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Chyawanprash is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation that combines natural ingredients, primarily Amla (Indian gooseberry), to create a nutrient-rich jam-like substance. This age-old recipe is known for its rejuvenating properties and has been widely used in Indian households to enhance immunity and general well-being. Named after the sage Chyawan, who is believed to have regained youthfulness through this concoction, Chyawanprash is often considered a 'Rasayana' or rejuvenator in Ayurveda, making it suitable for people of all ages seeking to improve their vitality.
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Nutritional Value of Chyawanprash
Here is the nutritional value of 10 grams of Chyawanprash presented in table form:
Nutrient |
Amount per 10g |
Calories |
35 cal |
Calories from Fats |
7 cal |
Protein |
150 mg |
Vitamin C |
2.1 to 3.4 mg |
Sodium |
5 mg |
Total Carbohydrate |
7.5 grams |
Dietary Fiber |
500 mg |
Total Sugars |
3.5 to 5.5 grams |
Total Fats |
750 mg |
Saturated Fat |
300 mg |
Trans Fat |
0 mg |
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
Phenolic Compounds |
535 mg |
Antioxidants |
280 mg |
Total Alkaloids |
80 mg |
Total Flavonoids |
20 mg |
Total Saponins |
5.24 grams |
Piperine |
4.2 mg |
Ingredients Used in Chyawanprash
Here are some of the important ingredients of Chawanprash:
Ingredient |
Source |
Properties and Benefits |
Wild Amlas |
Forests of Chhattisgarh |
Antioxidant properties help remove toxins and improve immunity. |
Pippali (Piper longum) |
Bengal and Assam |
Activates digestive fire (Agni); improves metabolism; pacifies Vata and Kapha Doshas. |
Svadamstra (Tribulus Terrestris) |
Not specified |
Boosts energy and vitality. |
Sringi (Pistacia integerrima) |
Not specified |
Optimises Kapha and Vata Doshas; helps treat cough, fever, and hiccups. |
Tamalaki (Phyllanthus Amarus) |
Not specified |
Balances Kapha and Vata; aids in treating coughs. |
Draksha (Vitis Vinifera) |
Premium raisins from Afghanistan |
Natural coolant improves immunity. |
Pushkara (Inula Racemosa) |
Not specified |
Optimizes Kapha and Vata; used for respiratory concerns and cough; has antiviral and antibacterial properties for immune support. |
Abhaya (Terminalia Chebula) |
Not specified |
It balances all three Doshas, aids detoxification and promotes healing. |
Amrutha (Tinospora Cordifolia) |
Not specified |
It detoxifies by removing Ama, addresses infections, gout, fever, low immunity, and chronic fatigue, and supports the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and colds. |
Honey |
Not specified |
Rich in antioxidants, it speeds up healing. |
The Benefits of Daily Chyawanprash Consumption
Below are some of the advantages of consuming Chyawanprash daily:
1. Improves Digestion and Metabolism
Chyawanprash can improve digestion and nutrient absorption by alleviating common gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, acidity, bloating, and cramps. It helps purify the blood and promotes detoxification. The herbs and spices used in Chyawanprash, including cinnamon, Indian gooseberry, baheda, honey, ginger, and others, stimulate digestion, relieve inflammation, and support the health of organs involved in digestion like the stomach, intestines, liver and kidneys.
Moreover, it also contains nourishing ingredients like honey and ghee (clarified butter) which act as carriers to help the active herbal ingredients absorb better and faster into the body's tissues. Its naturally sweet taste makes it easily digestible. Overall, the combination of digestive herbs, anti-inflammatory spices, and nutritive ingredients in Chyawanprash makes it beneficial for improving digestion, absorption, elimination, and detoxification safely and effectively.
2. Protect and Strengthen the Respiratory System
Regular intake of Chyawanprash strengthens the respiratory system and improves immunity. It contains herbs and spices like pipali, vasaka, pushkarmool, and amla that nourish the lungs and bronchial tubes. Chyawanprash helps treat respiratory infections, coughs, asthma, allergies and even tuberculosis. A study on tuberculosis patients found that taking Chyawanprash and TB medicines helped alleviate symptoms like cough, weakness, fever and appetite loss.
It also improved the effectiveness of the TB drugs and prevented their side effects. The patients showed improved haemoglobin levels, weight gain and healing of the lungs. So Chyawanprash boosts respiratory health and helps fight infections through its immune-strengthening, anti-inflammatory herbs and spices.
3. Enhances Brain Function
Chyawanprash contains antioxidant-rich ingredients that nourish and protect the brain. Fighting free radical damage helps boost memory, learning capacity and overall cognitive function. Ingredients like amla, ghee, sesame oil and herbs like ashwagandha improve circulation and cell nourishment in the brain. This allows better retention and coordination between the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
Thus, Chyawanprash has traditionally been used to aid children in coping with academic pressure. Its ability to sharpen memory, focus, and concentration makes it the perfect brain tonic for intense studying. With regular use, Chyawanprash can support improved learning abilities, recall, and a sharper mind at any age.
4. Potent Aphrodisiac and Balances the Endocrine System
Chyawanprash can boost sexual health and fertility in both men and women. It contains herbs like ashwagandha, shatavari and gokshura that improve hormone levels, reproductive organ function, semen quality and ovulation. Ashwagandha increased sperm count, motility and testosterone in clinical studies.
Gokshura and shatavari also enhanced sexual behavior, testosterone and sperm parameters in research on rats. The ayurvedic ingredients in Chyawanprash balance hormones, nourish reproductive tissues, boost libido and improve overall reproductive function. By enhancing fertility and sexual vitality in both genders, regular use of Chyawanprash can support a healthy sex life and aid conception.
5. Promotes Healthy Skin
Chyawanprash, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can nourish the skin and slow ageing. Ingredients like amla are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that protect the skin from sun damage and pollution, reducing wrinkles, spots, acne, and infections. Ayurvedic herbs also help repair and regenerate skin tissues.
Regular use of Chyawanprash helps achieve youthful, radiant skin while protecting deeper tissues from oxidative damage. Its ability to neutralise free radicals and strengthen bones and organs makes Chyawanprash an excellent anti-ageing tonic. Combatting cellular damage supports the healthy functioning of the skin, liver, lungs and heart.
6. Helps Manage Stress
You will profit from Chyawanprash if you are among the victims who experience tension and anxiety. Because chyawanprash contains Brahmi leaves, it is well known to contain potent antioxidants. It has been shown by science to be very helpful in lowering inflammation, improving cognitive function, and easing stress and anxiety. However, you can lower your blood pressure and lower your risk of cancer by using Chyawanprash properly.
7. Aids In Weight Loss
Chyawanprash's high flavonoid content aids in the body's quicker weight loss. This herbal combination, rich in fibre and other nutrients, can be a key component of a weight loss program because it suppresses hunger and keeps overeating at bay when taken daily. Additionally, by decreasing the body's buildup of LDL (also known as bad cholesterol or low-density lipoproteins), the powder enhances metabolism and aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
8. Aids In Cardiac Functioning
Many heart conditions can be effectively treated with the help of the formulation's herbs, such as ashwagandha and arjuna, which have numerous heart-healthy qualities. By soothing the mind, they relax the heart system, which is very helpful for people with palpitations and arrhythmias. They significantly impact heart muscle strength, blood cholesterol levels, and lipid accumulation prevention, all of which lessen the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, and other conditions.
The Right Way to Consume Chyawanprash
Eating chyawanprash is healthful, but you shouldn't overindulge. Abdominal distention, bloating, loose stools, gas, and indigestion can all result from consuming too much. Adults can take one teaspoon twice daily, in the morning and the evening, with lukewarm milk or water. Half a teaspoon of chyawanprash each day is more than sufficient for children. In addition, Chyawanprash with milk or curd should not be consumed by people who have asthma or other respiratory conditions.
To make chyawanprash, 50 different kinds of herbs and spices are combined. However, the quantity of ingredients may change depending on the brand you choose. Before making a purchase, check the ingredients listed on the bottle.
Best Time to Take Chyawanprash
Like food, Chyawanprash should be eaten at the right times of day. However, night is not ideal for fruits or yogurt, and the same goes for Chyawanprash.
To get the most out of Chyawanprash, take one spoonful on an empty stomach in the morning. Take another spoonful either 30 minutes before dinner or two hours after. This timing, along with the herbs in Chyawanprash, offers the greatest benefits.
Chyawanprash is often considered a winter tonic, but Kerala Ayurveda's authentic recipe makes it safe to enjoy year-round. Made with the purest ingredients, their Chyawanprash supports health in any season.
Side Effects of Chyawanprash
Even if the formulation is quite helpful in treating a wide range of illnesses, it is still important to take it as directed. If taken in excess without first consulting a physician, it can result in indigestion, flatulence, abdominal bloating, loose stools, and abdominal distention.
Conclusion
Chyawanprash is a powerful Ayurvedic formulation offering many health benefits, from boosting immunity to supporting respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular health. Regular, moderate consumption can help maintain a balanced state of wellness and energy, suitable for individuals of various ages.
However, starting with a small dose is always best to ensure tolerance and seek professional guidance, especially if there are underlying health concerns or dietary restrictions. Whether for enhancing daily energy or supporting long-term vitality, Chyawanprash remains a timeless, beneficial supplement.
FAQs About Chyawanprash
1. Can I eat Chyawanprash every day?
Yes, daily consumption of Chyawanprash is generally safe for most people and provides various health benefits. However, to avoid potential side effects, it is advisable to stick to the recommended dosage.
2. How much Chyawanprash should I eat daily?
Adults are typically advised to consume 1-2 teaspoons daily, while children should take half to one teaspoon. Consult a healthcare professional for specific recommendations based on age and health status.
3. Does Chyawanprash help with weight loss?
While Chyawanprash is not primarily aimed at weight loss, it promotes digestive health and boosts metabolism, which can indirectly support weight management. Combined with a balanced diet and exercise, it can be beneficial.
4. Is Chyawanprash safe for children?
Yes, Chyawanprash is safe for children in small doses, typically around half a teaspoon daily. It’s an effective way to boost their immunity, especially during colder months or flu seasons.
5. Can Chyawanprash be taken at night?
Although it is traditionally consumed in the morning, taking Chyawanprash at night is also fine, particularly if paired with warm milk, as this can aid in digestion and promote restful sleep.
6. Are there any side effects of eating Chyawanprash daily?
Chyawanprash is generally safe when consumed according to guidelines. However, people with specific allergies or conditions, like diabetes, should consult a doctor to avoid potential issues related to ingredients or sugar content.
References:
- Chyawanprash, with Amla and antioxidants, boosts immunity and detoxifies.(https://www.researchgate.net)
- Regular intake of Chyawanprash strengthens the respiratory system and improves immunity. (https://www.researchgate.net)
- Chyawanprash contains antioxidant-rich ingredients that nourish and protect the brain.(https://nopr.niscpr.res.in)
- Chyawanprash, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can nourish the skin and slow ageing.(https://www.researchgate.net)