What is Chyawanprash?

Chyawanprash is an ancient Ayurveda rasayana that has been used for millennia to rejuvenate health and promote longevity. As a nutritive polyherbal jam, it’s a versatile medicine that has been prescribed for a variety of health needs, ranging from boosting the immune system to improving digestive health. It was, and still is, one of the most popular medicines used in Ayurveda.

Spelling & Pronunciation

The translation of Chyawanprash in Sanskrit to English has resulted in a variety of spelling variations, including chyawanprash, chyavanprash, chyavanaprasam, chamanprash, and chyavanaprjasha. PIOR Living uses the spelling “chyawanprash” pronounced “chah-vahn-prash.”

Origin 

The creation of Chyawanprash dates back 5,000 years. According to the legend of Chyawan, the revered and elderly sage was meditating when he became enlightened to a formula designed to increase longevity and improve quality of life. Chyawan created his recipe and over the next 40 days consumed a small amount at 4:00 am just prior to 40 minutes of meditation. He discovered this elixir had a rejuvenating and anti-aging effect. He also gained insight into prash, which signifies the importance of consuming food artfully and intentionally. In 100 A.D., the recipe of Chyawanprash appeared in the ancient Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, within the section called The Place of Chikitsa. Chikitsa means treatment or medicine, and lists recipes and tonic preparations. The legend of Sage Chywana is one of rejuvenation; as Charaka Samhita states:

“by the use of this medicine, Chywana, who had become exceedingly old became young once again.”

What are the ingredients in Chyawanprash?

Although the ingredients list has varied over the years according to botanical scarcity and manufacturer, there are certain ingredients that are generally always part of the remedy. The base of an authentically prepared Chyawanprash is made with amalaki or amla fruits. Amalaki (also known as Amla or Indian Gooseberry) is one of the most potent and revered medicinal fruits in Ayurveda due to its antioxidant, polyphenol and flavonoid properties. It's also one of the richest sources of vitamin C in the world and the main ingredient in Brahma Rasayana, another nutritive jam. Amalaki is mixed with a variety of medicinal herbs as well as anupans (or carrier substances): ghee (or Ghruta), sesame oil, and a sweetener, such as honey and jaggery. Anupans help bring the beneficial compounds of the herbs deeper into the body's tissues. Most Chyawanprash recipes contain around thirty to fifty different medicinal herbs, however, there are some varieties that contain far fewer and others that contain more.

PIOR Living’s formula is based on ancient Ayurvedic texts and uses 100% organic and wildcrafted ingredients: Amla Fruit, Long Pepper Fruit, Red Sandalwood Heartwood, Malabar Tree Leaf, Ashwagandha Root, Shatavari Root, Bacopa Leaf, Holy Basil Leaf, Ginger Rhizome, Raisin Fruit, Licorice Stem, Phyllanthus Whole, Zedoary Rhizome, Cinnamon Bark, Saffron Stigma, Wild Cardamom Seed, Kudzu Root, Arjuna Bark, Chebulic Myrobalam Fruit, Sacred Lotus Seed, Neem Leaf, Tribulus Fruit, Golden Apple Fruit, Indian Tinospora Stem, Nut Grass Whole, Leptadenia Leaf, Boerhavia Root, Mesua Flower, Amla Fruit Extract, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Long Pepper Fruit Extract, Jaggery (Saccharum Ocinarum), Clarified Butter (Cow Ghee), Raw Honey, Cold Pressed Black Sesame Seed Oil.

Chyawanprash Benefits

Chyawanprash is good for supporting general health and improving certain conditions. The health benefits associated with authentic Chyawanprash are vast, which is why this jam is regarded as one of the most powerful supplements for regular use in Ayurvedic medicine. Its major benefits include:

• Builds ojas for enhanced general health & immunity
• Boosts energy
• Stimulates tissue rejuvenation for anti-aging benefits & increases longevity
• Improves reproductive and sexual health for men and women
• Kindles agni for better digestion and gut health
• Supports detoxification
• Enhances cognitive function for better focus and clarity
• Prevents & heals colds and coughs
• Enhances respiratory health
• Nourishes skin, hair, and nails
• Contributes to better heart health
• Assists with weight management, including weight gain and weight loss

Chyawanprash Uses

Because of the significant number of medicinal herbs that are used to create this herbal jam, there are a number of different ways you can use Chyawanprash. Chyawanprash is largely used as a daily supplement for the health benefits it offers, but it's also useful for replenishing prana. Authentic and organic Chyawanprash that’s been prepared with fresh ingredients harvested with the seasons and is minimally processed will possess high vibrations and life force. Some people also enjoy using Chyawanprash to enhance their body, mind, and spirit connection for yoga and meditation practice. To enjoy all of the advantages of Chyawanprash, you can also incorporate it into your morning routine. 'Prash’ in Sanskrit refers to the concept of consuming food artfully or intentionally. Chyawanprash is meant to be consumed mindfully and can result in a meditative experience that brings clarity and intention to the morning.

What does Chyawanprash look and taste like?

Authentic Chyawanprash is a very dark, smooth paste that combines all six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent, and pungent. When made according to the original recipe, this jam should have a rich fruit and herbal flavor that’s balanced and enjoyable.

How should I take Chyawanprash?

Taking Chyawanprash straight off the spoon without food is the preferred method. This allows the botanicals and nutrients to be delivered deep into the body's tissues. However, there are a variety of other ways to take Chyawanprash, including as a hot tea. You can store Chyawanprash at room temperature.

What time of day should I take Chyawanprash?

The time of day you take Chyawanprash depends on your goals:

• For general health and wellness, slowly consume 1-2 teaspoons as part of a morning routine or 15+ min before breakfast.
• To replenish prana, consume between 4 a.m. and sunrise, before or after pranayama.
• To enhance your yoga and meditation experience, take before practice.

Overall, taking Chyawanprash at night is not recommended due to it's energizing effects.

What season should I take Chyawanprash?

Chyawanprash can be taken in all seasons as it contains weather balancing ingredients. For example, Amla and Shatarvi are both cooling herbs for the pitta dosha which help to balance Chyawanprash for summer months. That said, many people use Chyawanprash as a tonic during winter to boost general immunity and ward off colds or other types of sickness.

How much Chyawanprash should I have?

Chyawanprash can be taken daily and is designed in such a way that it is suitable for nearly all age groups. In general, adults should opt for 1 to 2 teaspoons (10g), while children over the age of 6 can have ½ to 1 teaspoon. For kids ages 3 to 5, a quarter teaspoon of Chyawanprash is adequate. For people over 60 years of age, ½ to 1 teaspoon is enough. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your physician before taking Chyawanprash.

What Chyawanprash should I buy?

If you're thinking about buying Chyawanprash, it's a good idea to closely read the ingredients and sourcing of all products you're considering before choosing the best Chyawanprash for your needs. The quality and benefits of Chyawanprash can be affected by ingredient quality, ethical and sustainable sourcing, total sugar per serving, type of sugar used and more.

PIOR Living is proud to offer authentic Chyawanprash handcrafted in small batches using traditional methods and organic and wild-crafted ingredients.

Questions? Email us at service@pior.com!