Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic health supplement for immunity and overall health, used in India for ages. The word chyawanprash is made of two terms, 'chyawan' meaning sage and 'prash' meaning healthy food. It is an ancient recipe that comprises several medicinal herbs and minerals.
With the rise in modern medicine, chyawanprash has become underrated. However, there are several chyawanprash benefits that you must know!
Is Chyawanprash Good for Health?
Many believe chyawanprash is good for health. It is an Ayurvedic health supplement used to prevent infections. The various ingredients in chyawanprash, like amla and ashwagandha, are known to boost the immune system and stamina.
The Ministry of Ayush had suggested regular consumption of chyawanprash for boosting immunity during Covid-19. Many believe chyawanprash also prevents allergies, infections and diseases.
Chyawanprash Nutrition
Chyawanprash provides several nutrients to the body like protein, dietary fibre, vitamins A, C, E and minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Following is the nutritional content of chyawanprash.
Chyawanprash Benefits
The ingredients in chyawanprash have antioxidant, anti-ageing and rejuvenating properties that help provide various health benefits. The following are some of the most significant chyawanprash health benefits:
1. Boosts Immunity
Chyawanprash contains phytocompounds like flavonoids and tannins that have antioxidant properties, which improve the functioning of the immune system.
The main ingredient in chyawanprash is amla or gooseberry. It is a rich source of vitamin C that reduces free radicals in the body. Amla also detoxifies the body by removing harmful chemicals from the body. Therefore, chyawanprash enhances the immune system to fight infections.
2. Improve Haemoglobin
Research suggests that chyawanprash helps produce haemoglobin and white blood cells.
3. Boosts Sexual Health
Regular consumption of chyawanprash helps improve sexual health. It increases fertility and virility. According to the Natural Medicine Journal, ashwagandha present in chyawanprash increase androgen hormone in women and helps reduce that leads to better sexual health.
4. Helps Regulate Hormones
Chyawanprash strengthens the endocrine system, responsible for regulating hormones. As per Ayurveda, chyawanprash also helps balance the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, that balance hormones in the body.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Chyawanprash increases glucose tolerance and decreases blood cholesterol level. It also helps maintain lipid profile and glycemic index.
However, excess consumption of chyawanprash can spike blood sugar levels as some commercial chyawanprash contain honey and added sugar. Consult a doctor before having chyawanprash if you have diabetes.
6. Improves Cognitive Ability
According to a study, one teaspoon of chyawanprash twice a day for five months improved alertness, concentration and attention in college students. It also helped improve their academic performance.
Another study also suggests that eating chyawanprash regularly can help enhance cognitive ability. Its antioxidant properties increase memory and positively impact learning and retention abilities.
7. Restores Life Force (Ojas)
According to research, chyawanprash rejuvenates tissues and cells in the body. It helps boost body stamina and increases healthy muscle mass. Chyawanprash balances the body and makes you feel energetic and young.
8. Enhances Respiratory System
Chyawanprash can manage respiratory problems like asthma or bronchitis. According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, chyawanprash protects the respiratory system from the negative effects of air pollutants.
Chyawanprash helps strengthen the trachea-bronchial tree that boosts the functioning of the respiratory system and helps protect the body from respiratory infections like tuberculosis, rhinitis, common cold, sinusitis, and more.
9. Improves Digestion
According to research, various herbs in chyawanprash like dalchini, tejpatra, honey and nagkesar help purify the blood by removing toxins from the body. It enhances the functioning of the kidney and liver that boosts body metabolism.
Further, the warm spices in chyawanprash like cardamom, pepper, saffron ignite agni (the digestive fire) required for digestion.
10. Aids in Cancer Treatment
Chyawanprash has genoprotective, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties due to high amounts of amla. It is beneficial in treating premalignant oral cancer. Chyawanprash also helps manage the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
11. Helps Manage Insomnia and Depression
Research suggests that chyawanprash helps calm the central nervous system and relaxes the body. Therefore, daily chyawanprash use can help manage insomnia and depression.
12. Chyawanprash Benefits for Hair
Chyawanprash is believed to reduce hair fall and promotes hair growth. Phytochemicals compounds like flavonoids present in chyawanprash repair the damaged hair follicle that helps reduce hair fall. Research also suggests that amla extract helps reduce hair fall and also makes hair smooth.
13. Chyawanprash Benefits for Skin
Along with health benefits, there are several chyawanprash benefits for skin too.
- Makes skin glow:- Having 1-2 teaspoons of chyawanprash daily may give you healthy and glowing skin. Amla in chyawanprash is an anti-UV agent that protects the skin from hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It also reduces melanin in the skin and works as a skin lightening ingredient.
Other nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and zinc also help with healthy and glowing skin.
- Slows down skin ageing process:- Chyawanprash is beneficial in fighting UV radiation symptoms like erythema and rough skin, which helps reduce skin photoaging or premature ageing. It further promotes the production of keratinocytes (cells responsible for skin repair) and slows down skin ageing.
Chyawanprash is a rich source of vitamin C; it helps slow down skin ageing. A low concentration of vitamin C in the skin leads to a premature ageing process.
- Helps treat skin infections:- Chyawanprash has antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties that are beneficial in treating skin infections. Vitamin C is effective in treating skin allergies, atopic dermatitis and other dermal infections. Therefore, chyawanprash being a good source of vitamin C is effective in treating skin infections.
14. Chyawanprash With Milk Benefits
Milk is a source of nutrition, especially for vegetarians. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, milk is a rich source of calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and D.
According to research, the daily recommended dosage of chyawanprash does not cover the following requirements-
- 30 gm protein
- 64.96 gm fat
- 272 gm carbohydrates
- 700 gm calcium
- 490 IU of vitamin A
- 969 mg phosphorus
These nutritional deficiencies can be covered by milk. Therefore, milk, along with chyawanprash, can help enhance the benefits of chyawanprash.
15. Chyawanprash for Weight Loss
According to research, consumption of amla has anti-obesity effects on the body. Since chyawanprash contains high amounts of amla, it may help reduce weight.
Also, the chyawanprash is a good source of dietary fibre that helps improve digestion and aids in weight loss.
If you have put on weight due to stress, eating chyawanprash daily can be beneficial in reducing weight. According to research, ashwagandha helps reduce anxiety and stress.
It also helps in body weight management in the Thyroid. Moreover, chyawanprash is effective in balancing body hormones. It can help regulate thyroid hormones.
Precautions When Using Chyawanprash
Although Chyawanprash uses all-natural and ayurvedic ingredients, there are some groups of people who should take precautions before taking Chyawanprash:
- Breastfeeding women should avoid taking Chyawanprash or consult their doctor before using it.
- Pregnant women should be extra cautious and not take Chyawanprash before seeking permission and discussing it with their healthcare professional.
How to Use Chyawanprash
If you’re wondering how to take Chyawanprash, there are many ways of deriving the endless Chyawanprash benefits. You may choose one that you like based on your taste and convenience:
- Chyawanprash with warm milk helps in revitalising your body’s cells.
- Chyawanprash with warm water aids in reducing the slight discomfort that may or may not be caused due to the warming properties of the Chyawanprash recipe in its original form.
- You can even take Chyawanprash as a spread with bread.
Chyawanprash Ingredients
Chyawanprash is a blend of more than 50 ayurvedic herbs and minerals. AThe traditional ancient chyawanprash recipe comprised the following eight rare medicinal herbs, namely, jeevak, riddhi, vriddhi, rishbak, kshir kakoli, kakoli, meda, and mahameda. However, since these herbs are rare, they are now rarely used in commercial chyawanprash formulations.
The essential chyawanprash ingredient is amla which is rich in vitamin C. Other chyawanprash ingredients in commercial formulations are-
- Chyawanprash Ingredients
- Chyawanprash is a blend of more than 50 ayurvedic herbs and minerals. AThe traditional ancient chyawanprash recipe comprised the following eight rare medicinal herbs, namely, jeevak, riddhi, vriddhi, rishbak, kshir kakoli, kakoli, meda, and mahameda. However, since these herbs are rare, they are now rarely used in commercial chyawanprash formulations.
- The essential chyawanprash ingredient is amla which is rich in vitamin C. Other chyawanprash ingredients in commercial formulations are-
- Ashwagandha
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Tulsi
- Neem
- Saffron
- Bel
- Vasa
- Pippali
- Tejpata
- Brihati
- Chandan
- Honey
- Asparagus
- Ghee
- Sesame oil
- Long pepper
- Bamboo manna
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Tulsi
- Neem
- Saffron
- Bel
- Vasa
- Pippali
- Tejpata
- Brihati
- Chandan
- Honey
- Asparagus
- Ghee
- Sesame oil
- Long pepper
- Bamboo manna
Chyawanprash Side Effects
A natural recipe of Chyawanprash is enriched with the goodness of all-natural and ayurvedic herbs and other natural ingredients. These natural ingredients have various medicinal properties that our ancestors realised and made use of to treat illnesses and boost overall health for enjoying a long life.
There are no known side effects of the natural and ayurvedic Chyawanprash recipe that promises zero adulteration and 100% purity in every spoon.
However, despite Chyawanprash recipes being hypoallergenic, someone might just turn out to be allergic to a natural herb (although rare, it can happen). In such a case, it might be wise to consult with a physician or an ayurvedic doctor first and make sure one has no such allergies towards the natural ingredients used in making Chyawanprash.
Chyawanprash Dosage
Even though there are several chyawanprash benefits, you should not consume it in excess. If you are wondering how to take chyawanprash, here is what you should know.
Chyawanprash dosage varies for every person depending upon age, body weight, health condition and other factors. However, the general chyawanprash dosage for adults recommended is 2-3 teaspoons per day with lukewarm water or milk. If you are giving chyawanprash to children, the ideal dosage is ½ teaspoons per day.
Chyawanprash Recipe
- Wash ½ kg of amla (gooseberries) and boil them in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water for 2 whistles.
- Cut 400 grams of jaggery into small pieces.
- Grind 1 bay leaf, 1 cinnamon stick, 10 grams of dry ginger, 10 grams of bamboo manna, 10 grams of long pepper, 5 grams of Cobra’s saffron, 5 grams of nutmeg, 5 pieces of choti elaichi, 5 grams of clove, and 5 black pepper. Sieve the powder.
- Take out the amla from the cooker after all pressure is released, cool them, and then deseed them.
- Grind the amla along with a bit of water to obtain a smooth puree.
- Take an iron cast wok and add ⅓ cup of ghee to it. Once the ghee melts, add the amla puree to it and cook on medium to low flame until the puree thickens, and the liquid evaporates.
- Add the small jaggery pieces to this mix and blend well till the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens again.
- Stir this mix for 5 to 7 minutes on a low flame. You will see bubbles start to form in it.
- When you notice the thick mixture leaving the sides of the pan, add the powdered mixture of herbs to it.
- Keep on cooking on a low flame for a few more minutes till the mixture darkens more.
- Lastly, add some saffron strands to the recipe and cook for another minute.
Best Time To Eat Chyawanprash
You can have chyawanprash anytime during the day. However, get maximum health benefits from chyawanprash by eating it before breakfast.
- Eating chyawanprash on an empty stomach helps the body absorb the minerals and herbs.
- Having chyawanprash in the morning before breakfast will keep you energised throughout the day.
You can also have chyawanprash before your workout as it helps build stamina. You should avoid eating chyawanprash at night.
Summing Up Chyawanprash Benefits, Uses, Dosages, Side Effects
Chyawanprash is used as a stamina and immunity booster medicine in Ayurveda. Other common chyawanprash health benefits are that it helps fight respiratory diseases, improves digestion, regulates body hormones, aids in weight loss, helps treat skin infections, and provides skin glow.
However, you should eat only recommended chyawanprash dosage daily. Excess consumption of chyawanprash can have some side effects. Also, diabetes patients and pregnant women should avoid eating chyawanprash.
FAQs
What Is Chyawanprash Good For?
Chyawanprash can be good for boosting immunity and improving overall health. It helps fight infections, helps regulate hormones, reduces the risk of heart diseases, enhances brain functioning, reduces skin ageing and promotes hair growth.
Is It Good To Eat Chyawanprash Daily?
Yes, for most people, it is good to eat 1-2 teaspoons of chyawanprash daily. However, since chyawanprash contains sugar and honey, you should avoid having it if you have diabetes. Also, pregnant women are recommended to not have chyawanprash. It is best to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before having chyawanprash.
Does Chyawanprash Increase Weight?
Yes, Chyawanprash may help reduce body weight as it contains dietary fibre that promotes digestion and regulates body metabolism. However, if you have lost weight due to disease, chyawanprash will help improve your immune system, and it might increase your weight.
Is Chyawanprash Good For Kids?
Yes, chyawanprash can be good for kids as it contains antioxidants and vitamin C that boosts immunity and protects children from fever, cough and infections. The recommended chyawanprash dosage for kids is ½ tablespoon daily. For maximum benefits, you can give them one glass of lukewarm milk along with chyawanprash.
Is Chyawanprash Good For Immunity?
Yes, chyawanprash can be good for immunity. The main ingredient of chyawanprash is amla which is a rich source of vitamin C. Amla contains various compounds like flavonoids and tannins that help fight free radicals from the body and boost the production of white blood cells.
References
- Yuki Takauji, November 2016; Chyawanprash, a formulation of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, shows a protective effect on skin photoaging in hairless mice - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496416602728
- Rohit Sharma,Natália Martins, April 2016; Chyawanprash: A Traditional Indian Bioactive Health Supplement - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6571565/
- Manjunatha S S, February 2001; Effect of Chyawanprash and vitamin C on glucose tolerance and lipoprotein profile - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12118931
