Ashoka

Asoka (saraca asoca) is one of the most sacred and legendary trees of India. Its medicinal value seems to be recognized first in the Ayurvedica text book named Charaka Samhita which dates back to about 1000 BCE.The importance of ashoka for female genito-urinary problems and especially in menorrhagia was recognized around the ninth century of our era.

Ayurvedic Actions

Health Benefits

Menstrual Health

Ashoka dried bark as well as the flower are given as a tonic to women in the case of uterine disorders. S. Ashoka stem bark is also used to treat all disorders associated with the menstrual cycle.

It acts as a uterine tonic and helps to manage menstrual flow and hormone balance. Dried bark is used as an astringent in menorrhagia to stop excessive uterine bleeding, and is also used as a demulcent for uterine disorders, regular menstrual pain in abdomen - Dysmenorrhea, and for uterine problems. Good for all over menstrual health.

Ashokarishta is a famous a Ayurvedic medicine , with ashoka. It is extensively used in Ayurvedic treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding and other gynaecological complaints - dysmenorrhoea , dysfunctional uterine bleeding, PCOS & PCOD and helps in Hormone balance. 
 

Skin Health 

The root, bark and seeds of Ashoka are useful in the treatment of skin conditions including; eczema, acne, dermatitis, herpes scabies and psoriasis. It is also widely used to rejuvenate the complexion, reduce freckles and calm down inflammation.

Insomnia

The bark and seeds of Ashoka help to relax an overactive central nervous system, helping to reduce the time it takes to drop off to sleep. The quality and duration of sleep can be improved due to the presence of certain flavonoids, glycosides and tannins.

Manage diarrhoea

Ashoka has potent anti-diarrhoeal activity. It is due to the presence of tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids. They work by inhibiting intestinal movements and maintaining the water content in the body. Flavonoids present in Ashoka also work by reducing chemicals that cause pain and irritation associated with diarrhea.

Ashoka and piles.

Ashoka is said to manage piles/ haemorrhoids and its associated symptoms like bleeding and pain.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor)

Bark, leaf, flower, seed. Bark is especially used for treating bleeding disorders.

Ashoka Powder - ¼ - ½ teaspoon twice a day.

Ashoka should be avoided or used under medical supervision during - pregnancy, breastfeeding and heart diseases.

Reference

1. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
2. http://nhp.gov.in/ashoka-dried-bark-_mtl
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318041805_Asoka_Herbal_Boon_to_Gynecological_Problems_An_Overview_of_Current_Research