Overview
Ashoka is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for ulcers. Ashoka is a famous uterine tonic specifically used for excess bleeding and pain. Lord Buddha was born under the ashoka tree and Lord Ram’s wife Śı-ta was held captive in an ashoka grove in Sri Lanka. It literally means ‘remover of sorrow’, attesting to its ability to cure pain and discomfort.
How Ashoka Helps with Ulcers
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Ashoka has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing ulcers:
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Pungent
- Taste (Rasa): Bitter, astringent V -ı rya (energy) Cold
- Qualities (Guna): Light, dry
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
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
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
Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: Constipation
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
Other Herbs for Ulcers
See all herbs for ulcers on the Ulcers page.
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.