Commonly used in India for health and wellbeing, chyawanprash is an herbal tonic prepared by using an ancient Ayurvedic formula. 

This Ayurvedic preparation contains herbs that are considered to have potent immune-booster and energizing capacity. Chyawanprash is believed to promote longevity and act as an anti-aging tonic.

Chyawanprash is also spelled as chyavanaprasha and chyavanaprasam and may also be referred to as chyawanprash rasayana. The word "rasayana" refers to tonic.

The mixture, which looks like a jam, is manufactured using potent Ayurvedic herbs, and is commonly used in India. This herbal tonic, which has a brown color and a sticky consistency, is a combination of sweet, sour and spicy taste.

Origin of the Chyawanprash

The word "chyawanprash" has been taken from the name of a Rishi or sage by the name of Chyawan. He was the first person to prepare this tonic. The story goes that the sage was quite old and he regained his youthfulness and vitality with the use of this herbal tonic.

Charak Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic book written by Charak in the 4th century B.C., includes the formula for this herbal preparation. It claimsthat chyawanprash is the best and most effective of all herbal tonics available to mankind

Ingredients of Chyawanprash

This potent herbal tonic contains a mixture of 49 Ayurvedic herbs. Amla or the Indian gooseberry is the main ingredient of this tonic. About 100 g of this product contains 15,000 mg of amla.

It also contains other powerful herbs, which are known for their health benefits. The list includes ashwagandha, vidarikand or pueraria, pippali or long pepper, white sandalwood, cardamom, tulsi, brahmi, arjun, jatamansi, neem and many others.

The herb extracts are combined in pasteurized safflower honey and clarified butter. It is often referred to as afruit jam containing honey.

Health Benefits of Chyawanprash

The combination of all the 49 herbs makes chyawanprash a powerful immune booster tonic. The main ingredient of this herbal rasayana, amla, contains 30 times more vitamin C than oranges. This is one of the main reasons why chyawanprash is such a powerful immune-booster. It protects the body from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

It promotes a healthy respiratory system and is especially beneficial for the healthy functioning of the lungs. This basically means that chyawanprash is a healthy herbal remedy for those with asthma and chronic bronchitis.

It is good for digestion. It balances the stomach acids, and promotes the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients into the blood. It also provides relief in constipation, reduces flatulence, and relieves nausea and diarrhea.

Chyawanprash also helps purify blood, stimulate the liver, and promote the elimination of toxins from the body.

This herbal tonic also promotes the healthy functioning of the heart. It is a powerful energizer for the brain and helps enhance concentration and memory.Chyawanprash is an anti-aging herbal tonic and it prevents wrinkles and graying of hair. Its potent antioxidant and rejuvenating herbs delays the aging of cells, provides proper nutrition, and promotes youthfulness and longevity.

Besides the above health benefits, chyawanprash also enhances sexual potency and pleasure, keeps all the sense organs healthy, improves complexion and the condition of the hair. It is also used by bodybuilders for building muscles.

How to Use Chyawanprash

The recommended dosage for chyawanprash is one teaspoon each in the morning and night. The sticky jam canbe taken directly. It can also be mixed in warm milk or water. Some people like taking this herbal tonic by putting it on a cracker or bread as well.

Side-effects of Chyawanprash

One of the biggest fears that people have about chyawanprash is that it leads to weight gain. This fear is based on the fact that this herbal remedy contains clarified butter or ghee. However, ghee is not the main ingredient in this herbal tonic. It is mainly used for proper mixing of the ingredients. Furthermore, the amount of clarified butter in chyawanprash is very low, which cannot lead to weight gain.

Some people complain of a burning sensation in the stomach after consuming this herbal tonic. In such cases, it is advisable to drink warm (not hot) milk after the consumption of chyawanprash.

You may also want to start with half-a-teaspoon of the herbal mix and then slowly go on to increase the amount to one teaspoon.

Chyawanprash is a safe herbal tonic and people of all ages can take it for promoting health, wellbeing and longevity. Children as young as three years old can take it. However, make sure to reduce the dosage for young children.

Make Chyawanprash a Integral Part of Your Health Care Routine

Chywanprash has many health benefits and it is safe to use for people of all ages. However, it is advisable to consult a physician if you are on regular medication or have any chronic disease.

It is also advisable to introduce lifestyle changes in your daily life such as a balanced diet and exercise to get the best benefits of chyawanprash.