Ashoka: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Better known as Ashoka, ashoka briksh is a very important tree that can be found all over India. A very ancient and sacred tree, the benefits of Ashoka are manifold. Its bark and leaves possess medicinal properties that can help you combat a wide array of health problems.

People suffering from gynecological and/or menstrual problems can attain a great sense of relief through Ashoka's usage. It can, in fact, be consumed in various forms. From churna/powder to a capsule, Ashoka can be consumed twice a day to get relief from abdominal pain and spasms. Doctors and physicians recommend Ashoka bark juice or kwath for healthy skin. This tree comes equipped with a blood-purifying property, which can result in healthy and glowing skin.

Ayurvedic studies suggest that Ashoka can bring internal bleeding under control. This is due to the “Kasaya” or “astringent” property of Ashoka, which can help your body gain relief from internal bleeding that occurs as a result of piles. The Ropan property of Ashoka can be beneficial against wounds. If you have oily or dull skin, apply Ashoka bark juice or Kwath to get beneficial results.

The scientific name of this particular tree is Saraca asoca. While the uses of Ashoka largely remain the same all over the country, it is known by different names across different regions. These names include the Asok tree, Asogam, Oshok, Ashopalav, Kankelimaram, among others.

Historical uses of Ashoka

The Ashoka tree is considered to be very sacred across the Indian subcontinent. This beautiful tree can be found in royal settings and in temples, thanks to its vibrant flowers. It is even believed that the Buddha was born under an Ashoka tree in the Lumbini garden.

A very sacred tree, the Ashoka tree is worshipped by people all across the country. The Ramayana talks about the Ashoka Vatica, a garden wherein Hanuman met Sita for the first time.

An extremely beneficial tree, Ashoka was even put to use in ancient times. Besides being used for decorative purposes, Ashoka was also used for combating various ailments. The blood-purifying property of Ashoka was used to attain beautiful and glowing skin.

Benefits of using Ashoka in Ayurvedic treatments

Also known as Ashoka briksh, this wonderful tree is often used in Ayurvedic treatments. It is believed that Ashoka can provide great relief against wounds or injuries due to its Ropan or healing property. The kasava property of Ashoka can help against internal bleeding that occurs as a result of Piles. Ayurvedic studies show that menstrual pain in individuals is caused as a result of Vata dosha. These studies further reveal that Ashoka can offer great relief from menstrual pain. Besides these ailments, as mentioned above, Ashoka can also be incorporated into your day-to-day lifestyle to offer protection against other health issues such as Menorrhagia, Leucorrhea, and so on.

Treating diseases/health problems using Ashoka

We are going to explore the different advantages of Ashoka from both scientific and Ayurvedic point of view. Read on to know more about all the benefits of Ashoka:

• Dysmenorrhea

• Menorrhagia

• Piles

• Leucorrhea

• Wound healing

• Joints pain

Forms of Ashoka in Ayurveda with the recommended dosage

• Ashoka Powder – Ashoka can be incorporated into your day-to-day lifestyle to derive healthier results for your body. Taking ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Ashoka bark powder can help you immensely. Add some honey or water to the recommended dosage and consume it after your daily meals.
• Ashoka Capsule – It is often recommended that 1-2 capsules of Ashoka extract can be taken on a regular basis along with water.
• Ashoka Tablet – You can take 1-2 tablets of Ashoka extract with water every day.
• Ashoka Kwatha – The advantages of Ashoka Kwatha are manifold. Take some water and add 8-10 teaspoons. Drink this concoction after your meals on a regular basis.

Types of Ayurvedic care with Ashoka

• Ashoka Kwatha

A lot of Ayurvedic studies point towards the great results that you can avail from consuming Ashoka Kwatha on a day-to-day basis. For instance, Ashoka kwatha can offer you great relief from menstrual pain and cramps.

Tips:

1. Put some Ashoka tree bark in water and boil it until the water volume reduces to 1/4^th of its original quantity.
2. Strain the concoction and store it within a bottle.
3. Take 8-10 teaspoons of this Kwatha and have it with water. You can drink this to manage your menstrual issues.

• Ashoka powder

Ashoka can also be taken in the form of Ashoka powder. This powder can help you to combat piles.

Tips:

1. Take around ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Ashoka powder. Add some honey or water to this powder.
2. You can incorporate Ashoka into your diets by taking Ashoka powder after your meals every day.

• Ashoka paste

Ashoka is very well-known for its healing properties. You can make a paste out of Ashoka and apply it on to your injuries or wounds to get some much-needed relief.

Tips:

1. Take some water and put the bark of the Ashoka tree inside it. Let it rest for an entire night.
2. Take some honey and make a paste.
3. Apply this paste with great care over the region to injury to achieve great results.

Precautionary guide while using Ashoka

• For patients of constipation

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If you suffer from constipation, you should consult your doctor before consuming the same.

• For breastfeeding individuals

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Ashoka should be avoided or taken after consulting a doctor during breastfeeding.

• For patients with heart disease

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If you are a patient with heart diseases, you should consult a doctor before consuming Ashoka.

• For pregnant individuals

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It is recommended that Ashoka should be either avoided or used under medical supervision during pregnancy.

• For allergy

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If you have hyper-sensitive skin, it is recommended that you mix the Ashoka bark paste with honey or rose water before applying the same.

FAQs about Ashoka

• What is the shelf life of Ashoka bark?

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Scientific studies suggest that Ashoka bark can stay intact for up to 3 years. During this time, you can use the same in various shapes and forms to derive the best results.

• Can Ashoka cure diarrhea?

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Ashoka can lead to potent anti-diarrhoeal activity. This is due to the presence of tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids in Ashoka. These elements maintain the water content in your body by inhibiting the movements of the intestines. Flavonoids can aid in curing diarrhea by reducing the amount of chemicals that cause diarrhea-related pain and irritation.

• Can Ashoka result in premature menopause?

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Ashoka comes armed with the astringent property. Ashoka can also stop bleeding and functions as an antihemorrhagic agent. However, there is a distinct lack of scientific evidence that points towards Ashoka's exact role when it comes to premature menopause.

• Can Ashoka provide relief to patients of Piles?

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There is a lack of studies with regard to Ashoka’s effectiveness against Piles. It is, however, believed that Ashoka could be very beneficial against Piles and related pain.

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Known as Arsh in Ayurveda, it is believed that this disease occurs as a result of aggravated Vata. Ayurvedic experts recommend the consumption of Ashoka powder to combat against Piles.

• Is Ashoka good for the tumor?

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Ashoka possesses flavonoids, which boosts anti-tumor activity. Flavonoids work towards inhibiting the activity of the enzyme, which is responsible for tumor growth. Besides inhibiting the growth of a tumor, flavonoids also reduce the risk of relapsing skin cancer exponentially.

• Can Ashoka tree leaf be used to treat Swine flu?

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Not enough scientific evidence is readily available that supports the use of Ashoka to combat swine flu. However, herbal remedies, including Aloe vera, Giloy, Garlic, among others, can be extremely helpful when it comes down to fighting swine flu.

• What are the different benefits of Ashoka powder?

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Ashoka is not only well-known for its beautiful and vibrant flowers, but it is also well-regarded by science and ayurvedic experts alike for the numerous health benefits that it has to offer. When it comes to menstruation-related problems such as irregular periods, cramps, stomach pain, among others, Ashoka powder can be really helpful. Acting as a uterine tonic, Ashoka powder can properly manage both menstrual flow and hormones. Ashoka powder is fully equipped with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. These properties make Ashoka very effective against ailments such as infections, swelling, pain, and so on.

Thanks to Ashoka’s anti-oxidant properties, getting clear skin is very easy. Ashoka manages skin-related problems by removing toxins from the body. Ashoka is also extremely effective against other ailments such as cancer, diabetes, worm infestation, fever, ulcers, and so on. Certain chemical compounds in Ashoka make it very effective against a wide range of diseases and health issues.

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Menstrual disorders such as Dysmennorhea and Mennorhagia can occur as a result of an aggravated Vata. Ashoka has the vata-balancing property that can help in managing these disorders. Ashoka is cold in nature. This helps in controlling bleeding that occurs as a result of piles. Lastly, Ashoka also has Krimighna or anti-worm property, which can be very effective against worm infestations.