About Ashokarishta

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.

Ashokarishta is Madhura/Sweet, Tikta/bitter, kashaya/Astringent, Katu (pungent) Rasa (Taste);Sheet/ Cool (Potency);Madhura/Sweet Vipaka (Post Digestive Effect), and Laghu/Light Guna (Characteristics). It is Tridosh-nashak and balances Vata, pitta and kapha.

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

• Menorrhagia is abnormal heavy or prolonged periods or menstruation.

Metrorrhagia

• Metrorrhagia is prolong and excessive uterine bleeding. It does not occur due to menstruation. It indicates some other uterine disease.

Menometrorrhagia

• 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.

Pelvic inflammatory diseases

Ashokarishta also helps in the management of pelvic inflammatory diseases. The herbs present in this medication produce a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which helps in preventing damage to the uterus, ovaries, and other organs of the reproductive system.

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.

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.

Effects on Tridoshas

Balances Pitta Dosha.

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.

How long to use

• Based on doctor’s prescription, this medicine can be used for 4-8 weeks in cases of fever, anorexia etc.
• In heavy periods, it can be used during the periods, till the periods lasts.
• If the periods are very heavy, then it can be taken from one week before periods sets in till it lasts.

Safe for kids

It is safe to use this medicine in lower dose, in children above 5 years of age.

Caution

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 not 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.

Expiry date

10 years from the date of manufacture. Once after opening, it is best to empty the bottle within 4 months time.

Storage

Store in a cool place in tightly closed amber coloured bottle, protect from light and moisture.