In Ayurveda, the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca) is called Hempushp, or Tamrapallava. Although various parts of the Ashoka tree such as flowers, leaves, etc. are considered very beneficial for problems related to women. Due to its nutritious and healing properties, it is used as a medicine in Ayurveda for many diseases. Ashoka is a tree in which many qualities are found due to which it has been used for thousands of years to get rid of diseases and to remove physical suffering. It is quite beneficial mainly in gynecology, bleeding disorders, and urinary diseases. Ashoka's bark is astringent, dry, and cold in nature. Ashoka leaves are long, which is also known as Tamrapatra. Its flowers are beautiful and fragrant. Ashoka's bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds are used for medicine. Its bark contains compounds such as tannin, catechol, flammable oil, ketosteroid, glycosides, saponins, calcium, and iron.

Ashoka tree is considered sacred in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In ancient times, Ashoka gardens were constructed to bring happiness and for this reason, the tree of Ashoka is also called Shokanash, Vishoka, Apashok, etc. Sanatani Vedic people in Hinduism consider this tree to be sacred and revered, but Buddhists also consider it special because it is said that Lord Buddha was born under the Ashoka tree.

Benefits of Ashoka tree

Benefits of Ashoka leaf in menstrual disorders-

Ashoka is used for removing various gynecological problems and to treat menstrual disorders in women. It acts as a tonic for the uterine muscles and the endometrium. In the problem of excessive bleeding at the time of menstruation, making a decoction(Kadha) of Ashoka's bark and drinking it is very beneficial. With its use, menstruation will become regular.

Ashoka extracts strengthens the uterus-

In case of problems like infertility, uterine weakness, hormonal imbalance, stomach disease, and pelvic pain, take Ashokarishta because Ashokarishta is made from extracts of Ashoka.

Medicinal properties of Ashoka provide relief in Leucorrhoea-

If anyone has problems with white water or leucorrhoea, then take 1 teaspoon of Ashoka's bark powder twice a day with cow's milk. Consuming it will get rid of these problems.

Ashoka tree removes swelling-

Drink Ashoka's bark decoction twice daily for a week when the testicles are swollen. The swelling of the testicles is reduced by its use.

Relief from stomach ache with decoction of Ashoka's bark-

If there is a problem with a stomach ache, then make the decoction(Kadha) of Ashoka's bark by boiling it in water and drinking it twice daily. This will relieve stomach pain.

Benefits of Ashoka seed in stone problem-

If there is a problem with stones in the kidneys, then grind Ashoka seeds and consume 5-10 grams daily with cold water. With this, you will get rid of the stone problems.

Ashoka seeds are beneficial in respiratory diseases-

If someone has a problem with respiratory disease, keep 65 milligrams of Ashoka's seeds powder in a betel leaf and consume it. With this, you will get rid of respiratory disease within a few days.

Benefits of Ashoka tree in the problem of abnormal vaginal bleeding-

If someone has problems related to blood circulation, abnormal vaginal bleeding, urination, then make a decoction of Ashoka's bark and drink it twice a day. Its use will get rid of these problems.

Uses of Ashoka tree

• Ashoka's bark, flowers, and seeds have various medicinal uses.
• Its bark is used to cure cholelithiasis, vaginal discharge, irritation.
• The bark of the Ashoka tree trunk is also used to cure abdominal pain, dysentery, indigestion, hemorrhoids, ulcers, and uterine problems.
• Its bark is also used to brighten skin complexion.
• Flowers of the Ashoka tree are grinded and used for blood dysentery, diabetes, syphilis, and uterine tonic.
• Its fruits are chewed as an alternative to betel nut.
• The Ashoka tree is considered sacred and, therefore, is planted near temples.
• A decoction (Kadha) of the bark of this plant is given in milk from the fourth day of menstruation until the bleeding stops.
• Its bark is used in cases of internal bleeding.

Side-effects of Ashoka tree

Adequate use of Ashoka or used as medicine does not have any detrimental effect on the body but its excessive use further worsens the problem of amenorrhoea, which is the absence of menstruation.

• Due to insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of Ashoka trees on pregnant women, they should not use them as it could be harmful to them.
• A patient with heart disease must consult a medical practitioner before consuming this herb.

Where is the Ashoka tree found?

Ashoka trees are planted in gardens everywhere in India for beautification. These trees are found in the western peninsula at an altitude of 750m, mainly in eastern Bengal, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, usually along the banks of canals and in evergreen forests.