Ashokarishta; Home Made Ingredients, Uses, Dosage, Effects

Ashokarishta is an herbal classical Ayurvedic medicine containing the bark of Ashoka tree as the chief ingredient. It is one of the most popular remedies for ‘female disorders’ or for menstrual disorder and female hormonal imbalances.

It is extensively used in the Ayurvedic treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding and other gynecological complaints. It contains 5 – 10 % of self-generated alcohol, which acts as a medium for herbal active principles. This is also called as Asokarishtam.

It contains estrogenic compound or phytoestrogen and hence balances estrogen levels, stops bleeding and support the restoration of the endometrium. Phytoestrogens are a naturally-occurring plant nutrient that exerts an estrogen-like action on the body. They are structurally and/or functionally similar to mammalian estrogens and their active metabolites. Estrogen or estrogen is the primary female sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Phytoestrogens are good antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. They reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms.

Home Made Ingredients of Asokarishta

Ashoka – Saraca Asoka – Bark – 4.8 kg
water for decoction – 49.152 liters
Kashayam – decoction – 12.288 liters
Guda – jaggery – Saccharum officinarum – 9.6 kg
Prakshepa –
Dhataki – Woodfordia fruticosa – flower – 768 g
Musta – Cyperus rotundus – Rhizome – 48 g
Shunti – Ginger – Rhizome – 48 g
Ajaji – Nigella sativa – Fruit – 48 g
Daruharidra – Berberis aristata – Stem – 48 g
Utpala – Nymphaea stellata – flower – 48 g
Haritaki – Terminalia chebula – fruit – 48 g
Vibhitaki – Terminalia bellerica – fruit – 48 g
Amalaki – Amla – Indian gooseberry – fruit – 48 g
Amrasthi – mango seed – 48 g
Jeeraka – cumin seed – 48 g
Vasa – Adhatoda vasica – whole plant – 48 g
Chandana – Santalum album (sandalwood) – 48 g

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Method of preparation of Asokarishtam

Take the raw materials of pharmacopoeial quality.
Wash, dry and powder the ingredient numbered 1 (Kvatha Dravya) of the formulation composition and pass through the sieve number 44 to obtain a coarse powder.
Clean, dry and powder the ingredients numbered 5 to 16 (Prakshepa Dravya) of the formulation composition individually and pass through the sieve number 85 to obtain a fine powder. Add the specified amount of water to the Kvatha Dravya, soak overnight, heat, reduce to one fourth and filter through a muslin cloth to obtain Kvatha.
Add the ingredient number 3 of the formulation composition to the Kvatha, allow to dissolve and filter through the muslin cloth.
Transfer the filtrate to a clean container; add Dhataki and other finely powdered Prakshepa Dravyas.
Seal the mouth of the container.
Shift the container to the fermentation room and constantly check for the signs of completion of the fermentation process.
Filter the fermented material through a clean muslin cloth.
Pack in airtight containers and allow for maturation.

Uses of Ashokarishta

Menorrhagia – refers to abnormally heavy or prolonged periods or menstruation.
Metrorrhagia – refers to prolonged and excessive uterine bleeding not triggered by menstruation. It generally is an indicator of other uterine diseases.
Menometrorrhagia – is a combination of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. In this case, heavy bleeding occurs regardless of menstruation.
Bleeding gynecological conditions
Menorrhagia
Leucorrhoea
Excessive uterine bleeding
Heavy menstrual periods
Menopausal osteoporosis
Low bone mineral density
Imbalanced hormones
Increased level of testosterone in the blood
Uterine polyps (Along With Kanchnaar Guggul)
Ovarian cysts or poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – Along with Chandraprabha vati
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Urinary disorders
Frequent urination
Edema
Anorexia (loss of desire to eat)
Bleeding piles
Digestion
Ulcer
Blood diseases
Abscess
Breathing
Sweating
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Prolapse of anus
Thirst
Dysentery
Leprosy
Erysipelas
Colic
Bowel spasms
Diabetes
Paresis
Inflammation
Malaria
Bowel disorders
Tumor
Hepatotoxicity
Pain
Microbial infections
Ashokarishta Syrup may also be used for purposes not listed here.

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Ashokarishta helps manage pelvic inflammatory diseases. The herbs present in it produces a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which helps prevent damage to the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs. It is used in Ayurveda treatments for many diseases like Pain menstruation, heavy periods, fever, bleeding disorders such as nasal bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids, inflammation, indigestion and lack of taste.

Dosage of Ashokarishta

5 – 10 ml, once or twice a day, after food or as directed by an Ayurvedic doctor. Those with irritation in the stomach can take this with an equal quantity of water. Based on doctor’s prescription, this medicine can be used for 4-8 weeks in cases of fever, anorexia etc.
In heavy periods, it can be used during the periods, until the periods last.
If the periods are very heavy, then it can be taken from one week before periods sets in till it lasts.
In case of heavy periods nearing menopause or fibroids, Asokarishtam is advised for as long as 4 – 5 months time.