marked by mild to severe pain, vaginal discharge, fever, etc.

Ashokarishta bark is an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, Musta, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Svet Chandan ingredients also aid in controlling inflammation of the uterus.

5. Supports healthy bones

Women in the 40-plus age group show signs of osteoporosis, a condition marked by reduced bone mass and density. Lack of dietary minerals, such as Calcium, causes the body to meet its Calcium needs by taking it from the bones – making them brittle and weak.

Ashokarishta provides a high concentration of Calcium (the main constituent of human bones), making it an effective bone-strengthening supplement.

6. Improves overall stamina

Components such as Amrashti, Chandan, and Ashoka bark are potent adaptogens with a high concentration of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Consequently, Ashokarishta is a rejuvenating supplement that positively impacts your overall health and gives you that much-needed boost of stamina and strength.

7. Boosts digestive health

The fermented Ashokarishta syrup contributes probiotics and prebiotics – the live microorganisms needed to keep our gut microbiota* thriving. A flourishing microbiota equals good digestive health.
*The microbiota is the colony of good bacteria (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), fungi, and yeast living in our gut.

Additionally, Haritaki, Amla, and Bibhitaki (Baheda) work as the detoxifying trio, popularly known as Triphala.

What is the Ashokarishta Dosage?

As per Ayurveda:

• Mix 3 – 6 tsp (approximately 15 to 30 ml) of the Ashawagandharishta with an equal amount of water
  *Water acts as an adjuvant that increases the effectiveness of the medicine.
• Have it twice daily after meals
• Start the medicine from the fifth day of the menstrual cycle
• For better results, take it for 3 months (3 menstrual cycles)

The optimal dose depends on factors, such as age and health condition. Consulting an Ayurvedic doctor before starting the medicine is advisable.

Counter indications:

As of date, there are no reported adverse effects of the Ashokarishta syrup. However, doctor consultation is recommended before use, especially:

• if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have high blood sugar – because the medicine contains jaggery, which might impact your blood glucose levels
• If you are on medications for health conditions, such as hypertension, heart disease, etc.

Further, overdosing may cause vomiting, nausea, constipation, drop in blood sugar level, and indigestion.

Final words:

The human body is a complex system of organs and delicately balanced metabolic reactions. Several interconnected elements contribute to maintaining the body in good health. Herbal supplements, like Ashokarishta, are beneficial only if complemented with a balanced diet, exercise, and calmness of mind.

Remember, herbal supplements cannot correct the side effects of unhealthy habits and routines.

Why Baidyanath Ashwagandharishta?

Baidyanath started manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines more than 100 years ago in 1917. When it comes to core Ayurvedic knowledge and manufacturing expertise, we are the front runners in the Ayurvedic domain. Over the years, state-of-the-art manufacturing units and research facilities have added value to the brand.

Today, Baidyanath’s team of highly-qualified Ayurvedic doctors and biotechnologists are in tune with the modern-day health requirements. We offer a range of scientifically and hygienically curated Asavas and Arishtas.

Opt for our Ashokarishta formula and experience robust reproductive health and healthy menstrual cycles.