CHYAWANPRASH THE CHAMPION
It was while I was doing my foundation course in Ayurveda that I first came across chyawanprash, and my abiding memory of that time is that I smelled the pot longingly and then watched everyone else lick it off spoons, have it on toast, make yummy drinks out of it and generally make me feel super jealous! Why couldn’t I have any? I was in the very early stages of pregnancy, and therefore it was off-limits for me because of its heating quality (as it is for those who have extremely high Pitta in their prakriti or vikriti and are therefore hot enough already uh huh uh huh uh huh).
Chyawanprash (sometimes spelt without the y) is widely regarded as the most famous of rasayanas in Ayurveda. A rasayana is a ‘path of essence’ (ayana = path and rasa = essence in sanskrit), an elixir of life, an ultimate rejuvenator or nourisher from macro to micro-cellular level. One could say that a rasayana is the ultimate health supplement. Sounds amazing, right?
It also sounds like it would be super expensive, but it isn’t. Phew! What is it, exactly then? It’s a sticky brown substance that could be likened to jam in texture, but tastes sour and lightly spicy as well as sweet. It is made to an ancient recipe containing everything from 47 to 80 herbs, spices, ghee and other oils. The process of producing it can take up to 6 days, using natural fire and an alchemist who chants healing mantras at every stage (amazing!). The result is an easily digestible tonic which can reach all of our tissues (dhatus) at every level.
The main ingredient is amla, the fruit which contains the richest source of vitamin C in the world. Other ingredients such as sesame oil and ghee ensure that the tissues are permeated at a deep level, whilst pippali (long pepper) preserves the amla, and cinnamon and saffron add flavour and balance. What’s more, chyawanprash is, in my opinion, absolutely YUM!
Chyawanprash can be used by children as well as adults, the vulnerable and the aged. A teaspoon a day is adequate for the benefits to appear, but don’t expect them immediately- this miracle jam needs to be taken consistently over a long period of time in order to work all of its magic in all of the dhatus (tissues).
What does it actually DO then? It’s really great for alleviating coughs and colds, asthma and chronic bronchitis. It’s also known to be anti-aging (yes! Come on!), rejuvenating and ultra-nourishing. As a result, it is often used to treat the weak, ill, wounded and old as it strengthens and supports the immune system. It stimulates the digestive system, alleviating flatulence, hyperacidity and heartburn whilst increasing the absorption of nutrients. Chyawanprash also stimulates the liver, purifies the blood and helps to eliminate toxins. Hair, bones, teeth and skin are all improved, as is memory and concentration. It is also said to support the cardiac system, ensuring that the heart functions well. What a list, eh?!
Chyawanprash is tri-doshic (it supports Kapha, Pitta and Vata), and in particular helps to produce Kapha dosha’s refined form- ojas. This is the essential energy needed for body and mind, influencing all physiological and psychological processes.
Now, after all of that, let me just reiterate that chyawanprash is delicious and also not as expensive as it should be! Personally, I like mine mixed into a warm mug of oat milk, but you could use organic cow/goat milk or warm water. Some spread it on bread, whilst others just take a spoonful. Given the cold weather, the ongoing pandemic-not-pandemic-pandemic-again situation, plus all of the other stresses and strains of life, I think it’s something that everyone needs in their lives right now!