Asoka (Saraca indica)

Asoka – Saraca indica

Asoka is one of the most widely used herb in Ayurveda treatment procedure and preparation of medicines. The plant have many therapeutic properties and is used to cure vast number of diseases. The name Asoka itself means that the plant can relieve pain and the persons who consumes the plant will get relief from many health problems. Saraca is the name of the French physician who discovered the medicinal properties of the plant and indica means the plant is native to India.

Dr. Gupta’s IAFA ,by consistently working on the plant Asoka, has discovered many therapeutic actions of the herb. The plant can be used as a Uterine sedative, Astringent , stimulant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial agent. Asoka can cure conditions like Worm infestations, Uterine disorders, Piles, Different types of pains, Burning sensation etc. The methanol extract of the herb is capable of ameliorating the conditions of Arthritis. The extracts of the plant also contains antibacterial agents. Flavanoids of Asoka has shown chemopreventive activity on 2-stage skin carcinogenesis.

Action of Asoka – Saraca indica in Allergies

By consistently working hard, IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic ,antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant Asoka. The plant contains phytoconstituents like Catechol, Epicatechol, Leucocyanidin, B-sitosterol, Quercetins, Gallic acids, Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic and Linoleic acids. These phytoconstituents aids in the antiallergic property of the plant. The Decoction prepared from the leaves of Asoka have antiallergic property and can cure skin diseases.

Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification

Botanical Name	Saraca indica
Family	Caesalpinaceae
Native Names
Sanskrit Name	अशोक, हेमपुष्पा, वज्जि, ताम्रपल्लव, कद्केलि पिण्डपुष्प, गन्पुष्य, नट
Hindi Name	Ashok
English Name	Asoka tree
Malayalam Name	Asoka
Kannada Name	Ashoka
Marathi Name	Asoka

Ayurveda reference of Asoka – Saraca indica

Morphology of Asoka – Saraca indica

Medium sized tree
Leaves are compound type corky at the base
Inflorescence is axillary corymb
Flowers have fragrance
Fruit is pod
Seeds are ellipsoid oblong

Geographical distribution of Asoka – Saraca indica

Asokais found throughout India especially inforest regions of Western Peninsula, Central and Eastern Himalayas.

Phytoconstituents of Asoka – Saraca indica

Pods-Contain-Catechol, Epicatechol, Leucocyanidin
Seeds-Have oleic, Linoleic, Palmitic and Stearic acids.
Flowers- Contain-B-sitosterol, Quercetins, Gallic acids, Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic and Linoleic acids.

Parts used of Asoka – Saraca indica

Stem bark

Seed

Flowers

Leaves

Dosage of Asoka – Saraca indica

Powder -3-5gm (churnam)
Decoction – 40-90ml (kwatha)

Medicinal Properties of Asoka – Saraca indica

Jwarahara-alleviates fever
Kasahara – relieves cough
Sulahara-relieves pain
Sophahara – relieves swelling
Swasahara – relieves asthma
Kushtaghna-alleviate skin disorders
Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
Kandughna- relieves itching
Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
Vranahara – useful in wounds

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Home remedies of Asoka – Saraca indica

Ayurveda is an ancient treatment system which is purely based on naturally available herbs which have no side effects at all. Asoka is one of the most readilyavailable herb. So it can be used in treating many diseases like,

In Disorders of Vata (Vata vyadhi) –Ghee prepared using Asoka is beneficial in curing vata vyadhi. The ghee can be taken internally Daily.
In Metrorrhagia (Pradara)-Decoction prepared from the bark of Asoka is taken internally at a dose of 60ml will check severe bleeding per Vagina.
In Fever (Jwara) – Decoction made with leaves of Asoka and taken internally at a dose of 60 ml.
In Inflammation (Sopha) – Paste prepared from Asokabark and ghee is applied over the skin part.
In thirst (Thrishna) – Cut pieces of Asoka is taken and boiled in water. It is then taken orally to relieve thirst.
In Urinary calculus (Asmari)-Seed of Asoka is taken and powdered. It is then taken along with water.
In Cough (Kasa) – Decoction made with leaves of Asoka. It is then taken orally to relieve Cough.
In Burning sensation (Daha) – Decoction of Asoka is taken internally to alleviate Daha.