Every month, women face challenges like painful periods, menstrual cramps, and excessive bleeding. These common issues have been present for centuries, even before modern medicine.
In ancient times, Ayurvedic herbs were relied upon to address these gynecological concerns, and one of the most trusted remedies was Ashoka. Known as a powerful 'Divyaushadhi' and uterine tonic, Ashoka has been a trusted ally in alleviating menstrual discomfort.
What Is Ashoka?
Ashoka, also called ‘Ashok Vriksh,’ is a well-known indigenous tree renowned for its medicinal and spiritual significance. The name ‘Ashoka’ translates to ‘no grief’ in Sanskrit, reflecting its healing properties. This sacred tree, which holds a special place in Indian mythology, is even worshipped in some cultures.
Beyond the bark, various parts of the Ashoka tree are used in traditional medicine to address gynecological issues, menstrual discomfort, spasms, diabetes, respiratory problems, abdominal pain, skin conditions, and kidney troubles.
How to Identify the Ashoka Plant?
Ashoka is a small, evergreen tree scientifically known as Saraca asoca or Saraca indica, belonging to the Leguminaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 7-10 meters. The tree's bark is dark brown or nearly black with a rough, warty surface.
The leaves are narrowly lanceolate, and the flowers are yellowish-orange and apetalous, blooming from February to April. The fruit is flat, oblong, and contains ellipsoid to oblong seeds. Ashoka stands out for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers, making it easily recognizable.
10 Proven Benefits of Ashoka for Female Fertility
Ashoka has been a staple of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, especially for women's reproductive health. With its potent medicinal properties, Ashoka plays a crucial role in enhancing female fertility.
Below are 10 significant benefits of Ashoka, supported by research and traditional usage, that contribute to improved reproductive health.
1. Balances Hormonal Levels
Ashoka is known for its ability to balance estrogen and progesterone levels, two hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Proper hormonal balance is essential for fertility.
2. Regulates Menstrual Cycles
Irregular menstrual cycles can significantly affect fertility, often caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, PCOD and PCOS, or thyroid issues. Symptoms include missed periods, heavy or light bleeding, and unpredictable cycles, which can make fertilization challenging.
Having Ashoka as a part of your diet helps regulate menstrual cycles by balancing hormones. It improves uterine health, reduces excessive bleeding, and restores regularity.
3. Reduces Menstrual Pain and Cramps
Ashoka’s anti-inflammatory properties help treat menstrual disorders like cramps, bloating, and uterine spasms, which are common issues for women.
4. Improves Uterine Health
Ashoka is considered a uterine tonic that strengthens the uterine muscles, which is vital for carrying a pregnancy to term. By improving uterine health, Ashoka enhances the chances of successful implantation and gestation. The herb’s role in uterine health is recognized in traditional medicine and supported by research on uterine tonics for fertility.
5. Promotes Ovulation
Ovulation is key to conception, and Ashoka helps stimulate the ovaries to promote regular ovulation. Research supports the use of certain herbal medicines to enhance ovarian function, with Ashoka being one of the most noted herbs for its role in improving ovulation cycles.
6. Alleviates Stress & Anxiety
Chronic stress can impact fertility by disrupting hormone levels and menstrual cycles. To add on, taking Ashoka supplementation daily helps manage stress and anxiety due to its adaptogenic properties.
7. Improves Blood Circulation
Proper blood circulation is vital for reproductive health, as it ensures the uterus and ovaries are nourished. Consuming Ashoka powder enhances blood flow to the reproductive organs, thereby improving the oxygen and nutrient supply to these organs.
8. Cleanses the Reproductive System
Ashoka is a powerful herb known for its detoxifying properties that help cleanse the reproductive system. It aids in removing accumulated toxins in the uterus and ovaries, which can disrupt hormonal balance and menstruation. This cleansing effect supports healthier cycles and improves the body's ability to conceive.
9. Supports Endometrial Lining
For successful implantation, a thick and healthy endometrial lining is essential. Ashoka is known to improve the quality of the endometrial lining, increasing the chances of successful embryo implantation.
10. Promotes Overall Reproductive Health
Ashoka is an overall tonic for the female reproductive system. It improves the function of various reproductive organs, ensuring that everything is functioning optimally for conception. Furthermore, research supports the use of Ashoka as a fertility-enhancing herb due to its holistic effects on reproductive health.
Recommended Dosage of Ashoka
Ashoka, a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, is available in various forms such as churna (powder), kwath (decoction), gutika (tablets/capsules), and dried stem bark. Due to its pungent-bitter taste, it is often consumed with honey to mask the flavor. The appropriate dosage of Ashoka may vary depending on factors such as age, health condition, and the severity of the issue being treated.
Churna (Powder): Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon with water or honey after meals.
Kwath (Water Decoction): Consume 8-10 teaspoons diluted with an equal amount of water, preferably after meals.
Tablet/Capsule (Gutika): Take 1-2 tablets with water after meals.
However, it is essential to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized recommendations based on your individual health needs and concerns.
Side Effects
When used in proper doses, Ashoka typically doesn’t cause side effects. However, consuming it on an empty stomach may lead to constipation, nausea, or abdominal heaviness, especially in individuals with sensitive gastrointestinal systems.
It’s crucial to avoid Ashoka if there’s no improvement in menstrual issues such as heavy bleeding or pain after following the prescribed dosage.
People with cardiac conditions should also avoid Ashoka unless advised by a healthcare provider, as it has a cardiotonic effect, which can impact heart function by improving blood flow.
Bottom Line
Out and out, studies suggest that Ashoka supports female fertility by regulating hormonal imbalances, promoting uterine health, and enhancing blood circulation to reproductive organs. Its bioactive compounds, like flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that improve ovarian function by treating PCOS and regulate menstrual cycles.
Clinical research, though limited, points to its potential in treating menstrual irregularities, supporting reproductive health, and improving the chances of conception when used as part of a holistic approach.
Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. If you're pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, it's better to consult a healthcare professional. Ultimate You does not provide any guarantee regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of the information and disclaims any liability arising from it.
