Asoka is an evergreen shrub (or small tree) belonging to the family Fabaceae/LeGuminosae, with a dense and spreading crown of horizontal branches, growing upto 24m tall, having an upto 10cm diameter bole, native to Southeast Asia and South America.
• It is known in India as ‘’friend of women’’ as it is specifically used in the management of Menorrhagia and other female Reproductive problems.
Plant Description
Its bark is smooth with transversely ridged and circular lenticels, dark green to greenish grey.
Its leaves are dark green, alternate, paripinnate compound, stipulate, large and spreading horizontally.3-6 inches long and 2.5 inches wide.
Its flowers has fragrant, bisexual, regular flowers of Orange color with 7-8 stamens in a large bunch.
Its Fruits are legumes that are smooth, leathery and flat pods tapered at both ends having 6-8 seeds. About 12-20 cm long and 5 cm in width.
Its seeds are flat, about 1.5 inches long.
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
• Reproductive System (helps in conception; uterine, endometrium, ovarian- Stimulant, strengthens uterine muscles, and reduces uterine discharge and uterine pain)
• Nervous System (analgesic)
• Digestive System (Astringent, anthelMintic, anti-dyspeptic, anti-thirst properties)
• Cardiovascular System (Cardiotonic, hemostatic, blood purifying, and anti-edematous
• Excretory system (Diuretic and lithotriptic)
• Body temperature (anti-pyretic and cooling effect)
Usable Parts
Bark, flowers, and seeds
Directions of Preparation
1) Boil the Asoka Tree bark in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth.
2) Strain liquid and store it in a bottle.
3) Take 8-10 teaspoons.
4) Drink it after adding the same quantity of water after lunch and dinner to manage pain during menstruation.1) Boil the Asoka Tree bark in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth.
2) Strain liquid and store it in bottle.
3) Take 8-10 teaspoons.
4) Drink it after adding the same quantity of water after lunch and dinner to manage pain during menstruation.Piles
1) Take 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of Asoka powder.
2) Add Raw Honey or water.
3) Take it after meals.1) Boil the Asoka Tree bark in water till the volume of water reduces to one-fourth.
2) Strain liquid and store it in middle.
3) Take 8-10 teaspoons.
4) Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably after lunch and dinner to manage Leucorrhea.Gynecological problems
1) Boil 6gm of Asoka powder in 500ml, cow Milk and 500ml water until it lowers to half.
2) For normal menses, drink it daily for 3 days.1) Make a decoction by boiling bark in water.
2) Take this decoction in empty stomach to patients. Or Boil it in Milk.Internal bleeding
1) Drink few drops of water combined with crushed flowers of Asoka Tree for preventing internal bleeding. This helps to prevent hemorrhagic dysentery.
Skin Diseases
1) Boil Asoka in water and use in water to cleanse Wounds and Skin conditions.
2) Rub the crushed leaves and flowers on the Skin.Fungal Infections
1) Apply the infusion prepared with Asoka flowers and Henna leaves in Coconut Oil.
Scabies and itching
1) Apply the flowers boiled in Coconut Oil.
Fractured Bones
1) Apply the bark paste on affected area.
Recommended Dosage
• Syrups: 10-15 ml
• Seed powder: 1-3 grams
• Flower powder: 1-3 grams
• Bark Decoction: 15-30 ml
Its Active Constituents:
• Asoka Tree contain:
• Active principles (such as Ketosterol, Glycosydal Fraction, N-Alkanes, Palmitic Acid, Steraric Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid)
• Quercetin,
• Kaempferol,
• Tannin,
• Saponin,
• Organic Calcium Compound.
• The bark is rich in:
• Tannins,
• Haematoxylin,
• Flavonoids,
• Steroids,
• Quercetin,
• Luteolin,
• Saponins,
• Volatile oil,
• Glycosides and various Steroidal Glycosides,
• Catechol,
• Carbonic Calcium,
• Iron,
• Catechins,
• Ketosterol.
• The leaves contain:
• Various “Carbohydrates,
• Tannins,
• Gallic acid.
• The flowers are rich in:
• Saracasin,
• Saracadin,
• Waxy substances,
• Proteins,
• Steroids.
• The seeds contain:
• Various “fatty acids (like oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acid).
Health Benefits of Asoka Tree
Cardiovascular System
• Asoka has been shown to protect cardiac tissues from infiltration by inflammatory cells.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System
• Asoka helps to regulate blood composition and stabilize blood circulation.
• Its combination with Aloe Vera (which has Iron content) helps improve blood health and blood conditions such as Anemia (an Iron deficiency condition in the blood ).
Foods & Circulatory System
Detoxification
• Asoka bark strongly stimulating effect is useful for the treatment of a range of urinary system conditions.
• It acts as a coolant (has cooling properties) which is very useful in bringing down excessive body heat, possibly due to fatigue (or hormonal) imbalance and helping to relieve thirst, excessive burning sensation, anger, emaciation, Sweating etc.
• It has natural detoxification/cleansing properties that improve Skin complexion and keep the body free from toxins.
• Asoka seeds are beneficial to the treatment of urinary discharges.
• Asoka seed powder 1-2 tsp taken with water is beneficial in the case of frequent urination and renal calculi.
Foods & Detoxification
Diabetes
• The dried powder of Asoka Tree flowers seem to be useful in controlling Diabetes.
• Grind dried asoka flowers with water and use approx. 20-30ml daily twice (2) daily to lower the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Foods & Diabetes
Digestive System
• Ashoka bark is beneficial for Digestive common problems (such as Bloating, Flatulence, burping, Colicky pain in abdomen & ascites, etc.).
All major diseases have there origin from a malfunctioning gut and Digestive System.
Foods & Digestive System
Infant
• Asoka flowers are useful in the treatment of scabies in children and various Skin diseases.
Foods & Infant
Infections
• The bark of the Asoka Tree is employed as an antidote to provide relief from scorpion Stings.
• Its bark powder can be taken at home in case of Fever, due to its cold potency.
• A mixed decoction of asoka flowers, Henna leaves and Coconut Oil is beneficial in various fungal Infections.
Foods & Infections
Intestine
• Asoka bark and flowers are also useful for treating intestinal conditions (such as Hemorrhoids, dysentery and internal bleeding), largely due to its strongly Astringent properties (contracts tissue, including blood vessels, lessening secretions).
• Asoka Tree flowers are useful to cure the symptoms of piles and getting relief from piles.
• The flowers helps to manage blood loss in stools and treats Diarrhea without any side effects.
• The bark, flowers and leaves are used as tonic to provide relief from painful condition.
Foods & Intestine
Skin Health
• Asoka is helpful in enhancing the Skin’s complexion by eliminating toxins from the body, purifies the blood & prevents Skin Allergies.
• The bark is boiled in water and can be used for washing the Skin surface in case of Skin Infections.
• Asoka root, bark and seeds are useful in the treatment of Skin conditions (including Eczema, Acne, dermatitis, herpes scabies and Psoriasis).
• It is also widely used to rejuvenate the complexion, reduce freckles and calm down inflammation.
• Its flowers powder are mixed with Coconut Oil and applied over the Skin (if having scabies, atopic dermatitis and Eczema).
Foods & Skin Health
The Brain & Nervous System
• Asoka analgesic properties is highly beneficial in soothing the nerves.
• The bark and seeds help to relax an overactive central Nervous System (CNS), helping to reduce the time it takes to drop off to sleep.
• The quality and duration of sleep can be improved due to the presence of certain Flavonoids, Glycosides and Tannins.
Foods & Nervous System
Women Health
• Asoka bark is strongly Astringent and a uterine Sedative through its compounds (Tannins and catechol) which is useful for treating the female Reproductive System.
• It has stimulating effect on uterine endometrium and ovarian tissue useful in the treatment of several ailments (such as Menstrual cramps, Menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome, uterine bleeding, Uterine Fibroids, and internal bleeding).
• Its largely used in the treatment of many gynecological/female disorders (including Congestion, discomfort, pain and excessive bleeding).
• It has a strong effect upon the uterine muscles and uterine spasms, hence useful in the treatment of uterine haemorrhages, Menstrual cramps, Menorrhagia and Leucorrhoea.
• It serves as an efficient tonic for optimal functioning of the uterus.
• It can be effectively used to aid with a number of uncomfortable Menstrual Disorders (such as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome [PMS], Amenorrhea [absent periods], Dysmenorrhea [painful periods] and Menorrhagia [heavy and prolonged Menstrual bleeding]).
• Its 1/2 teaspoonful bark powder helps in curing Leucorrhoea.
• Its considered particularly effective for female infertility and Endometriosis. Asoka success in the treatment of infertility in women may be linked to the herb’s ability to successfully treat Endometriosis (one of the leading causes of infertility in women).
• Asoka contain Phytoestrogens that support healthy hormonal function during the transition into the Menopause.
• The bark exerts a balancing effect on artificially elevated oestrogen levels, thus exhibiting Adaptogenic qualities.
• It can support the healthy production of oestrogen and progesterone only when it is needed.
• The hormonal balance that is promoted by the herb makes it effective against many Menopause symptoms including (hot Flushes, Night Sweats, sleep problems, mood swings and weight gain).
Foods & Women Health
