Chyawanprash: The Ayurvedic Miracle Jam

6/23/2020

Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic herbal 'jam' that offers immense benefits. Read to find out how you can incorporate this miracle jam' in your daily regimen & reap the benefits.

In today's article, we are going to talk about a brilliant & very famous Ayurvedic recipe called chyawanprash. Every Indian knows about it, has probably taken it at some point in their life (myself included, yummy!!) and almost every household in India has at least a minimum of 1 jar of chyawanprash at any time! Yes! Seriously!

This is one product you must add to your regimen if you want to stay healthy, beat inflammation, increase immunity, improve energy, mood, hormones, weight and well...just overall well-being. Chyawanprash is also a great addition to any cancer patient's health regimen as not only does it give energy but it also creates healthy digestion by eliminating toxins effectively.

What is Chyawanprash?

Stories are so important, esp. mythological stories - they create connectivity and help us to bind to the thread of life called history. They also create that special bond or connectivity between us and sacred, ancient remedies. Such is a case with chyawanprash - it has a story of its own and a very sweet one.

Chyavana was a rishi (a great sage in Hinduism) who fell ill due to being covered by white ants and looked feeble. The Ashwini twin brothers, who were the physicians during Vedic times, prepared the herbal paste to rejuvenate Chyavana. This was at Haryana, India at Chyavana's ashram. As Chyavana ate the herbal paste, he got better and this herbal paste restored his divine youthfulness, much to the delight of his newly wed wife, Sukanya. In gratitude, Chyavana kept his wife's wishes & her suggestion - to give sacrificial offerings in Kurukshetra (a city in Haryana) to Ashwini twins for all their help.

And this is how this powerful herbal paste came to be known as chyawan-prash. The first documented formula for chyawanprash dates back to 1st millennium BCE and was mentioned in Charaka Samhita, the ancient Ayurvedic treatise, written in Sanskrit. Yes! Chyawanprash is that ancient! Chyawanprash is considered a rasayana - a Sanskrit word meaning path (āyana) of essence (rasa), hence implying the lengthening of lifespan.

What is Chyawanprash made with?

In Sanskrit, "prash" refers to a specially prepared food. Chyawanprash is made with herbs and spices in a blend of raw honey, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), black sesame oil and ghee (clarified butter from non-hybrid cows). The honey, ghee and sesame oil act as carriers (yogavahis) of these herbs & spices to the tissues and cells while the sugar in the form of jaggery is used as a preservative (samvahaka dravya).

It can contain anywhere between 25 to 80 herbs & spices depending on the brand you buy and the availability of herbs due to the rising demand of chyawanprash. The main ingredient of a quality chyawanprash is always amla (amalaki or Emblica officinalis), also known as Indian gooseberry. Amla is very high in bio-available vit C and despite the long cooking process required to produce this recipe, the tannins in amla make sure the vit C is preserved.

The herbs used in Chyawanprash are considered as rasayanas, meaning rejuvenating herbs that give energy and vitality to the body. The raw honey is added at the end of the process as according to Ayurveda, honey becomes toxic if cooked or heated. It takes 21 days to produce a batch of chyawanprash.

Some Herbs In Chyawanprash & Their Benefits:-

Amla (rich in vit C, good for immunity, skin/hair, cancer, full of antioxidants), Ashwagandha (adaptogenic herb - helps manage stress), Shatavari (mental clarity/brain fog, uterine & hormonal health, women's health tonic),
Long Pepper/Pipli (to improve digestion), Malabar Nut Tree (respiratory health/lungs), Arjuna (heart health & asthma), Holy Basil (antioxidant, adaptogenic & anti-inflammatory), Bacopa/Brahmi (adaptogenic herb - good for stress, memory, inflammation, brain fog), Neem (immunity, clears skin & blood, great for digestion & metabolism), Cyperus Root/Musta or Nut Grass (great for obesity as cuts fats, digestive help, uti/hormonal issues, allergies), Tribulus fruit (healthy testosterone, reduce swelling, stamina & muscle help).

Also Contains:-

Raisins, Cardamom, Ginger, Cinnamon, Wood Apple/Bael, Saffron, etc

Taste & How It Looks?

In Ayurveda, taste is a precursor to digestion and there are 6 tastes mentioned - salty, pungent, sweet, sour, bitter, and astringent. Chyawanprash contains 5 of the 6 tastes, excluding salty. But in reality, when you taste chyawanprash, you will feel it has a sweet, sour and spicy taste all at once. When you eat it, you will know what I mean. It has been called a "nutritive jam" since many people just like the taste so much, they spread it over toast or crackers.

As far as how it looks, it is dark brown to black in color with a resin or thick paste like consistency (look at the pic above).

How To Take & Best Time?

You can take it as is - a spoonful or two each day. You can also mix it with some warm almond milk or any plant based milk to heighten its anti-inflammatory properties and to help it reach the tissues faster. The best time to take it is in the morning on an empty stomach with warm water - take it first thing and you will see a difference. For additional dose, you can take at evening or even after dinner since it contains herbs that help digestion.

Who Can Take Chyawanprash?

Anyone! Yes! It is a wonderful remedy for all ailments and also as a preventive measure. Children take it too in India - though you can start at 3 yr of age with just a teaspoon or less and see how their digestive system adjusts to.

Dogs take it too! No, I am not kidding. Lot of people let their dogs lick the chyawanprash as a treat and dogs love it. Between a bone and a chyawanprash, I have heard it is always chyawanprash! Smart dogs..:)

Where To Find Or Order From?

You can find chyawanprash in Indian stores or specialty, health food stores like Whole Foods (U.S.). But better option is to find high-quality one that is organic, ethically made from online options. This is specially beneficial as you can order some more herbs (listed below) to increase its efficacy and get faster results if you are trying to heal a condition in your body.

What More You Can Add To Heal Faster & Increase It's Benefits?

1. Shilajit - Shilajit comes from very high altitudes of the Himalayas. It is a sticky resin and black in color. It develops over many centuries from the decomposition of plants. It contains around 85 minerals, fulvic acid and humic acid. It is very revered as it is considered the best nutrient carrier in the body by Ayurveda's Materia Medica.
You can add this to warm water - only a pea sized amount is needed and take it along with your dose of chyawanprash. Because of its nutrients, it is touted for increasing energy, detoxification, better memory & mood, better absorption of nutrients, and overall well-being.

2. Triphala - Triphala means "three fruits" and so it is made with amalaki (amla), bibhitaki and haritaki. It is a gentle yet very effective cleanser that is used very much in Ayurvedic medicine. It cleans the colons, maintains regularity, helps issues like leaky gut/ibs, nourishes the tissues and helps healthy digestion, supports weight loss (due to its cleansing properties) and gives energy. You can match this with your daily dose of chyawanprash if you are suffering from obesity, chronic constipation, leaky guy or ibs/ibd, or as a cancer patient want to stay 'regular' and help keep your colon/internal system clean.

3. Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) - This herb is an excellent digestive aid and is considered as a rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda. It helps the whole body by eliminating toxic waste, strengthening it, supporting oxygen supply in the blood, providing immunity and energy, etc. If you are a cancer patient or obese, then this herb along with a dose or two of chyawanprash each day might be a great tool to help clean your body thoroughly, flush fat out, restore strength, help with energy and overall well-being.

You can also take chyawanprash with mushroom powder in warm water. This is specially beneficial for cancer patients. So, I hope you will order some chyawanprash and start taking it right away. Where else can you find 40+ herbs in a spoon, in a delicate blend of spices along with honey?

Just make sure when you buy the chyawanprash it is ethically made, has wild crafted herbs, organic, non-hybrid ghee from well-loved cows and jaggery instead of sugar. The first ingredient should be amla and that will tell you whether you should buy this brand or that. Like I said, 'health' is always 'tasty'.

-Somyata.

Ready to Buy Your Chyawanprash & Shilajit?
Check out - Lotus Blooming Herbs

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16 Comments

Alka

2/12/2019 06:11:42

Very nice post n informative too.

Robert Taylor

2/13/2019 01:13:53

Absolutely love this will be making this as soon as I can source the ingredients x

Somyata

2/13/2019 11:04:57

Hi Robert - so happy you liked the article and found it useful. I would like to say that chyawanprash is made with close to 80 herbs & spices - the more, the better. So, this is NOT an item you can make at home. The herbs/spices listed in the article are just a few but the actual ingredients and the process is very intricate and complex, to be followed in authentic Ayurvedic style, as listed in text. Even if you wanted the benefits of chyawanprash, sourcing all the herbs will end up costing you 1000s....Besides, it is done by a long tedious process.
SO - I am thinking you are in U.S. I would really recommend you check out following brands (either at Whole Foods or if not there, then on amazon or online store...)
1. Lotus Blooming Herbs
2. Banyan Botanicals
3. Isha Chyawanprash
4. Himalayan Institute Chyawanprash
5. Organic India

If you are really trying to heal some condition, then pair it with Shilajit - just a pea/drop sized amount mixed in warm water in morning. Or match it with the other 2 herbs listed. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have an questions. When buying your chyawanprash, remember my tips at the end of the article - make sure it is organic, wild crafted, ethically made...and you will see results coz you are buying quality. Have a great day. Somyata

Tammy Camden

2/13/2019 04:40:58

Great article. Something we know too little about in this country. I would love to try this and add to my routine if possible. I love herbs. Do you have any recipes for those of us who would like to try to make our own or additional guidelines? Or any particular buying resources such as where you purchase ingredients or the jam you like?

2/13/2019 11:09:11

Hi Tammy - thanks for liking the article. Plz. see my response it will help you buy the authentic brand - and no, this is not a recipe you can make at home.
I would like to say that chyawanprash is made with close to 80 herbs & spices - the more, the better. So, this is NOT an item you can make at home. The herbs/spices listed in the article are just a few but the actual ingredients and the process is very intricate and complex, to be followed in authentic Ayurvedic style, as listed in ancient texts. Even if you wanted the benefits of chyawanprash, sourcing all the herbs will end up costing you 1000s....Besides, it is done through a long tedious process.
SO - I am thinking you are in U.S. I would really recommend you check out following brands (either at Whole Foods or if not there, then on amazon or online store...)
1. Lotus Blooming Herbs
2. Banyan Botanicals
3. Isha Chyawanprash
4. Himalayan Institute Chyawanprash
5. Organic India

If you are really trying to heal some condition, then pair it with Shilajit - just a pea/drop sized amount mixed in warm water in morning. Or match it with the other 2 herbs I listed. I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have an questions. When buying your chyawanprash, remember my tips at the end of the article - make sure it is organic, wild crafted, ethically made...and you will see results coz you are buying quality. Have a great day. Somyata

JoAnne

12/1/2019 15:41:23

THANK YOU! Another excellent article. I do plan on showing this article to a friend fighting bully cancer cells right now. Also might buy it to add to may smoothie and my husband's smoothie. Does it have a strong taste that he will notice? When I add something new to his smoothie, initially I have to put it in without him noticing and if he doesn't ask why the flavor is different, I tell him about the new ingredient.

12/1/2019 16:38:30

Hi dear JoAnne - I am glad you enjoyed the article. Yes! Plz. show this article to your friend and maybe even forward the e-mail to others. I get a little commission (which always help!) whenever anyone clicks on the link either in this article or the one in the e-mail and orders from Lotus Blooming Herbs website. The link is the same as one in this article that says Lotus Blooming Herbs OR the one by clicking in the email. But I have to say, BOTH Chyawanprash and Shilajit will help your friend who is dealing with cancer. Shilajit is often paired with Chyawanprash and taken. 1 Jar of Shilajit will last over a year! Its worth a buy! It will provide the cancer ridden body with dense nutrients and will give energy and stamina, while Chyawanprash contains herbs that are adaptogenic so it will help greatly with endurance and recovery.

As for your husband, LOL - I love how your mind works! You are funny when you said how you cheat him into eating healthy...Personally, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the taste of Chyawanprash - its spoon-licking good!! So, many people mix in teas and smoothies...but if he doesn't like it, just give him as-is, meaning by the spoon and that should do it. I have eaten LBH's Chyawanprash and OMG!!! all I can say is, you will absolutely love it. Give it a try! It is one thing I am proud to recommend. Let me know if you have any other questions.-Somyata.

Shadu

12/27/2019 01:07:54

How long will take to get result

Timothy J. Lilley link

6/19/2020 06:36:22

Chyawanprash is likewise an incredible expansion to any malignancy patient's wellbeing routine as in addition to the fact that it gives vitality it makes sound assimilation by wiping out poisons viably.

6/19/2020 12:10:42

Yes! Timothy, you are correct. It is very healing and not to mention how tasty it is! I grew up eating it and never could put it down. Yum! -Somyata.

Charlie

6/23/2020 11:27:42

Hello and thanks again for more good information.
Yes, I have seen this in the Indian grocery stores locally and I have wondered about it.
I am already taking a daily regimen of Shilajit capsule, Triphala powder, and psyllium husk. I take them in the morning with warm liquids, along with some room temperature lemon water. They have seemingly cured a constipation problem that developed when I began limiting my carbohydrates intake.
I will look into this jam next time I am at the store although it might be a while off as I am trying to limit my trips to the stores during this viral time....
Thanks once again for sharing your knowledge.

6/23/2020 11:52:34

Hi Charlie - Thanks for your comment! I wanted to say 2 things to help you even more -

1. Shilajit - I always, always, always teach people to NOT use plastic capsules or at-least limit them.Instead, get pure shilajit from the link I sent you if you like - it is of VERY high quality and you just have to take a drops worth in warm water and drink as tea. Will last you good 1.5 yrs!

2. Chyawanprash - The ones in Indian stores inc. brands like Dabur, Patanjali, etc so I know which ones you are talking about. But they are not pure - they are not organic, not sourced responsibly and do have preservatives and chemicals! The link in today's newsletter is from a wonderful company with exceptional quality - Lotus Blooming Herbs. They sell both Shilajit and Chyawanprash. You can check it out and if you like, buy them.

On side note, your purchase will also help support another small business - TGR. This baby!

Either way, limit plastic going into your body at any cost! Do not pile up plastic in the body and then wonder later on...down the road why you are not feeling good. Best of luck but this is a point nobody brings up or thinks about but I wanted to tell you.-Somyata.

Pamela Haas

6/23/2020 14:21:14

I LOVE Chyawanprash! Question: my husband has gastroparesis, with ultra-slow digestion, bloating and constipation. Can you tell me please which of the additional herbs will help his particular problems with digestion?

6/23/2020 15:28:02

Hi Pamela - I hope this helps you!

1.You can try both Triphala and Trikatu and see. Both of these include herbs/spices for constipation, bloating type issues. Now, when you start your husband on these, start with lower dose. If no reaction, then increase it slowly slowly. Make sure to read my article on Trikatu, which was recently sent in email.

2. Another thing I can say is get some psyllium husk - it will help bind the food better and will reduce the pressure on the nerves in the stomach. This needs to be given in warm water at night - 3 hrs after dinner, so keep gap and if you like you can add about 6 drops of castor oil. This will help coat the tummy with rich healthy fats (vit E) slowly by slowly as we are using minimal dose here.

3. Add cardamom powder to EACH recipe for him - add it at end and mix and serve. Cardamom is considered the "Queen of Spices" in Ayurveda and for very good reasons. It is a cooling spice and helps REALLY heal the tummy inflammation and such issues. So, yes he needs to take it daily 3-4 times. You can also "squeeze" some cardamom into his diet via my delicious Turmeric Milk recipe.

4. Indian Black Salt - This is the Ayurvedic salt - so to say! It is cooling and helps with digestion issues as well as powerfully anti-inflammatory. So, if you are wise and serious about this, this salt needs to be used from now on for ALL cooking in your home. He needs this salt and it is also low in sodium, so very good for bp as well. Eating fruits? Sprinkle the salt. Having lemom water? Add pinch..and so on.

5. Black seeds, Caraway seeds + Cumin seeds + Fennel seeds + Cardamom seeds - Oh ya! You can thank me later..:) You need to get all these seeds and either add them one by one to recipes OR you need to grind all (in equal parts) into fine powder. Now, he needs to have this 1 teaspoon in morning (to start with) in warm tea. Then again, in evening. You use this same seed powder for flavoring recipes.

6. Asafoetida - You bet this was coming!!!!!!!!! Oh YES! If you haven't then you better get on asafoetida band wagon! THIS spice is in EVERY tadka that has ever been cooked in India till today! Damn. This saint of a spice is excellent for people who have digestion issues, slow digestion, acidity, bloating, ibs/ibd/Chron's..etc You add a pinch to lentils. How will you do that? Don't worry - everything is provided her to guide you. Next point...

7. My Black Seed Tadka with Asafoetida - Check out my lentils recipes and this is what you need to do now. The tadka needs to be in every lentils, veggies, beans etc.

8. LOW - LOW -LOW - He needs to be eating very LOW peppers - so no or low cayenne, chili, paprika, etc. Yup.

9. NO GINGER for now. That's correct. Let the tummy heal and do not add ginger for sometime as it is a warming spice which most people do not know and they will pile up on ginger like there is no tomorrow! Geez!! No one cares to tell them or teach them. You can give him ginger in WINTER MONTHS.

10. Read my articles on Asafoetida, Trikatu, Caraway Seeds Tea and Cumin Seeds Tea. + All About Spices & Oils in Indian Cooking. These articles will help YOU a lot and will help you go further with these grocery items - with respect to their benefits and how they can help beyond words.

11. Last but not least, he needs some healthy fats - fats are SO good and SO necessary. They are the medium to move stool in the body, they help transfer the spices to the cells, they give glow to out skin, hair and nails..etc. He needs good fats like sesame seed tahini, cashew cream paste, org. co. oil, mustard oil, unrefined olive oil..flax seeds and chia seeds..etc.

12. Last but not least, you need to give him a spoon extra..on side/on top with meals, of HEMP OIL. 1 tablespoon in the morning w/breakfast you start with. It needs to be pure and organic.

13. Stick to plant based diet and LOW carbs and gluten-free, dairy free. Dairy causes severe bloating and is a rip-off for tummy and money! Hey that even rhimes!

I hope this all helps!

If you need the links for items, I will be happy to send you. If not, you can get these from Whole Foods and items like Triphala or Trikatu, psyllium husk, caraway seeds, cumin, black seeds, cardamom, fennel - can all be found in Indian stores. Let me know if any other question! -Somyata,

6/25/2020 15:34:09

OMG thank you so much! He’s a pretty stubborn guy and cooks his own food, but I’m sneaky and persistent, so I’ll get as much of this as possible into him and work our way up. I have pretty much everything needed, so good.

6/25/2020 17:18:56

Yes! Yes! Yes! Just work your way through it and this is why I said, "squeeze" it in. Most men are stubborn, or should I say, most husbands are...but I know you are smart enough to figure it out. Maybe start with Triphala or Trikatu and once he feels good, he will be more open to your suggestions. Good luck! Happy to help -Somyata.

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