What is Chyawanprash?
Chyawanprash is a 5000 year old Ayurvedic multi-herbal jam considered to be a Rasayana for all the tissues of the body. Rasayana translates to “path of essence” as it promotes systemic rejuvenation of the mind and body. Rasa is a Sanskrit term meaning “essence” and Ayana means “path.” The term rasayana not only refers to the science of prolonging life but also to the herbal remedies used to promote optimal health and reverse aging.
“Chyawan” is the name of the ancient Sage that is said to have restored his youth thousands of years ago by taking this powerful jam every morning followed by 40 minutes of meditation for 40 days. “Prash” means “to consume artfully.”
Antioxidant-rich spices, botanicals and herbs are combined in a meticulous and specific manner with ghee, black sesame oil and honey to create a delicious jam that can be taken everyday to support overall health and vitality.
In India, Chyawanprash is a popular daily tonic used by people of all ages for its health benefits and effects.
Health Benefits of Chyawanprash
Much of Chyawanprash’s health benefits come from its main ingredient, Amla Berry. However, it is the skillful incorporation of the other ingredients in the jam, that make it the powerful rasayana that it is. The various herbs and spices work together to support the beneficial actions of each other while the honey, jaggery, sesame oil and ghee act as yogavahis, delivering the beneficial nutrients from each ingredient deep into the cells of the body, improving absorption and efficacy.
Supports Immunity and Detoxification
Chyawanprash is best known for its support of the immune system, which is why it is such a popular tonic during the fall and winter months1. Amla Berry, also known as Amalaki, is the main ingredient and base of Chyawanprash. It has a tart, sour taste and is an extremely rich source of vitamin C. Stress and poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking and poor dietary habits can all deplete the body’s stores of vitamin C and weaken the immune system. Several studies have shown vitamin C to have a positive effect on bolstering immunity. In addition, amla berry has been shown to have adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress and regulate immunity.2
Chyawanprash also supports the liver in the removal of ama, or toxins, from the blood and boosts the production of ojas, making it a powerful herb to naturally boost your immune system. Ojas is a subtle essence said to be the end product of perfect digestion, that governs youthfulness, beauty, strength, sleep, digestion and reproductive health.
Strength and Energy
The ingredients in Chyawanprash promote healthy muscle mass by supporting protein synthesis and the absorption of nutrients. Chyawaprash’s ability to bolster the immune system and remove damaging toxins and free radicals, lends itself to supporting the general strength and energy of the body. It supports healthy muscle mass and tones all the tissues of the body.
Respiratory Health
Udana vata, a subdosha of vata dosha, governs the lungs, which become more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections during the fall and winter months. During vata season, the lungs are more prone to infection, leading to dry coughs and colds. Chyawanprash is an excellent respiratory tonic as it protects the body from infection by nourishing the mucous membranes and supporting clear respiratory pathways.
Supports Healthy Glucose Levels, Cholesterol Levels and Weight
A study comparing the effects of Chyawanprash and vitamin C on blood cholesterol and blood glucose found that Chyawanprash had a more significant impact on the reduction of both compared to vitamin C alone.3 In addition, amla berry has also been shown to have significant cholesterol-lowering qualities aid in the reduction of weight.4,5 Another ingredient in Chyawanprash, black sesame oil, contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) which help to reduce cholesterol.11 These healthy fats have also been shown to support weight loss, which in turn can help to reduce blood pressure.12,14
Promotes Healthy and Radiant Skin
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a link between vitamin C intake and a lower likelihood of wrinkles, dry skin, and other signs of aging.6 In addition, the high antioxidant content of Amla Berry helps to fight free radicals that can promote premature aging. Another study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine revealed regular consumption of Chyawanprash to have beneficial effects on the slowing down of skin photoaging.7
Memory
Cognitive decline can be an all too common result of aging, however, modern scientific research has shown Chyawanprash to have positive effects upon memory and cognitive health, due to its high antioxidant activity.8 In addition black sesame oil and ghee, two of the ingredients in the herbal jam, are rich sources of alpha linolenic acid, which have been shown to have significant neuroprotective benefits.9
Digestion and Metabolism
Ancient wisdom and modern science can both agree that there is a direct link between digestion and immune health. According to Ayurveda, the digestive process begins with taste. Chyawanprash incorporates five of the six tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, astringent and pungent – leaving out salty. From the moment we taste our food, our body begins producing the digestive juices and enzymes needed to digest them. Including as many of the six tastes in your meals will also help to curb your cravings and prevent overeating by making you feel more satisfied. In addition, Chyawanprash kindles agni, or the digestive fire, without aggravating pitta dosha, and supports healthy elimination. Warming spices such as long pepper fruit, cardamom, saffron, ginger and cinnamon in Chyawanprash tonify Agni while licorice and ghee balance over heating of the pitta dosha. Digestion and metabolism are both governed by pitta and work synergistically.
Reproductive Health
Chyawanprash is a rasayana that works on on all tissues, or dhatus, of the body – Rasa (blood plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), meda (adipose), asthi (bone), majja (bone marrow), and shukra (reproductive). In this way, it helps to strengthen and tonify all the dhatus and can serve to support reproductive health and energy.
Heart Health
The linolenic rich fats from the black sesame oil and ghee in Chyawanprash have been shown to have cardio-protective effects on the heart.14 Ghee is a rich source of conjugated linolenic fat (CLA), which has been shown to be protective against arterial plaque and carcinogens.13 As a result, researchers say that ghee may be a helpful food in the fight against cardiovascular disease. In addition, an article published in the journal Phytotherapy Research revealed amla berry to have protective benefits against the oxidative damage from stroke and vascular disease.10
Authentic Chyawanprash™
At Lotus Blooming Herbs, we make our Authentic Chyawanprash™ according to the traditional science and methods of Ayurveda, incorporating only the most pure and meticulously sourced ingredients. It takes a full 21 days to make one batch of Lotus Blooming Herbs Authentic Chyawanprash, as each ingredient is added at the optimal time of the moon cycle for maximum potency.
*These statements on Chyawanprash uses and benefits have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
References:1 Madaan, A, et al. “Evaluation of Immunostimulatory Activity of Chyawanprash Using in Vitro Assays.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25872246.
2 Rege, N N, et al. “Adaptogenic Properties of Six Rasayana Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Medicine.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 1999, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10404532?dopt=Abstract.
3 Manjunatha, S, et al. “Effect of Chyawanprash and Vitamin C on Glucose Tolerance and Lipoprotein Profile.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2001, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11211574?dopt=Abstract.
4 Thakur, C P, et al. “The Ayurvedic Medicines Haritaki, Amala and Bahira Reduce Cholesterol-Induced Atherosclerosis in Rabbits.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 1988, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3225068.
5 Nazish, I, and S H Ansari. “Emblica Officinalis - Anti-Obesity Activity.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Dec. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29206643.
6 Cosgrove, et al. “Dietary Nutrient Intakes and Skin-Aging Appearance among Middle-Aged American Women.” OUP Academic, Oxford Academic, 1 Oct. 2007, academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/86/4/1225/4649573.
7 Takauji, Y, et al. “Chyawanprash, a Formulation of Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine, Shows a Protective Effect on Skin Photoaging in Hairless Mice.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27854199.
8 Bansal, N, and M Parle. “Beneficial Effect of Chyawanprash on Cognitive Function in Aged Mice.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20738179.
9 Blondeau, Nicolas, et al. “Alpha-Linolenic Acid: An Omega-3 Fatty Acid with Neuroprotective Properties—Ready for Use in the Stroke Clinic?” BioMed Research International, vol. 2015, 2015, pp. 1–8., doi:10.1155/2015/519830.
10 Rajak, S, et al. “Emblica Officinalis Causes Myocardial Adaptation and Protects against Oxidative Stress in Ischemic-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14750202?dopt=Abstract.
11 Namayandeh, S M, et al. “Olive and Sesame Oil Effect on Lipid Profile in Hypercholesterolemic Patients, Which Better?” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24130948.
12 Sankar, D., Ramakrishna Rao, M. “Effect of Sesame Oil on Diuretics or ß-blockers in the Modulation of Blood Pressure, Anthropometry, Lipid Profile, and Redox Status.” The Yale journal of biology and medicine, Mar 2006, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1942178/
13 Chinnadurai, K, et al. “High Conjugated Linoleic Acid Enriched Ghee (Clarified Butter) Increases the Antioxidant and Antiatherogenic Potency in Female Wistar Rats.” Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Aug. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23923985#sthash.x5WD6IAO.dpuf.
14 Wichitsranoi, Jatuporn, et al. “Antihypertensive and Antioxidant Effects of Dietary Black Sesame Meal in Pre-Hypertensive Humans.” Nutrition Journal, vol. 10, no. 1, 2011, doi:10.1186/1475-2891-10-82.