As someone who mostly adheres by yogic and ayurvedic diet and lifestyle principles, I can not praise Chyawanprash enough! I have been taking it religiously on a daily basis for 3 years now, as a remedy for increasing immunity and a Rasayana, and I am sure it contributes to the improvements in my health and energy! Amongst all the ayurvedic remedies that I take daily, chyawanprash is at the top of the list! For those of you who have never heard of this highly effective natural health remedy, here is some information about it.
Chyawanprash is a traditional Indian bioactive health supplement. Regarded by many experts as an essential health supplement, it has been around for centuries. It was one of the most appreciated foods for its antiaging effects long before vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant supplements came into existence!
Chyawanprash is made up of a super-concentrated blend of nutrient-rich herbs and minerals. It is meant to restore drained reserves of life force (ojas) and to preserve strength, stamina, and vitality while stalling the course of ageing. Chyawanprash is formulated by processing around 50 medicinal herbs and their extracts, including the prime ingredient, Amla (Indian gooseberry), which is the world’s richest source of vitamin C. Chyawanprash preparation involves preparing a decoction of herbs, followed by dried extract preparation, subsequent mixture with honey, and addition of aromatic herb powders (namely clove, cardamom, and cinnamon) as standard. The finished product has a fruit jam-like consistency, and a sweet, sour, and spicy flavour.
Rasayana, a branch of Ayurveda which includes specialized approaches aimed at prolonging life, preventing ageing and diseases, regards Chyawanprash as the most important remedy for eliminating degenerative diseases and promoting excellent health. It is highly appreciated for possessing multiple health benefits and addressing the preventive, promotive, and curative aspects of health.
The name Chyawanprash originates from the legend of Chyawan Rishi, who was a forest sage. He followed strict practices to become enlightened, and this had made him weak, emaciated, and aged. To regain his youthfulness, vitality, and strength, he used Chyawanprash, which was invented for him by the twin Ashwini Kumar brothers, as per ancient texts of the Mahabharata. The historically recorded recipe for Chyawanprash is reported in the Charaka Samhita, the ancient Ayurvedic classic text, where it is appreciated as being superior to all other herbal rejuvenative tonics.
Traditional Ayurveda practitioners call chyawanprash an “Ageless Wonder”. Its formula is time-tested and is still effective to mitigate the present world’s health concerns. Charaka Samhita describes chyawanprash as: ‘the premier Rasayana, beneficial for allaying cough, asthma and other respiratory ailments; it nourishes the weak and degenerating tissues, promotes vigour, vitality and is anti-ageing’. As per ancient classics, regular intake of this tonic helps to attain intellect, memory, immunity, freedom from disease, endurance, improved functioning of the senses, great sexual strength and stamina, improved digestive processes, improvised skin-tone and glow. Chyawanprash has been found to relieve gastritis, peptic ulcer, gut cramps, and correct the gastrointestinal functions. It purifies blood, works as a detoxifier, and promotes healthy liver function. It protects and strengthens the liver and kidneys and improves lipid and protein metabolism. A regular intake of Chyawanprash strengthens the lungs and hence improves the immunity and functioning of the respiratory system. It helps to treat respiratory infections, allergic cough, asthma, bronchospasm, rhinitis, seasonal or nonseason respiratory disorders, common cold, and tuberculosis, and thus strengthens the respiratory system. Chyawanprash is an excellent tonic to increase and maintain immunity due to its high vitamin C and anti-oxidant content.
So why not add Chyawanprash to your daily supplement intake? My teacher, Deepa Apte, recommends taking 1 tsp of Chyawanprash in hot water twice per day - 11am and 4pm. As well as all the above benefits, Chyawanprash can be taken to maintain and manage weight loss and energy levels. The Chyawanprash I use and trust is from Ayurveda Pura. It has been tried and tested by me over the years and I can tell you that it is hundred percent beneficial as well as delicious. You will know the benefits once you start taking it regularly. I stock a 500g jars of Chyawanprash on my website and you can buy it here. If you need any further advice on intake of this highly beneficial Ayurvedic preparation, or unsure about its benefits for your own individual condition, you are welcome to email me with your questions.