Indians are well-acquainted with Ayurveda and its flagship remedy – The Chyawanprash. However, for the uninitiated, here’s a quick intro:

Ayurveda is an Indian system of alternative medicine dating back more than 5000 years. It leverages the inherent power of bioactive molecules in natural ingredients – herbs and minerals – to offer healthful supplements.

And, Chyawanprash is the quintessence of Ayurvedic supplements. It is a jam-like, polyherbal blend high on taste and nutrition. Indian parents often resort to Chyawanprash to boost their kids’ immunity. For adults, it’s an herbal dietary supplement with rejuvenating and anti-aging benefits.

Let’s explore the Chyawanprash magic – what, how, and why.

The Mythological Basis

Legend has it, in the Vedic ages lived a Hindu sage named Chyawana who wished to have his youth and strength restored. The Ashwini Kumar twins, celestial physicians to the Gods, prepared a polyherbal jam to make his wish come true. For 40 days, Chyawana Rishi took this jam early in the morning and followed it up with 40 minutes of meditation. And that is how the name Chyawanprash came into usage – where ‘Prash’ means ‘to consume artfully’.

The Composition

The earliest-known Chyawanprash formula is from the Charaka Samhita (Ayurvedic encyclopedia of remedies and practices). Charaka’s formula blends 50 plus herbal and non-herbal ingredients. Collectively they make Chyawanprash the ultimate regenerating and rejuvenating tonic. The primary ingredient is Amla or Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis). The following section lists the other essential components along with their therapeutic action.

The Scientific Evidence

Is Chyawanprash’s efficacy scientifically backed? Yes!

There are several clinical trials – using human participants – studying the efficacy of Chyawanprash. Scientific researchers have also used in-vitro and in-vivo methodologies to study the herbs that comprise the Chyawanprash formula. Today, we understand how these herbs work individually and as a blend.

Following is a list of the essential components and their science-backed capabilities.

• Amla or Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) – high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – proven adaptogen, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
• Neem (Azadirachta indica) – antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic
• Pippali (Piper longum) – antimicrobial, fat-burning properties
• Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) – high in steroidal saponins, vitamin C – antioxidant aphrodisiac action
• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) – adaptogen and aphrodisiac action
• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties
• Bala (Sida cordifolia) – analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, antitussive
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – antispasmodic, anti-microbial, anti-osteoporotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-allergic, and anti-diabetic properties
• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – antibacterial, disinfectant, expectorant properties
• Saffron (Crocus sativus) – high in antioxidants
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) – adaptogen, cardio-protective action
• Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) – diuretic, antioxidant
• Ghee (clarified butter from cow’s milk) – a rich source of vitamins (A, K, and E,) butyric acid, linolenic fatty acid – essential micronutrients
• Til or Sesame (Sesamum indicum) Oil – high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, vitamin B6
• Honey – antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cooling effect
• Yashad Bhasma (Zinc Calx) – antacid, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, haematinic (increases hemoglobin levels), hematogenic (helps red blood cells formation)

As per Ayurveda, ghee and oil are Anupans (carriers). They carry the herbal phytochemicals to the cells.

The Benefits

Using Chyawanprash as a daily tonic provides the following benefits:

• Helps boost immunity

  The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and immunomodulators in the blend strengthen our immune system. It helps increase the number of specialized immune-system cells, such as macrophages and white blood cells (for example, Natural Killer Cells and lymphocytes) – immune cells that destroy harmful microbes, controlling their growth and preventing illness.

  A randomized study conducted over six (6) months with school-going kids aged 5-12 showed a marked improvement of immunity and energy.

• Helps boost digestion

  Herbs, such as Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Tejpatra (Cinnamomum Tamala), Nagakesar (Mesua ferrea), help improve digestion. They collectively improve protein and lipid metabolism. Also, Chyawanprash incorporates five out of the six tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent – stimulating the production of gastric juices.

• Supports gut health

  Chyawanprash helps remove AMA (partially digested food and toxins generated due to poor digestion), providing relief from peptic ulcer, gastritis, nausea, abdominal pains, and cramps – conditions arising with poor digestive health.

• Overall rejuvenation

  As per Ayurveda, Chyawanprash strengthens the saptadhatus – Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (adipose tissues), Asthi (bones & cartilages), Majja (bone marrow), and Shukra (reproductive cells). Besides, adaptogens, such as Ashwagandha and Shatavari increase the body’s ability to counteract stress and fatigue. Long-term use steadily builds strength, vitality, and vigor.

• Natural anti-aging solution

  Herbal antioxidants make Chyawanprash a natural anti-aging agent. According to studies, carotenoids, flavonoids, and tannins provide cytoprotective and antioxidant action. They slow down cell and tissue degeneration by removing harmful free radicals created during metabolism.

• Strengthens respiratory health

  Chyawanprash nourishes and strengthens the respiratory system (trachea, bronchial tubes, bronchioles). Your ability to cope with problems, such as running nose, asthma, and rhinitis. The antitussive and expectorant capabilities help manage wet, dry, and allergic coughs and colds.

  A randomized controlled trial (RCT) administered Chyawanprash twice daily to 90 pulmonary tuberculosis patients. It demonstrated that Chaywanprash accelerated the action of the antitubercular drugs and prevented side effects. So, it helps manage tuberculosis.

• Natural aphrodisiac

  Herbs, such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Gokshura, and Bala strengthen the reproductive system.

  In vivo studies using rats have conclusively demonstrated a marked improvement of sexual behavior due to Chyawanprash.

• Cardiotonic and cardioprotective action

  Amla’s antioxidant and anticoagulant capabilities help reduce clotting of blood vessels. Further, herbs like Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Neelkamal (Nymphaea nouchali) and Punarnawa (Boerhaavia diffusa) are known to lower cholesterol levels and restore the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Besides, linoleic acid in ghee and oil provides cardioprotective action.

• Improved cognition

  The antioxidants keep cell and tissue degradation at bay. The adaptogens aid in balancing mental and physical health. Plus, the alpha-linoleic acid in ghee and oil provides neuroprotective action. All this helps enhance memory and cognitive skills.

  A study on aged mice has demonstrated the memory enhancement capability of Chaywanprash.

• Natural dietary supplement

  Our diet often lacks micronutrients essential for being healthy. The unique Chyawanprash formula fills the gap by providing vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and proteins.

How to take Chyawanprash

Chyawanprash’s jam-like consistency makes it a versatile supplement – suitable for all age groups; it can be spread on toast or added to a glass of lukewarm milk.

If you have lactose intolerance, replace milk with almond milk or water. In case of respiratory ailments, take with lukewarm water.

However, traditionally Chyawanprash is used as follows:

• 15 years plus – one teaspoon twice daily; on an empty stomach; can be taken with warm milk
• 3 – 14 years of age – one teaspoon once daily; on an empty stomach; can be taken with warm milk
• Consume for a minimum of 3 – 4 months
• Do not over consume, as it may impact appetite

Contraindications:

• People with diabetes must opt for sugar-free formulas, such as the Baidyanath Chyawan-Fit Sugar Free
• People with pyelonephritis, vitamin C metabolic disorder, and phenylketonuria do not use it without consulting a doctor.

Recommendation:

A lot depends on your constitution, medical history, and current medications (if any). Therefore, the best practice would be to consult your doctor before consuming Chyawanprash.

Baidyanath’s Chyawanprash Range

Our USPs are 100 plus years of wisdom, years of manufacturing experience, an experienced team of Ayurvedic experts, and state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities.

Backed by these strengths, we offer three highly therapeutic Chyawanprash formulas: Baidyanath Chyawan-Fit Sugar-Free, Baidyanath Chyawanprash Kesari Kalp, and Baidyanath Chyawanprash Special – suitable for every age group – from toddlers to adults. Calorie-conscious family members or those with high blood sugar can try Baidyanath Chyawanprash Sugar-free.

Use Baidyanath Chyawanprash and stay fighting fit!