One of the most ancient and well-kept secrets of Ayurveda is the mighty Ashoka tree and its multitude of health benefits. The sacred tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and has lush foliage and vibrant flowers that are extremely beneficial for you. Join us as we uncover the many Ashoka plant benefits and the myriad of ways you can use it to harness them. In this article, we will explore the various benefits of the Ashoka plant, focusing on its leaves.
10 Holistic Health Benefits of the Ashoka Tree
What is Ashoka?
The Ashoka tree or Saraca indica, has been revered in the traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. This is because this miraculous plant holds a treasure trove of therapeutic potential and health advantages, making it a valuable addition to your health arsenal.
What’s more, this versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of ways like Ashoka churna, Ashoka powder and Ashoka capsules. Keep reading to learn more Ashoka tree benefits and uses to open new avenues for holistic wellness.
Nutritional Value of Ashoka Tree
The leaves of the Ashoka plant contain several bioactive compounds such as steroids, proteins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins and glycosides. Let’s break down the nutritional value of Ashok plant and its different components below.
|
Parts of Ashoka tree |
Nutritional Components |
Amount |
|
Leaves |
Alkaloid |
0.064 g |
|
Saponin |
0.597 g |
|
|
Flower |
Alkaloid |
0.032 g |
|
Saponin |
0.115 g |
|
|
Flavonoid |
0.005 g |
10 Benefits of Ashoka Tree
From treating different hormonal problems in women and regulating periods to promoting respiratory wellness and improving skin health, there are a plethora of advantages of Ashoka leaves. Here are some of the main benefits of Ashoka tree you should know:
1. Improves Menstrual Health
Here’s one of the most well-known Ashoka plant benefits that proves it is a female-friendly herb. It helps alleviate menstrual disorders including irregular periods and severe period pain. The presence of bioactive compounds in Ashoka plant also helps prevent excessive bleeding and hormonal imbalance.
2. Manages Blood Sugar Levels
According to some studies and research, Ashoka leaves may help manage blood sugar levels to an extent. Thus, it is a beneficial plant for people suffering from diabetes as it can help with insulin sensitivity.
3. Treats Asthma & Respiratory Issues
The anti-inflammatory properties of Ashoka plant benefits your respiratory health and help treat a severe condition like Asthma. This helps reduce inflammation in the airways and encourages better respiratory wellness as a whole.
4. Helps Treat Acne & Skin Problems
If you are suffering from skin conditions like acne, you’ll be happy to learn that Ashoka tree benefits the skin by soothing inflammation and preventing further breakouts. The compounds in the leaves have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve your overall skin health.
5. Prevents Internal Bleeding
Here’s another lesser-known Ashoka tree benefit that you should know about. The leaves of this tree contain a compound called Tannin that makes it useful in controlling and preventing internal bleeding.
6. Deals with Stomach Inflammation
Did you know that Ashoka tree leaves benefits digestive health by alleviating stomach inflammation? They also help remove digestive discomfort and relieve liver anomalies like jaundice. So, add this magical bark to your routine in the form of Ashoka powder or capsules to detoxify the liver and improve its function.
Another tree that benefits your liver health effectively is Arjuna. Arjuna tree benefits the overall health and digestive function.
7. Promotes Cardiac Functioning
Another benefit of Ashoka tree is that it has the power to neutralise free radicals and support the overall cardiovascular functioning of the body. In addition, the Ashoka plant can also help reduce bad cholesterol levels which directly impact the risk of heart diseases.
8. Reduces Kidney Stones
Since the Ashoka plant leaves have diuretic properties that are responsible for flushing out toxins from the body, it can help reduce kidney stones. This is because the leaves can prevent crystallization of minerals that can cause kidney stones.
9. Relieves Arthritic Pain
For people suffering from arthritic pain, Ashoka plant leaves can be extremely useful. This is because they can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with joint inflammation or arthritis.
10. May Help Cure Depression
Lastly, some studies have suggested that Ashoka plant leaves may have a positive impact on your mental health. This makes them potentially beneficial in the management of depression. However, there isn’t enough proof and more research is needed to explore this potential benefit fully.
Ashoka Plant Benefits for Female
As mentioned above, Ashoka plant benefits the menstrual health of women. But that’s not all. Ashoka tree benefits the reproductive health of women in different ways. For starters, it helps treat hormonal problems and regulate the menstrual cycles. Furthermore, they also help manage menopausal symptoms and have a positive impact on uterine health.
In addition, the Ashoka tree benefits fertility and even helps aid in postpartum recovery. Thus, taking Ashoka capsules benefits women after childbirth and encourages their overall reproductive health.
How to Use Ashoka Leaves?
If you are unsure about the medicinal uses of Ashoka tree and are wondering how to harness the benefits of Ashoka leaves effectively, read on. We have discussed the different ways you can add the Ashoka plant leaves to your diet.
Ashoka Powder or Churna: Mix the Ashoka powder with water and have it with honey to leverage the Ashoka powder benefits.
Ashoka Capsules: This is perhaps the easiest way to enjoy the Ashoka tree benefits. Just take an Ashoka capsule after consulting your doctor regarding the dosage.
Herbal tea: Infuse the Ashoka leaves in boiling water and strain them to drink the herbal tea. You can have this infusion regularly after consulting a healthcare professional about the dosage and precautions.
Side Effects of Ashoka Leaves
Although there are no specific side effects of Ashoka plant, it is advised to notice any specific reactions. In case there are any reactions, you must consult a healthcare or ayurvedic physician to identify the cause and seek treatment. Moreover, there are some precautions that must be taken to avoid any side effects of Ashoka plant, such as not consuming it on an empty stomach. People with cardiac problems should also avoid taking the plant without consulting their healthcare professional.
The Takeaway
With its impressive nutritional profile and amazing health benefits, Ashoka plant is a herbal treasure of traditional medicine. Make sure to keep your current health conditions in mind and consult a healthcare professional to leverage the benefits of Ashoka tree to the fullest. Embrace Ashoka plant offerings and other holistic wellness products only at Amala Earth.
FAQs on Ashoka Tree Benefits
The Ashoka tree offers many benefits, including support for female reproductive health, managing menstrual cycles, regulating blood sugar, treating skin problems, and relieving digestive issues.
Though beneficial, Ashoka bark may cause side effects like digestive discomfort, allergic reactions, or interactions with certain medications. It's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Directly eating Ashoka leaves may not be beneficial. Instead, consuming them as Ashoka tea, powder, or capsules can help you harness their health benefits more effectively.
The Ashoka tree holds spiritual significance in Hinduism, being sacred to 'Kama,' the God of love. It's also believed that Gautam Buddha was born under an Ashoka tree, adding to its spiritual value.
Planting an Ashoka tree can help improve menstrual health, regulate blood sugar, and treat skin problems. You can also gain these benefits by incorporating Ashoka capsules and churna into your routine.
