Chyavanprash a novel history and classic pharmacological uses as medicine: A Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine

Chyawanprash (Can be also pronounced as- cyavanaprasa, chyavanaprasha, chyavanaprash, chyavanaprasam and chyawanaprash): Chyavanprash (Avaleha kalpana) is a Maintain Ojas and preserve strength, stamina, and vitality while stalling aging. The Ayurveda objective is to accomplish physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being by adopting preventive and promotive approaches as well as treating diseases with a holistic approach. The theory of ayurveda is LOKA | PURUSHA | SAMYA – Macrocosm, Microcosm continuum, Panchamahabhuta, tridosha, dhatus, prakriti, vikriti, agni and ama – is the unique concept of ayurveda. Ayurveda is effective not only in common ailments but also in many incurables, chronic and degenerative diseases as well as iatrogenic conditions. Basically, ayurveda restore and bring back the normal condition – A tridosha - Vata, Pitta, Kapha are psychobiological dimension or biological rhythms regulating the entire functioning of the human body, this dhatus formed by the panchamahabhuta. Greater emphasis is given to deformity or pathological involvement of the related channels for the initiation of the disease process which results in susceptibility to the disease due to lowered resistance of the channels. An Ayurveda Chyvanprash is considered one of the best polyherbal preparation for all conditions to remain healthy and balanced.

Chyawanprash is enriched with several herbs, herbal extracts, and processed minerals. Enriched with Ayurvedic supreme herbs Amla/Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica/Indian gooseberry). A Rasayan, A Rejuvenator, is the richest source of vitamin C for potent antioxidant properties and metabolic properties.   

A story behind a chyavanprash, the legend sage rishi Chyawan, describes how the twin Ashwini Kumar brothers (the royal physicians to the Gods during the Vedic era) invented this polyherbal preparation to make the sage Chyawan Rishi younger and improve his vitality and strength. Ashwini Kumar prepared a special herbal paste to consume as medicine. After using it for some time, chyawan rishi becomes young again. This paste/ Avaleha was then called chyawanprash after the rishi’s name. Now, it is the most popular health tonic of Ayurveda. Chyavanprash, an ancient combination become an essential health supplement and medicine for enhancing immunity and longevity (prolonging life, preventing aging and diseases).

Chyawanprash consists of Amla/Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica/Indian gooseberry, citrous food) pulp as a base, Amla has a mixed taste, combining sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent qualities. Regular intake maintains physiological functions and rejuvenates the whole-body system.

Chyawanprash synergistic blend of around 50 herbs and spices. The Dashmula class (ten roots); the Chaturjata class (four aromatic plants); Ashtavarga (threatened medicinal herbs from the Northwest Himalayas, which are not commercially available in the modern era); The Chyawanprash formula is described in the ancient Ayurvedic texts, namely, Ashtanga Hridayam, Charaka Samhita, Sangandhara Samhita, which are dedicated to clinical management.

Chyavanprash ingredients In total:

Matsyandika (Saccharum officinarum),

Madhu-Makshika-Shudra (Honey),

Ghritam Cow’s GHEE, Tailam (Sesamum indicum),

Kasmari (gmelina arborea),

Vilwa (Aegle marmelos),

Patala (Stereospermum colais),

Syonaka (Oroxylum indicum),

Agnimantha (Premna corymbosa),

Salaparni (Pseudarthria viscida),  

Prisniparni (Desmodium gangeticum),

Brihati - Badi kateri-Jangli Bhata (Solanum anguivi),

Kathilla (Solanum virginianum),

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris),

Bala (Sida cordifolia),

Musta-nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus),

Dvijivaka (Pueraria tuberosa (sub.)),

Utpala (Kaempferia rotunda),

Mashaparni (Vigna radiata var. sublobata),

Mudgaparni (Dysolobium pilosum),

Pippali (Piper longum),

Sringi (galls on Pistacia chinensis),

Dvimeda (Asparagus racemosus) (sub.),

Tamalaki (Phyllanthus amarus),

Truti (Elettaria cardamomum),

Jivanti (Leptadenia reticuata),

Draksha (Vitis vinifera),

Pushkara (Inula racemosa),

Chandana (Santalum album),

Sathi (Hedychium spicatum),  

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa),

Dvikakoli (Withania somnifera) (sub.),

Kakanasa (Trichosanthes tricuspidata),

Amrita-Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia),

Abhaya (Terminalia chebula),

Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa),

Vrishamula (Justicia beddomei),

Dhatriphala (Phyllanthus emblica),

Thukaksheeri (Maranta arundinacea),

Pippali (Piper longum),

Twak-Dalchini (Cinnamomum verum),

Patra-Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala),

Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea).

The major ingredient mentioned below is for your information. the Ashtavarga normally representative drugs are used on this Asthavarga and used as substitutes in absence of this medicine freely or these ayurvedic herbs not existing, now last many centuries.

Indication: General health for a healthy person to maintain good health, Deficient immune disorders, respiratory ailments, debilitating diseases, disorders of the urinary bladder, hoarseness of voice, poor memory & intelligence -Rasayana & prophylactic medicine in cardio-pulmonary ailments & neoplasms.

Textbook references Research paper on Chyavanprash: textbook

The benefit of Rasayanas. One of the most commonly cited verses is quoted below;

DeergahmaayuhSmurutimMedhamaraogyamTarunaVayaha I

PrabahavranaswaradarthaDehendriyabalamParam II

VaaksiddhimPranatiKaantiLabahate Ta Rasayanat I

Labhopaayo Hi ShastanamRasaadeenamRasaynam II

-CharakSamhita, ChikitsaStahana 1.1.7-8.