Ashok Chhal (Saraca Indica)

Ashoka, known as the Ashoka briksh is one of the most ancient and sacred trees found all over India. Ashoka has various medicinal properties, especially its bark and leaves. Ashoka helps to manage various gynecological and menstrual problems in women such as heavy, irregular and painful periods. It can be taken in the form of churna/powder or capsule twice a day after meals to get relief from abdominal pain and spasms. Taking Ashoka bark juice or kwath can also promote healthy skin due to its blood purifying property. According to Ayurveda, Ashoka is useful in controlling internal bleeding, especially in the case of piles due to its Kasaya (astringent) property. It is also beneficial in relieving pain and healing wounds faster due to its Ropan (healing) property. Applying Ashoka bark juice or kwath on the skin helps to get rid of oily and dull skin[2][3]. Painful periods (Dysmenorrhea) Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Ashoka has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle. d. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to manage pain during menstruation. 2. Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia) Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Ashoka balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) properties. d. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to control heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. 3. Piles Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to pile mass. Ashoka gives relief in swelling of pile mass by balancing Vata. Ashoka also reduces burning sensation and discomfort in piles due to its Sita (cold) nature. It gives cooling effects and reduces burning sensations in the anus. 4. Leucorrhea Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Ashoka shows a good result in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.