\ AYUR TIMES Home Ayurvedic Medicines () Fermented Formulations - Asava & Arishta Ashokarishta Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects © by dr.Jagdev singh On Mar 18, 2015, FERMENTED FORMULATIONS-ASAVA ARISHTA Last updated Aug 30, 2017 Ashokarishta (also spelled as asokarishtam) is an ayurvedic liquid medicine. It may contain about 3 to 9% self-generated alcohol. Ashokarishta tonic is almost effective in all types of diseases related to female reproductive system. Ashokarishta is useful in gynaecological diseases including heavy uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual periods, imbalanced female hormones, menopausal osteoporosis, ovarian cyst and uterine polyps. Table of Contents [show] Ingredients Main ingredient of Ashokarishta is Saraca asoka (Ashoka) bark. Ashokarishta (asokarishtam) contains following ingredients. Botanical Name Common Name Saraca asoka Bark Ashoka Bark Saccharum officinarum (Jaggery) Jaggery (GUDA) Woodfordia fruticosa flowers Dhataki flowers Cyperus rotundus Mustak roots Zingiber Officinale Ginger rhizomeNigella sativa Kalonji Berberis aristata Daruharidra Nymphaea stellata Utpala flowers Indian gooseberry (Amia or Emblica officinalis Amalaki) fruits Terminalia bellerica Vibhitaki Terminalia chebula Haritaki Mangifera indica Seeds Mango seed (Amrasthi) Cuminum cyminum Cumin seed (Jeera) Adhatoda vasica Adulsa (Vasaka) Santalum album Sandalwood (Chandan) Medicinal Properties Ashokarishta (asokarishtam) has following healing properties. 1. Anti-inflammatory 2. Mild estrogenic 3. Carminative 4. Digestive Stimulant 5, Haernatinic (increases hemoglobin levels) 6. Muscle relaxant 7. Antioxidant 8. Adaptogenic 9. Anticancer Therapeutic Indications Ashokarishta is helpful in following health conditions.Dysmenorrhea 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 10. Pelvic inflammatory disease penanpwn > Benefits & Uses of Ashokarishta Ashokarishta has benefits in ovarian diseases and uterine disorders. Its main function is on female reproductive system and it balances the hormones levels in the body. In menopause, it helps adapting the body according to natural process occurring in the woman's body. Let us discuss about the main health benefits and medicinal uses of Ashokarishta. Menorrhagia, Metrorrha: & Menometrorrhagia * Menorrhagia is abnormal heavy or prolonged periods or menstruation. Metrorrhagia is prolong and excessive uterine bleeding. It does not occur due to menstruation. It indicates some other uterine disease. * Menometrorrhagia is a combination of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. In this case, heavy bleeding occurs regardless to menstruation. It occurs irregularly than usual. In ayurveda, Ashokarishta is a drug of choice all these three conditions. It naturally reduces bleeding and regulates the uterine functions. The effects may be due to influence of Ashokarishta on the female hormones. If bleeding occurs due to other causes including cervical cancer, uterine cancer and uterine polyps, Ashokarishta alone may not work well. There are several other medicines may also require for controlling other associatedconditions. These ayurvedic remedies include the use of chandraprabha vati, Kanchanar guggulu, Chandrakala Ras etc, In Menorrhagia, some patients also have constipation. In this case, they also require Dantyarishta with Ashokarishta. If patient has main concern of pain, then Gokshuradi guggulu is given along with ashokarista. Dysmenorrhea (Painful periods) Ashokarishta is a uterine tonic, which improves uterine functions and modulates uterine contractions. It gives strength to the uterus, which helps in easier dislodging of the uterine lining during menstruation and prevents ischemia (inadequate blood supply to the uterus). Thus, it reduces menstrual cramps. Additionally, Ashokarishta also reduces premenstrual headache, nausea, low backache etc. The effect of Ashoka Bark (main ingredient of Ashokarishta) on raised prostaglandin is still unknown, but phytoestrogens (which are also present in Ashoka Bark) modulate the production of prostaglandin. Prostaglandin level is raised in cases of primary dysmenorrhea. Ashokarishta alone is more beneficial when a woman has heavy bleeding with cramps like pain. If menstrual flow is inadequate or reduced, then Ashokarishta should be taken in reduced dosage i.e. 5 ml to get its strengthening benefit along with Kumaryasava (in dosage of 20 ml) twice daily. If pain is severe, then Yograj Guggulu (500 mg) can also be taken along with this combination. If abdominal tenderness is also present, or other increased Pitta symptoms such as increased bleeding, burning sensation, vertigo, hyperacidity etc. are observed, then Kumaryasava should not be used. Instead, Praval Pishti, Sutshekhar Ras, or Kamdudha Ras should be used along with Ashokarishta in appropriate dosage according to the history of menstrual blood flow. Note: However, many ayurvedic doctors use Ashokarishta as a main remedy for dysmenorrhea, but it is not. Actually, it is a supportive medicine in dysmenorrhea, which assists to maintain the hormonal balance and providesstrength to the reproductive organs. The primary medicine for dysmenorrhea in Arishta & Asava preparations is Kumaryasava, but it is contraindicated in symptoms of increased or aggravated Pitta. Dysmenorrhea Ashokarishta Kumaryasava Reduces uterine contractions, but not comparable with Kumaryasava Reduces unusual uterine contractions significantly Menstrual blood flow ma y Improves menstrual blood flow decrease Decreases menstrual bleeding _increases menstrual bleeding Mainly provides strength to the Strengthening action is uterus insignificant Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Ashokarishta is useful in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). The condition of its use is very different, so it must be used with very care. If your periods last for 7 days or more and you experience heavy bleeding, or you have early menstrual period and periods may also be regular or irregular, but comes before due dates, then Ashokarishta is helpful. The condition is Menorrhagia i.e. heavy (excess bleeding), prolonged or irregular periods, then Ashokarishta is very useful. Sukumaram Kashayam and Chandraprabha Vati should also be used along with Ashokarishta. Chandraprabha Vati and Sukumaram Kashayam both help to restore the ovarian functions.If your periods are irregular and comes after due date, then Ashokarishta is contraindicated. In such case, Sukumaram Kashayam along with Kumaryasava and Chandraprabha Vati is helpful. In such cases, some may also require Agnitundi Vati or Rajahpravartani Vati (Raja Pravartini Vati). Ashokarishta also has influence on endocrine system. The hormonal disturbance is common cause of excess hair growth, acne and weight gain. The regular use of Ashokarishta with Chandraprabha Vati helps normalizing the hormone levels and treats all PCOS symptoms, but you should remember the condition of its use. Low-grade inflammation may stimulate ovaries to secrete more testosterone, which may cause hair growth. Low-grade inflammation may also be a contributing factor for developing PCOS. Ashokarishta, Kumaryasava, Sukumaram Kashayam and Chandraprabha Vati also reduce low-grade inflammation, which ultimately reduces symptoms of PCOS and treats ovarian fluid filled cysts. Conditional difference is between Ashokarishta and Kumaryasava, which must be considered. Menopausal Osteoporosis Bone mineral loss starts occurring in women during menopause. it may also lead to osteoporosis. Ashokarishta plays a vital role in harmonizing the hormones and helps adapting the body with new changes that occur in the menopause. It prevents bone mineral loss. Calcium in the Ashokarishta helps maintaining bone mineral density. Point to be noted In some cases, when Ashokarishta used alone, it results in delayed menstruation. In such cases, the dosage should be reduced from 20 ml to 10 ml and should be taken along with Kumaryasava.Dosage The dosage of Ashokarishta is 10 ml to 20 ml twice or thrice a day. In heavy bleeding, your doctor may also ask to increase the dosage of Ashokarishta. Adjuvants of Ashokarishta Water is an adjuvant for Ashokarishta. You should add equal amount of water and Ashokarishta, then take immediately after meal. Some medicines are taken with Ashokarishta as per following rule. Diseases Supporting Remedies Menorrhagia Chandraprabha Vati Chandraprabha Vati, Liquorice Metrorrhagia e and Amalaki Rasyana Chandraprabha Vati, Liquorice Menometrorrhagia 8 and Amalaki Rasyana Dysmenorrhea Yograj Guggul Dysmenorrhea with constipation _ Dantyarishta Menopausal Symptoms Saraswatarishta Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Chandraprabha Vati, Sukumaram (PCOS) Kashayam Caution & Side Effects Ashokarishta is POSSIBLY SAFE and WELL-TOLERATED in most women. Some women may feel burning sensation after taking this remedy, but this side effect occurs only in women suffering with acidity or heartburn. Ashokarishta Side EffectsThe most common side effect of Ashokarishta is delayed menstruation. * Delayed menstruation + Missed period * Decreased menstrual blood flow Pregnancy Ashokarishta may have effects on hormone levels, which may affect adversely in pregnancy. Therefore, pregnancy women should avoid using ashokarishta tonic. We consider it PROBABLY UNSAFE in Pregnancy. Breastfeeding Lactating mothers can take ashokarishta if they experience heavy bleeding, leucorrhea or any other disease as explained above in therapeutic indication section of this article. It may mot have adverse effects on mothers and breastfeeding babies. Instead, it contains good amount of calcium and promotes optimum health of bones and joints as well. Manufacturer * Dabur ashokarishta * Baidyanath ashokarishta * Zandu * Sandhu FAQs about Ashokarishta Can | take Ashokarishta during periods? Does it affect periods? Yes, Ashokarishta can be taken during menstrual periods. The main purpose of using Ashokarishta is to provide strength to the uterus and normalize its functions. it does not likely to affect periods negatively. Can | use Ashokarishta for irregular and scanty periods?Ashokarishta is not an appropriate medicine for irregular periods with short menstrual flow or scanty periods (also called hypomenorrhea). The most suitable medicine is Kumaryasava for improving menstrual flow and treating irregular periods. Other medicines according to Dosha and underlying cause may also require along with Kumaryasava. However, if you have irregular periods, but early before time and when they come, you also have heavy bleeding and pain in abdomen, and feeling weakness, then Ashokarishta can be used in combination with chandraprabha vati and other ayurvedic medicines as per Dosha analysis. Can we conceive while taking Ashokarishta? Or do | need to stop when planning for pregnancy? If Ashokarishta is used for support in female infertility to balance hormones levels, then it can be taken while planning for pregnancy, but it should be stopped immediately after confirmation of conception. The quantity of herbs used in Ashokarishta does not likely to affect developing fetus and pregnancy adversely. Can a woman with normal periods use Ashokarishta as tonic? Yes, it can be used as tonic in healthy women. Ashokarishta is a good uterine tonic and provides strength to the uterine musculature, but using any medicine without specific purpose or disease is not suggestible. Does Ashokarishta stop unwanted hair or excessive hair growth in women? Unwanted hair or excessive hair growth in women may have several causes. The common cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women. Adrenal gland disorders may also play a role in excessive hair growth. Treating underlying cause is perfect treatment instead depending on one remedy. Ashokarishta is likely to work on PCOS (condition applied - read above in PCOS section), but alone may not be beneficial. Chandraprabha Vati, Shiva Gutika, Vanga Bhasma, Kanchnar Guggulu, etc. may also require. AyurvedicRemedies for PCOS may differ case to case as per DOSHA involvement, so it is better to consult a good ayurvedic doctor for a proper treatment. Is Ashokarishta useful for blocked fallopian tubes? Ashokarishta alone may not help in blocked fallopian tubes, Uttar Basti is actually best treatment for fallopian tube blockage. Is Ashokarishta beneficial in removing/reducing chocolate cyst? Chocolate cyst of ovary occurs due to endometriosis. Ashokarishta along with Chandraprabha vati help in endometriosis and cysts. Can young girls aged around 13 to 16 take ashokarishta for heavy and early periods? Yes, Ashokarishta can be taken in any age. Does Ashokarishta help in hormonal imbalance? Yes, Ashokarishta is very useful for hormonal imbalance. 39 COMMENTS Shanthi Says 1 year ago Can women during perimenopausal period take Ashokarishta for heavy bleeding? & Dr. Jagdev Singh Says 4 year ago Yes, Ashokarishta can help to reduce perimenopausal symptoms and heavy bleeding. Sanya Says © 1 year ago Should | use Ashokarishta with normal water or hot water?& Dr. Jagdev Singh Says 5 1 yearago Normal water would be best. Pratibha Ghunawat Says = year ago How many days do we need to use Ashokarishta and Chandraprabha Vati for PCOS problem? & Dr. Jagdev Singh Says 1 yearago It may take 3 to 6 months (regular use) for giving good results in PCOS. Ashokarishta should be used with care and read details here - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Esha Says 6 1yearago My doctor has recornmended Ashokarishta and Aloes Compound for my PCOS and irregular periods. Is it an appropriate treatment? How long will it take to cure my PCOS? & Dr. Jagdev Singh Says 0 1 yearago It entirely depends on health conditions. Please read PCOS section in the article. Sorry for delayed reply, we had missed your comment. Geeta Says Tyear ago Please suggest if 5 ml Ashokarishta would help with same amount of water once a day after food in early heavy menstruation for 10 years old child. & Dr. Jagdev Singh Says 1 1yearag0Ashokarishta can help for normalizing the menstrual flow, but the dosage should be 10 ml and preferably mixed in 50 ml water for child. In such cases, Mukta Pishti is also very helpful along with Ashokarishta Ranjani Says © tyearago Does Ashokarishta help with uterine fibroids? Dr. Jagdev Singh Says 6 1 year ago Qo Yes, along with Varanadi Kashayam, Chandraprabha Vati, Arogyavardhini Vati, Kanchnar Guggul and other medicines according to the Dosha and symptoms, Ashokarishta helps to treat the uterine fibroids. Ruchi Says = 1 year ago | am having excessive pain during periods and | have started taking Ashokarishta 30 days ago. But | missed my cycle this month. Don't know why. | am taking once a day. What should | do? Should I continue taking this or stop taking it? © Dr. Jagdev Singh Says year ago Under such condition, you need to stop Ashokarishta and Kumaryasava would be the better option. Yuvi Says Tyear ago 1am suffering with PCOD and my cycle is irregular, so shall | take Ashokarishta for it? o Dr. Jagdev Singh Says 1 1 year agoThere are conditions to use Ashokarishta in PCOD and we have updated the article with more details about the condition of its use. Please read above - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Mit Says = tyearag0 In the article, it is mentioned that side effect of Ashokarishta is delayed menstruation. lam taking Ashokarishta to help conceive, but will it also delay my periods if | do not conceive this month. o Dr. Jagdev Singh Says Tyear ago | am not sure if Ashokarishta helps in conception, it is not indicated for this. Instead, Dashmoolarishta is the main medicine in Arishta & Asava Category used for infertility. Medicine should also be according to the underlying cause of infertility. In some cases of infertility in which we use Ashokarishta because they have heavy periods with short duration (in some cases, menstrual cycle repeats twice a month). To regularize the menstrual flow to the normal level, we use it for a month or two. Then we shift them on other medicines used for easier conception. However, if patient does not get benefits in normalizing (reducing) the heavy menstrual cycle, then we can also continue it along with medicines used for infertility, according to individual body type and Dosha Analysis. Side effects are not likely to mean it will appear in all patients. Some patients have these complaints. if you already have light menstruation, long periods or delay periods, Ashokarishta must not be used. Mit Says 1 yearag0