Ashoka (Saraca asoca)

Ashoka, also known as the Ashoka briksh, is one of India’s most ancient and revered plants.^(HR/1)

Ashoka’s bark and leaves, in particular, have therapeutic benefits. Ashoka assists women with a variety of gynaecological and menstrual issues, such as heavy, irregular, and painful periods. It can be taken twice a day after meals in the form of churna/powder or capsule to relieve stomach pain and spasms.Due to its blood cleansing properties, Ashoka bark juice or kwath can help promote good skin. Due to its Kasaya (astringent) quality, Ashoka is effective in stopping internal bleeding, especially in the case of piles, according to Ayurveda. Because of its Ropan (healing) function, it also helps to relieve pain and heal wounds faster. Applying Ashoka bark juice or kwath on the skin can help to reduce oiliness and dullness.

Ashoka is also known as :- Saraca asoca, Asok Tree, Ashokadamara, Ashokamara, Kankalimara, Asokam, Asok, Asogam, Asogu, Asokam, Ashokapatta, Anganpriya, Oshok, Asupala, Ashopalav, Kankelimaram

Ashoka is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Ashoka:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Ashoka (Saraca asoca) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

• Painful periods (Dysmenorrhea) : Dysmenorrhea is the discomfort or cramping that occurs during or just before a menstrual cycle. Kasht-aartava is the Ayurvedic term for this condition. Aartava, or menstruation, is managed and ruled by Vata dosha, according to Ayurveda. As a result, controlling Vata in a woman is critical for managing dysmenorrhea. Ashoka has a Vata-balancing effect and can help with dysmenorrhea. It decreases stomach pain and cramps throughout the menstrual cycle by controlling exacerbated Vata. Tips: a. Boil the Ashoka tree bark in water until the water volume is reduced to one-fourth of its original capacity. c. Strain the liquid and put it in a bottle as Ashoka kwath. d. Take eight to ten teaspoons of Ashoka kwatha. d. To manage pain during menstruation, mix with the same amount of water and consume after lunch and dinner.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia) : Raktapradar, or excessive secretion of menstrual blood, is the medical term for menorrhagia, or severe monthly bleeding. An exacerbated Pitta dosha is to blame. Ashoka prevents severe menstruation bleeding or menorrhagia by balancing an exacerbated Pitta. Because of its Sita (cold) qualities, this is the case. a. Boil the bark of the Ashoka tree in water until it is reduced to one-fourth of its original volume. c. Strain the liquid and put it in a bottle as Ashoka kwath. d. Take eight to ten teaspoons of Ashoka kwatha. d. To control severe menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia, mix with the same amount of water and drink after lunch and dinner.
• Piles : In Ayurveda, piles are referred to as Arsh, and they are caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. All three doshas, particularly Vata, are harmed as a result of this. Constipation is caused by an exacerbated Vata, which has a low digestive fire. This causes rectum veins to expand, resulting in pile formation. By regulating Vata, Ashoka relieves pile mass enlargement. Due to its Sita (cool) character, Ashoka also relieves burning sensations and discomfort in piles. It has cooling properties and decreases anus burning feelings. a. Take a quarter to half teaspoon of Ashoka powder. b. Toss in some honey or water. d. For best results, take it right after a meal.
• Leucorrhea : thick, white discharge from the female genitals is known as leucorrhea. Leucorrhea is caused by a Kapha dosha imbalance, according to Ayurveda. Because of its Kashaya (astringent) quality, Ashoka has a positive effect on leucorrhea. It aids in the regulation of exacerbated Kapha and the reduction of leucorrhea symptoms. a. Boil the bark of the Ashoka tree in water until it is reduced to one-fourth of its original volume. c. Strain the liquid and put it in a bottle as Ashoka kwath. d. Take eight to ten teaspoons of Ashoka kwatha. d. To treat leucorrhea, add the same amount of water and drink it after lunch and dinner.
• Wound healing : Ashoka promotes wound healing and relieves pain and edoema in the affected area. Due to its Ropan (healing) characteristic, it also restores original skin texture. Tips: a. Dip the bark of the Ashoka tree in water for the entire night. c. The following day, make a honey paste. c. Apply this paste to the damaged area to speed up the healing process.
• Joints Pain : The bones and joints are regarded the seat of Vata dosha in the body by Ayurveda. Joint pains are caused by an imbalance in the Vata dosha. Ashoka has a Vata-balancing effect, and the bark can be used to relieve joint problems. Tips: a. Make a paste with the Ashoka bark and water. b. Apply this paste to the affected regions to alleviate joint discomfort.

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Precautions to be taken while using Ashoka:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Ashoka (Saraca asoca)^(HR/3)

• Consult your doctor while taking Ashoka if you have constipation.

Special precautions to be taken while taking Ashoka:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Ashoka (Saraca asoca)^(HR/4)

• Breastfeeding : During nursing, Ashoka should be avoided or used under medical supervision.
• Patients with heart disease : If you have cardiac problems, talk to your doctor before taking Ashoka.
• Pregnancy : During pregnancy, Ashoka should be avoided or used under medical care.
• Allergy : If your skin is hypersensitive, mix the Ashoka bark paste with honey or rose water.

How to take Ashoka:-

As per several scientific studies, Ashoka (Saraca asoca) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

• Ashoka Powder : Take one fourth to half teaspoon of Ashoka bark powder. Add honey or water to it. Take it ideally after meals for a far better result.
• Ashoka Capsule : Take one to two capsules of Ashoka extract. Swallow it with water preferably after meals
• Ashoka Tablet : Take one to two tablet computers of Ashoka extract. Swallow it with water ideally after meals.
• Ashoka Kwatha : Take eight to ten teaspoons of Ashoka kwatha. Add very same amount of water and drink it ideally after dishes.
• Ashoka Bark Juice : Take one to two teaspoon of Ashoka bark juice or paste. Add honey to it. Apply on the skin. Let it rest for five to seven minutes. Wash thoroughly with faucet water. Use this remedy one to three times a week to do away with oily and dull skin.
• Ashoka Leaves or Flower Paste : Take half to one teaspoon of Ashoka leaves or flower paste. Add coconut oil to it. Apply on the hair and also scalp. Let it rest for five to seven hours. Wash with shampoo and water. Use this solution one to three times a week to manage hair fall and also dandruff.
• Ashoka Bark Paste : Take half to one teaspoon of Ashoka bark paste. Add honey to it. Apply it on the damaged location once a day for fast wound healing.

How much Ashoka should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Ashoka (Saraca asoca) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

• Ashoka Powder : One fourth to half teaspoon twice a day, or, Half to one teaspoon or as per your requirement.
• Ashoka Capsule : One to two capsules twice a day.
• Ashoka Tablet : One to two tablets twice a day.

Side effects of Ashoka:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Ashoka (Saraca asoca)^(HR/7)

• There is not enough scientific data available about side effects of this herb yet.

Questions asked frequently Related to the Ashoka:-

Question. What is the shelf life of Ashoka bark?

Answer. Ashoka bark has a nearly three-year shelf life.

Question. Does Ashoka causes premature menopause?

Answer. Ashoka is an anti-hemorrhagic agent with astringent properties (substance that stops bleeding). However, there is insufficient data to support Ashoka’s role in early menopause.

Question. Does Ashoka help in curing diarrhea?

Answer. Yes, Ashoka has anti-diarrheal properties. It’s because tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids are present. They function by preventing bowel motility and keeping the body’s water content constant. Flavonoids in Ashoka also function by decreasing molecules that produce diarrhea-related pain and irritation.

Question. Does Ashoka cure piles?

Answer. Although there isn’t enough evidence, Ashoka is supposed to help with piles and the symptoms that come with them, such as bleeding and soreness.

Question. Is Ashoka good for tumor?

Answer. Ashoka possesses antitumor properties. This is because flavonoids are present in it. In the instance of skin cancer, the flavonoids function by suppressing the action of an enzyme that causes tumour growth. It also lowers the chances of skin cancer recurrence.

Question. Can we use Ashoka tree leaf in Swine flu?

Answer. There is no scientific evidence that Ashoka tree leaves are effective in the treatment of Swine flu. Herbal medicines like as aloe vera, giloy, ginger, garlic, and ashwagandha, among others, may be useful in the treatment of Swine flu symptoms.

Question. What are the benefits of Ashoka powder?

Answer. The health benefits of ashoka powder are numerous. It aids in the management of menstrual (period) issues such as irregular periods, stomach ache, cramps, and so on. It is a uterine tonic that aids in the management of menstrual flow and hormones. Because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, it aids in the treatment of infections, swelling, and pain. Due to its antioxidant properties, ashoka powder aids in the management of skin problems and the maintenance of clearer skin by eliminating toxins from the body. Due to the presence of certain chemical compounds, it also aids in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, piles, ulcers, worm infestation, fever, and other ailments.

Due to its Vata balancing properties, the Ashoka tree is beneficial in the treatment of feminine illnesses such as dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. Its Sita (cold) property also aids in the control of bleeding in piles. Due to its Krimighna (anti-worm) characteristic, Ashoka powder is also a useful treatment for worm infestation.

SUMMARY

Ashoka’s bark and leaves, in particular, have therapeutic benefits. Ashoka assists women with a variety of gynaecological and menstrual issues, such as heavy, irregular, and painful periods.