Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter, astringent V -ı rya (energy) Cold
- Quality (Guna)
- Light, dry
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent
- Dosha Effect
- Dos.aHIIHFW.3ï
- Key Constituents
- PhytosterolsշVLWRVWHURO Tannins Flavonoids Quercetin, kaempferol (Paranjpe 2001, Williamson 2004)
- Dhatu
- Blood, muscle, fat, reproductive
- Srotas
- Female reproductive, circulatory
What is Ashoka Tree Flowers (Ashoka Pushpa / अशोक पुष्प)?
Ashoka (Saraca indica) is one of the most important trees in Ayurveda for female reproductive health. The bark is the primary medicinal part but the flowers are also used. The bright orange-red flowers bloom in dense clusters. The tree is evergreen with compound leaves. The bark decoction is the main ingredient in Ashokarishta, a famous uterine tonic. The flowers contain tannins (about 10% Catechol). The fresh bark is preferred over dried. The tree is sacred in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Polyalthia longifolia (Ashoka look-alike) is sometimes confused with this tree but is different. The bark is used in menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and other uterine disorders. The tree grows 20-30 feet tall. Verse: 25 (primary); also see text in Pushpa Varga.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Garbhashaya Balya (uterine tonic)
- Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)
- Varnya (complexion enhancer)
- Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4
Ayurvedic Properties (Energetics)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | bitter, astringent |
| Virya (Energy) | cold |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | pungent |
| Tissues (Dhatu) | Blood, fat, reproductive |
| Body Systems | Reproductive |
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Preparation & Usage
Forms: Decoction, powder, pill, ghee , paste, herbal wine
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Safety & Contraindications
Contraindications: Constipation
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
How to Use Ashoka by Condition
Explore how Ashoka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sushruta Samhita
With flowers of kubjaka (rose), ashoka, shala (sal tree), amra (mango), priyangu, nalina (lotus), and utpala (blue lotus), combined with haritaki, krisna (black pepper), pathya (haritaki), and amalaka (gooseberry).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
Combined with cold water and decorated with flowers of Sumana (jasmine), Champaka, Ashoka, and Shirisha.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
The Rodhraadi Gana consists of: rodhra, savara-rodhra, palasha, kutannata, ashoka, phanji, katphala, elavalu, kashallaki, jihvini, kadamba, sala, and kadali (plantain) (verse 14).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Rodhraadi Gana consists of: rodhra, savara-rodhra, palasha, kutannata, ashoka, phanji, katphala, elavalu, kashallaki, jihvini, kadamba, sala, and kadali (plantain) (verse 14).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.