Cyavanaprash
Cyavan’s Tonic

Tradition:

Ayurveda

Source / Author:

Caraka Samhita

Preparation:

The herbs except Trikatu, Cardamon, Cinnamon and Saffron are boiled in 8 times their weight of water, down to one quarter. The fresh Emblic is stoned, then fried in Ghee and Sesame oil. The Jaggery is added to the strained decoction to form a syrup, then the fried Emblic and Honey is added, followed by the powders of Trikatu, Cardamon, Cinnamon and Saffron. Sometimes Silver leaf is added.

Function:

Tonifies Qi, Nourihses Essence, Strengthens Kidneys and Heart, Stops Cough

Use:

1. Immune Tonic
2. Weakness, Fatigue, Convalesence
3. Anemia
4. Impotence, Sexual weakness
5. Restorative after excess Sexual activity.
6. Reproductive tonic in Infertility
7. Chronic Urinary diseases from Kidney weakness (adjunct)
8. Tonic during the Winter

Dose:

1–3 teaspoonfuls (5–20 grams) twice daily with Milk or Water

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

There are many variations of this formula. Aloeswood, Costus, Solanum xanthocarpum, Mesua, Uraria, Desmodium, Dioscorea bulbifera and Licorice are among the traditional additions, but modern manufacturers commonly add and subtract herbs.

According to legend this was designed to help the elderly Sage Cyavana satisfy his young bride.

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