Ashoka has been used for centuries, and it is a well-known female tonic. This glabrous tree has the most beautiful looking orange-red flower that blooms in bunches. The bark of this tree has special action on the female reproductive system. The name Ashoka means “free from any sorrow or agony”, when taken as a tonic this herb is a boon for all female reproductive imbalances. The bitter and astringent tastes of the bark are capable of purifying menstrual flow and preventing any stagnation in the uterus. The herb also has a dry and cold quality that can reduce any inflammation in the reproductive tissues. Additionally, Ashoka is excellent for bringing rhythm to the menstrual cycle. For centuries Ayurveda has recommended this herb for discomfort during the cycle and also to prevent excessive flow.

Ashoka trees are commonly found in the Central and Eastern Himalayas and South India. Also known as Saraca Asoca or the Indian variant Polyalthia Longifolia, this rain forest tree has long been used in traditional Indian medicine thanks to the numerous benefits it provides. For this reason, the word Ashoka is translated as ‘without sorrow’ or ‘no grief’ in Sanskrit.

The bark, seeds, flowers, and leaves of the tree are widely used for managing various health conditions, but derivatives like Ashoka powder and extracts are also popular. But how exactly does Ashoka help, and is it really effective?

Benefits of Ashoka Tree And Its Side Effects

Ashoka Tree Nutritional Value of Ashoka Tree Health Benefits of Ashoka Tree Uses of Ashoka Tree Side-Effects & Allergies of Ashoka Tree Cultivation of Ashoka Tree

In Ayurveda, Ashoka is known for its spiritual qualities as well as its many health benefits to the body. It is primarily beneficial for treating menstrual problems in women including Dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain and uterine spasms. The bark of the Ashoka tree has an abundant amount of tannins, flavonoids and glycosides that altogether work as a uterine tonic. The roots and seeds of Ashoka treat skin conditions including acne, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Ashoka Tree

Ashoka or Saraca indica is a rain forest tree that is found in the Deccan Plateau and Western Ghats of the Indian subcontinent. It bears orange and yellow flowers in bunches that turn red before they fall. This tree is considered one of the most sacred trees in the Indian traditions and it is dedicated to love God Kama. The word ‘Ashoka’ means ‘no grief’ in Sanskrit and various parts of this tree are widely used for different medicinal purposes.

Nutritional Value of Ashoka Tree

There are a number of essential nutrients that can be derived from the Ashoka tree. It contains tannins, glycoside, essential oils and calcium. It also contains carbonic compounds of carbon and iron while the bark of the tree contains ketosterol.

Health Benefits of Ashoka Tree

Help treat acne

You can boil the bark to form a thick decoction and apply mustard oil after it gets cold. This solution, when applied to boils and acne, produce a very beneficial effect.

It helps to treat gynecological problems

The herb of this tree can acts on uterine muscles and endometrium and thus provides relief from abdominal pain and other spasms. It also helps to treat irregular menstrual cycles, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, fibroids, cysts and other related disorders. Thus ashoka tree is widely used to treat gynecological and menstrual problems in women.

Helps improve intellect

Regular consumption of Ashoka tree products help to improve your intellect. You have to mix equal quantities of Ashoka bark and brahmi powder and consume 1 teaspoon of this mixture twice daily with a cup of milk.

Improves skin complexion

Consumption of herbs from the Ashoka tree helps to remove toxins from-our blood and therefore provides excellent benefits for our skin. The herbs help to purify blood and prevent the onset of allergies and other skin disorders. Burn and skin irritations can also be treated by using extracts from the Ashoka tree.

Prevents internal bleeding

You can drink few drops of water mixed with crushed flowers of the Ashoka plant to prevent internal bleeding. Ashoka flowers also help to prevent hemorrhagic dysentery. Thus flowers of Ashoka help to take care of your health.

Deals with stomach swelling and inflammation

Barks or leaves of the Ashoka tree, when consumed, help to remove worms from the stomach and thus provide relief from pain and swelling. The bark of the tree also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and pain relieving properties. Thus it helps to combat both internal and external inflammation and provides relief from burning sensation.

Treats diabetes and piles

People who are suffering from diabetes can use the dried flowers of the tree to treat their ailment. The flowers help to check blood sugar levels. Herbal supplements prepared from this tree help in the treatment of piles. A decoction prepared from the bark of the tree helps to treat internal piles.

Prevents diarrhea

Flowers of the Ashoka tree controls blood loss in stools and thus treats diarrhea without causing any side effects. Ashoka tree leaves, flowers and bark can be used a tonic which will provide relief from this painful condition.

Removes kidney stones and treats asthma

Seed powder of the Ashoka tree is a natural method that helps to control kidney stones. When the seed powder is wrapped in betel leaves and consumed a number of times, it helps to treat asthma in people suffering from that illness.

Helps to relieve pain

Ashoka tree extracts have analgesic properties and so help to relieve pain. If you experiencing pain in your joints, you can apply paste of the bark on the affected areas and experience some relief.

Uses of Ashoka Tree

The bark of the Ashoka plant is used to prepare cosmetics that help to improve skin complexion. It helps to prevent the condition of scanty and difficult urination and even acts as an antidote to scorpion bite. Even its dried flowers are advantageous for diabetic patients.

Side-Effects & Allergies of Ashoka Tree

Although the health benefits of Ashoka tree are numerous, pregnant women should abstain from consuming products from this tree as it might lead to complications. People who are sensitive to certain types of food should consult a doctor before consuming products of this tree.

Cultivation of Ashoka Tree

The Ashoka tree is primarily grown and cultivated in the Indian subcontinent. It is considered to be very sacred by the Hindus. This tree is often associated with yakshi mythological beings and this tree is often found at the gates of Buddhist and Hindu temples. The yaks-his under the Ashoka tree were also very popular as decorative elements in early Buddhist monuments. This tree is often mentioned in ancient Indian religious and amorous poetry and has 16 different names in Sanskrit referring to its different parts.

The Ashoka tree is best cultivated in the months of May and June and they are propagated best by stem cutting. It is difficult to propagate Ashoka trees with seeds on a large scale. However, the wild varieties of this tree is slowly becoming endangered.