Chyawanprash: The Fountain of Life

As the winter season approaches, mothers insist on consuming Chyawanprash daily. But why? What makes this Chyawanprash so special? The story of Chyawanprash dates back to the Vedic period and is literally an elixir passed down from the Gods.

Chyawanprash is made from various medicinal plants and herbs I Source: OnlyMyHealth

Ayurveda is a traditional holistic medical system rooted in the Indian subcontinent with approximately 5,000-year-old origins. Its name, which means "knowledge of life," emphasises its comprehensive approach to well-being. Ayurveda, based on the belief that mental, physical, and spiritual balance leads to health, employs natural treatments, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle routines to restore harmony. Its enduring significance arises from its role as a precursor to contemporary medicine, inspiring research into herbal medicine, mindfulness, and personalised healthcare approaches.

Chyawanprash is one of the Ayurvedic health supplements that comprise a highly concentrated blend of minerals and nutrient-rich herbs. Its purpose is to replenish depleted life force reserves, maintain strength, stamina, and vitality, and slow down the ageing process. The origin of Chyawanprash can be traced back to the Mahabharata and Puranas. Rishi Chyawan embarked on a journey in search of enlightenment, a pursuit that left him extremely weak and emaciated. The Ashvini Kumars, the royal physicians to the Gods, were tasked with creating a remedy to revitalise, strengthen, and restore Rishi Chyawan's youthfulness. As a result, the term Chyawanprash is derived from the words prash (preparation) and Chyawan (from Rishi Chyawan). The Chyawanprash formula is documented in ancient Ayurvedic texts dedicated to clinical treatments, such as Ashtanga Hridayam, Charaka Samhita, and Sangandhara Samhita.

Chyawanprash is a potent antioxidant paste crafted from a synergistic blend of fifty herbs and spices. Due to its jam-like consistency and form, Chyawanprash falls under the Awaleha (electuaries/herbal jams) category of Ayurvedic remedies. Typically, Chyawanprash includes four categories of herbal ingredients: Dashmula (ten roots); Chaturjata (four aromatic plants); Ashtavarga (endangered medicinal herbs from the Northwest Himalayas not readily available in modern times); and a general class (materials not belonging to the previous categories). The primary component is Amla (gooseberry), a citrus fruit renowned for its effectiveness in Ayurvedic medicine. Other ingredients encompass Ashvagandha, Neem, Pippali, Safed Chandana, Tulsi, Cardamom, Arjun, Brahmi, Saffron, Ghrita and Honey.

The remaining fifty herbs may vary based on location and ingredient availability, but Amla consistently forms the foundation. Presently, different versions of Chyawanprash exist, including a sugar-free variant that employs artificial sweeteners in place of honey.

According to research, Chyawanprash can assist in lowering blood sugar, improving blood circulation, neutralising free radicals, and inhibiting carcinogens. It boosts the body's immune system, aiding it in natural defence by enhancing haemoglobin and white blood cell production. It revitalises the body, enhancing vitality, energy, and strength. Furthermore, it aids digestion, resulting in a healthy metabolism, supports heart, respiratory, and urinary wellness, and enhances skin tone and radiance.

Chyawanprash balances excess Vata and Kapha without aggravating Pitta, making it a popular choice for the fall and winter seasons. Vata and Kapha are Ayurvedic doshas, these doshas are present in the body in various compositions. Vata refers to the dry, cool and chilly attributes of the body. Especially in the autumn and fall seasons when the temperature is cold and pollination occurs. People with high Vita dosha could experience allergies, weak blood circulation and hair loss and Chayawanprash helps to build immunity to combat these diseases. Kapha refers to extreme cold attributes, people with high Kapha dosha could experience breathing problems, bloatedness, high blood pressure and other cardiac issues. Chawanprash helps to combat these problems.

Chyawanprash is evidence of the advanced scientific and medical knowledge possessed by our ancestors. Its historical significance and present relevance underscore Ayurveda's enduring contribution to natural well-being and preventative healthcare.