Abstract

CHYAWANPRASH: AN AYURVEDIC AVALEHA HERBAL FORMULATION

Deepak Askar*

ABSTRACT

Chyawanprash is a renowned recipe from Ayurveda, and has a long history of ethnic mention in Indian literature as well as Ayurvedic books. Consuming Chyavanaprasha Rasayana with prescribed mode of administration is useful for maintaining youth and vigor. It is indicated for all age group and helps to build body tissues in children, old and emaciated persons. Taking chyawanprash with warm milk (or almond milk, if dairy is not appropriate) helps to carry its tonifying and rejuvenating qualities deep into the tissues. The usual dose of chyawanprash is 1–2 teaspoons, once or twice daily, or as directed by healthcare practitioner. Children can take ½ teaspoon daily. It helps the one to attain longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from illness, youthfulness, excellence of lustre, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and sense organs, perfection in deliberation, respectability and brilliance. Rasayana is the means of attaining excellent qualities of rasa etc. dhatus i.e. body cells and tissues. According to legend, chyawanprash was originally formulated to restore virility to the elderly sage, Chyawan, so that he could satisfy his young bride. This being the case, chyawanprash was concocted with the intention of nourishing and revitalizing the reproductive tissues. Chyawanprash is reported to have rich vitamin, protein, dietary fiber, energy contents, carbohydrate, low fat contents (no-trans and zero percent cholesterol), and appreciable level of major and minor trace elements (mg/100g), such as Fe (21.1), Zn (3.1), Co (3.7), Cu (0.667) , Ni (1.4), Pb (2.4), Mn (8.3), vitamin C (0.5), tannic acid (20.2), other vitamins A,E, B1, B2, and carotenoids that act as micro nutrients for health - invigorating purposes. It also provides several essential phytoconstituents, namely, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, antioxidants, piperine, phenolic compounds, etc. The synergistic antioxidant effects of vitamin C along with vitamin and carotenoids are well known. The rich nutritive composition and antioxidant biomolecules of CP act both singly as well as synergistically for immuno-modulation, body building, health restoration, and prevention of oxidative damage (a leading cause of several degenerative diseases) There are many CP brands in the Indian market, such as Dabur, Emami Group, Himalaya, Bajaj, and Baidya Nath; however, the leading brand is Dabur, with a market share of 70%.

Keywords: (CP - cyavanaprasa, chyavanaprasha, chyavanaprash, chyavanaprasam, chyawanaprash), Charak samhita, kwatha dravya, leha paka, Dashmula, Chaturjata.