Chyawanprash: The Legend and Benefits
Chyawanprash is one of the most popular products here at Essential Ayurveda, but how much do you really know about what it is and what it does? Chyawanprash has an interesting background and links to many health benefits, many of which we’ll go into now. After all, if you’re interested in using Chyawanprash, it’s important to know how it’s used and why.
Chyawanprash is one of the most famous Ayurvedic formulas and the story behind it is really interesting, and that’s before even considering its uses and benefits. So, here’s the story behind Chyawanprash:
The Legend and Story Behind Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash is linked to the story of the Rishi Chywana and the events surrounding his tale. Chywana devoted a large part of his time to pursuing enlightenment, which eventually attracted the attention of the Devas, or Gods. Through their fear of Chywana’s devotion and the high chance of him being admitted to the Heavenly realms – which they really didn’t want – they attempted to put a stop to his actions by summoning the beautiful nymph Menakā. Menakā quickly sought out Chywana and this is where the story of Chyawanprash really begins.
Menakā worked hard to prevent Chywana from deep meditation, offering beautiful flowers and delicious foods as distractions. After months of this, Chywana slowly turned his attentions to Menakā’s beauty and kindness, and away from his original goal of enlightenment. It wasn’t long before Chywana and Menakā were together, though this wasn’t without its problems. Not only was Menakā a lot younger than Chywana but she was also immortal, which doesn’t make for a great pairing. Chywana quickly abandoned his practices and set out into the forest to find a way to solve their problem.
After preparing an elixir to reverse his ageing, Chywana returned completely rejuvenated. Rather than remaining as an elderly man, he had a much more youthful appearance and a new lease of life. Thanks to this mysterious elixir that we now know to be Chyawanprash, Chywana and Menakā remained together and went on to, as they say, live happily ever after. This is the legend of how Chyawanprash came to be and its links to youth became known.
What Goes into Chyawanprash?
Chywana’s elixir formula for Chyawanprash has been preserved thanks to the ancient Ayurvedic medical classic, Caraka Saṃhitā; that’s how we know what it’s made of and how we are still able to recreate it today. Over 25 Ayurvedic herbs and spices are used to create this unique formula. These are all added to the main ingredient – fresh, organic amla fruit, which has been used as an antioxidant and superfood for many years in India.
There are also a lot of minerals including iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and zinc in Chyawanprash. So, it really does offer a little bit of everything. Now we know how Chyawanprash came to be and the story behind it, it’s time to look at its benefits and why it has become such a popular product.
The Benefits of Chyawanprash
A number of studies have been done on Chyawanprash to determine its uses and benefits, of which there seem to be many. Studies have reported that Chyawanprash can reduce blood sugar, enhance blood circulation, help to eliminate free radicals and block carcinogens. Not only can these benefit a person’s health, but they can also combat the signs of premature ageing. In fact, modern science has found many links between free radicals and ageing. The theory is that as ageing results from damage to tissue caused by free radicals and reducing the number of free radicals in the body will reduce this damage. This, in turn, can reduce the process of premature ageing. However, it’s not all about anti-ageing as links have been found between Chyawanprash and other health benefits. Such as its ability to:
- Boost the body’s immune system and help it to defend itself naturally; this is done by encouraging the production of haemoglobin and white blood cells.
- Support fertility and a healthy libido by boosting the body’s reproductive tissues.
- Rejuvenate the body and encourage vitality, energy and strength.
- Improve digestion; this can lead to a healthier metabolism.
- Support the function of the heart, respiratory system and urinary health.
- Improve skin, complexion and glow.
As you can see, a number of Chyawanprash’s benefits are linked to promoting youth, vitality and anti-ageing, something that is clear through the way Chywana used it in the myth. In Ayurvedic terms Chyawanprash reduces excess Vāta and Kapha without aggravating Pitta, which is what makes it a popular choice for the autumn and winter months.
There are many reasons as to why you may be considering incorporating Chyawanprash into your life; perhaps you’re looking to improve your overall health or you’re interested in seeing how it could affect the signs of ageing. Adding Chywanprash is a tasty addition to your daily routine. Why not give it a go?