ASHOKA, Asogam, Asoka, Saraca Indica - Caesalpiniaceae

Ashoka means "without sorrow", a reference to this bark's reputation for keeping women healthy and youthful.

Buddha was said to be born under Ashoka tree.


Part used : Bark (also seeds and flowers)

Energetics :
- Rasa (taste) : Astringent, Bitter
- Virya (energy) : Cooling
- Vipaka (post-digestive effect) : Pungent
- Gunas (qualities) : Light, Dry

Doshas : PK -

Tissues : Blood, muscle, fat, reproductive

Systems : Female reproductive, circulatory

Actions :
Astringent, uterine sedative, uterine tonic, hemostatic

Indications :
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM :
Bleeding disorders, uterine affections, especially in menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids and other causes, menorrhagia (scant menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menses, menstrual cramps), depression, bleeding hemorrhoids, uterine fibroids, leucorrhoea, considered as a uterine sedative and tonic.

The bark of Saraca indica contains the estrogenic compound ketosterol.
The bark has a stimulating effect on the endometrium and ovarian tissue, is useful in menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids, in leucorrhea and in internal bleeding, where ergot is indicated. It is well established for its effectiveness in menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea.
It also has a stimulatory effect on the ovarian tissue and may produce an oestrogen-like effect that enhances the repair of the endometrium and stops bleeding.

Its use in treatment of excessive uterine bleeding is extensive in India.
The plant is used also in dysmenorrhoea and for depression in women.
Bleeding from piles is reduced with the plant.

It is also useful in hemorrhagic dysentery (flowers).

HEART :
Its nourishing effect on the circulatory system makes it a useful remedy in cardiac weakness and arrhytmia.

Precautions :
Larger doses may cause constipation.
Do not take during pregnancy.

Dosage :
Powder : Take ? to ? teaspoon 2-3 times per day mixed in warm water or as recommended by your doctor.

Decoction :
100 gr per day or as recommended by your doctor.

About 100 grams of the bark is boiled in 100 ml of milk and 400 ml of water till the liquid quantity is reduced to about 100 ml.
This is divided in 2 or 3 doses to be given in a day.
The treatment should commence from the fourth day of the menstruation and continue till the bleeding is checked.
Fresh decoction is to be made every day.

Composition :
Ashoka bark in powder.