Top Benefits of Ashoka Tree and Uses for Female Health

The Ashoka tree, commonly called the Ashok Vriksh, is a tree that holds medicinal and spiritual significance. From treating various illnesses to supporting women’s health, the benefits of Ashoka tree are immense. Continue reading this article to learn the benefits of Ashoka tree and how to use it to treat many health issues.

What is Ashoka Tree?

Ashoka tree, with the scientific name Saraca asoca, is a rainforest tree commonly found in the Indian subcontinent. The word Ashoka comes from the Sanskrit word, which means no grief.

The Ashoka tree is known by various other names in India such as Ashoka, Sita Ashoka, Karkeli (Sanskrit), Sita Ashok, Ashoka (Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi), Asogam (Tamil), Oshok (Bengali), Ashokmu, Vanjulamu (Telugu), Asokam (Malayalam), Alshth, Achenge, Kenkalimara, Ashokadamara (Kannada).

Nutritional Value of Ashoka Tree

The nutritional value of the different compounds present in the leaves and flower of the Ashoka tree is provided below:

13 Benefits of Ashoka Tree

The Ashoka tree’s medicinal uses include improving skin health, treating menstrual disorders, curing respiratory issues, etc., making it a valuable herb in traditional medicine.

Treats Piles

One of the significant benefits of Ashoka tree is that Piles, called Arsha in Ayurveda, can be treated by consuming the Ashoka powder. Piles that affect the vata dosha in your body can lead to constipation.

Due to its laxative properties, Ashoka softens the stool and ensures easy passage from the intestines. Moreover, the burning sensation and discomfort associated with piles are relieved due to the Shita(cold) nature of Ashoka.

Wound Healing

Ashoka ensures faster wound healing. The pain and the swelling in the affected area are also reduced by applying Ashoka to the wound. The Ropan(healing) property exhibited by Ashoka helps your skin to restore its original texture.

Treats Acne and Improves Skin Health

Ashoka tree is beneficial for treating acne as it can soothe skin inflammation and prevent further acne breakouts. The antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties possessed by Ashoka make it an excellent remedy for various skin problems. The detoxification nature of Ashoka helps to remove toxins from our blood and leaves us with healthy skin.

It protects your skin from the oxidative damage caused by the harmful UV rays. It is also effective in preventing signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, etc. Moreover, it can treat conditions like eczema, psoriasis, scabies, etc.

Supports Cardiac Functioning

The cardio-tonic properties of Ashoka ensure the healthy functioning of the heart.

In addition, it can reduce bad cholesterol levels and prevent the risk of heart disease. Ashoka is also helpful in regulating blood pressure owing to its vasodilatory properties. Moreover, it can reduce platelet aggregation, which ensures smooth blood flow through the entire body.

Treats Asthma and Respiratory Issues

Ashoka’s anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties make it a helpful remedy for treating asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Ashoka does the work of a Kapha pacifier, which can loosen the phlegm deposited in the chest and airways and ease the difficulty in breathing.

Prevents Internal Bleeding

The uses of Ashoka leaves include internal bleeding prevention due to the presence of a compound called Tannin in them.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

The hypoglycemic properties of Ashoka may help control blood sugar levels, making it useful for people with diabetes.

Promotes Hair Health

Another significant benefit of Ashoka tree is that it can support hair health in many ways. It can promote blood circulation in the scalp, improve hair growth, maintain scalp pH, prevent premature greying of hair, reduce hair breakage, and treat different scalp infections.

Prevents Kidney Stones

The leaves of the Ashoka plant possess diuretic properties. It can facilitate the elimination of toxins from our bodies and thus prevent the crystallization of minerals. Consuming Ashoka seed powder is an excellent remedy that can prevent kidney stones.

Improves Liver Health

The Hepatoprotective properties of the Ashoka tree can improve the health of the liver, protect it from damage and treat liver anomalies such as Jaundice. You may consume it as Ashoka powder or capsules to detoxify the liver and improve overall liver functioning.

Relieve Stomach Inflammation

Consuming the bark of the Ashoka tree helps remove the worms from the stomach and cures indigestion and constipation.The anti-fungal, antibacterial and analgesic properties of the bark of the Ashoka tree help combat stomach inflammation.

Relieves Arthritic Pain

The anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of the Ashoka tree make it a great choice for people who have arthritis, as it can provide relief from pain, swelling and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis, known as Amavata in Ayurveda, is caused mainly by the Vata dosha imbalance and can be treated by applying the powdered paste of the bark of the Ashoka tree. It is also beneficial for treating Sandhivata or osteoarthritis.

Prevents the Risk of Cancer

The article published by the Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research mentions that it possesses anticancer properties. Also, some studies suggest the benefits of Ashoka bark powder in treating certain cancers such as breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

Benefits of Ashoka Tree for Females

Ashoka tree is specifically helpful in treating many health problems associated with females.

• Relieves painful periods (Dysmenorrhea): The pain or cramps experienced before or during menstruation is called Dysmenorrhea. Menstruation, called Aartava in Ayurveda, is controlled by the Vata dosha in the body. The Vata balancing property exhibited by Ashoka helps manage Dysmenorrhea.

• Helps with heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia): Heavy menstrual bleeding, known as Raktapradara in Ayurveda, is mainly caused by an aggravated Pitta dosha. The Shita(cold) property of Ashoka makes it an effective remedy for Menorrhagia.

• Treats Leucorrhea: The thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals is called Leucorrhea. The imbalance of the Kapha dosha results in Leucorrhea. Ashoka may be effective in treating Leucorrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. Thus, Ashoka can manage the aggravated Kapha dosha and relieve Leucorrhea.

How to Use Ashoka Tree for Health?

Below are some of the remedies that use the various parts of the Ashoka tree to treat various health issues.

How to Use Ashoka to Get Rid of Oily and Dull Skin?

Directions:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of Ashoka bark juice or paste.
• Add honey to it and apply this paste to the skin.
• Allow the paste to rest on the skin for 5-7 minutes before washing it with water

How to Use Ashoka to Control Hair Fall and Dandruff?

Directions:

• Take ½- 1 teaspoon of Ashoka leaves or flower paste and add coconut oil to it
• Apply this paste to the hair and scalp.
• After 5-7 hours, wash your hair.

How to Use Ashoka for Joint Pains?

Directions:

• The bark of Ashoka must be crushed with water to make a paste.
• Apply this paste over the affected areas to get rid of joint pains.

How to Use Ashoka for Wound Healing?

Directions:

• Dip the bark of the Ashoka tree in water overnight.
• The next day, prepare its paste and add honey to it.
• Apply this paste on the affected area for faster wound healing.

How to use Ashoka for relieving Dysmenorrhea, Menorrhagia and Leucorrhea?

Directions:

• The bark of the Ashoka tree should be boiled in water until the quantity of water reduces to one-fourth of its original quantity.
• Strain this liquid and store this Ashoka Kwatha in a bottle for future use.

• Add 8-10 teaspoons of Ashoka kwatha in the same quantity of water.
• Consume the drink preferably after lunch and dinner.

Ashoka Dosage

Ashoka is available in powder, capsules, tablets, and Kwatha forms. Consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended to determine the exact dosage. The exact dosage of these medications may vary based on the person’s age, medical conditions and severity.

• Ashoka Powder: Add honey or water to ¼ -½ teaspoon of Ashoka bark powder and consume it after meals.
• Ashoka Capsule: Swallow 1-2 capsules of Ashoka extract with water after meals.
• Ashoka Tablet: Swallow 1-2 tablets of Ashoka extract with water after meals.
• Ashoka Kwatha: Mix 8-10 teaspoons of Ashoka Kwatha with the same quantity of water and drink it after meals.

Side Effects of Ashoka

Although there are no specific side effects of the Ashoka plant, it is advised to consult a healthcare expert to identify the cause of any reactions and seek medical treatment. It is better not to consume it on an empty stomach. People with heart problems should consume it only after consulting a medical professional. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid consuming Ashoka without medical advice.

The Bottom Line

The Ashoka tree exhibits countless medicinal properties, which makes it beneficial for treating various illnesses. Speak to your healthcare professional to assess your medical condition so you can experience the benefits of Ashoka tree for your health to the fullest without any side effects.

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