What is Ashoka Bark? Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of Saraca Asoca / Saraca Indica - Herbal Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

If you are someone who is interested in natural remedies and alternative medicines, you may have come across the term "Ashoka Bark" before. This herbal remedy has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries, and is said to have a wide range of health benefits. But what exactly is Ashoka Bark, and how can it help you?

Ashoka Bark comes from the Saraca Indica tree, which is native to India and other parts of South Asia. The tree's bark is dried and ground into a powder, which can be used to make teas, tinctures, and other remedies. In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashoka Bark is believed to be particularly useful for women's health issues, including menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and menopausal symptoms.

But Ashoka Bark is not just for women. It is also said to have a range of other health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. Some studies have even suggested that it may have anti-cancer properties.

However, as with any herbal remedy, it is important to use Ashoka Bark with caution. While it is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Ashoka Bark in more detail, as well as its potential side effects and how to use it safely. Whether you are curious about natural remedies or simply looking for new ways to support your health, read on to learn more about Ashoka Bark.

2. What is Ashoka Bark?

Ashoka bark botanical name is Saraca Asoca, some other common names are Ashoka, Anganapriya, asok, asoka, kankeli, and saraca indica. It is grown in gardens for its handsome flowers, this tree is considered sacred in India.

Ashoka is a small, spreading, evergreen tree with smooth brownish bark and compound leaves forming a dense crown. It has bright orange flowers in small dense branches and flat fruits with serval smooth grey seeds. This tree must be distinguished from the Indian fir or mast tree, botanically known as polyalthia longifoila, Ashoka is considered sacred by Hindus. It is an important indigenous drug for the treatment of various female disorders.

Ashoka dried bark constitutes the drug, it contains tannins and catechol. It has magnesium, iron, calcium, strontium, and aluminum. Bark on old stems is dark green in color, often marked by bluish and ash white patches of lichens.

3. Morphology

Leaves & Flowers 

The leaves are alternate, paripinnate, copper-red when young, and green when mature. The flowers are orange or orange-yellow in color, and the flowering time is July to October.

Fruits and Seeds 

The fruits are flat and black colored, with leathery pods and tapering at both ends. The Seeds are ellipsoid, oblong, and compressed, and the fruiting occurs from July to October.

4. Ayurvedic properties of Ashoka Bark

Saraca indica, is a valuable herb in Ayurveda with various therapeutic properties. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its medicinal benefits.

Ayurvedic properties of Ashoka bark:

1. Rasa (Taste): Ashoka bark is believed to have astringent (Kashaya) taste.

2. Virya (Potency): It is cooling in nature (Sheeta Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is sweet (Madhura Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Ashoka primarily balances Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha. However, in excess, it may increase Vata dosha due to its cooling nature.

Ayurvedic Uses:

1. Female Reproductive Health: Ashoka is renowned for its benefits in supporting female reproductive health. It is used to manage menstrual disorders, including irregular menstruation, painful periods, and excessive bleeding.

2. Uterine Tonic: It is considered an excellent uterine tonic, helping to tone and strengthen the uterus.

3. Menopausal Support: Ashoka bark is used to ease menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings.

4. Anti-inflammatory: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to manage inflammatory conditions.

5. Digestive Support: Ashoka bark is used to support healthy digestion and manage digestive disorders.

6. Antimicrobial: It is believed to have antimicrobial properties and may help in managing certain infections.

5. What are the benefits of Ashoka Bark / Saraca Indica?

The Ashoka bark has astringent, refrigerant, alexiteric, anthelmintic, demulcent, and emollient properties. It is beneficial in the treatment of dyspepsia, enlargement of the abdomen, colic, piles, and ulcers, and is considered an important indigenous drug for the treatment of various female diseases, especially menorrhagia.

Here are the benefits of Ashoka Bark

For Uterine Disorder

The bark of the Ashoka is effective and beneficial in the treatment of excessive blood loss during mensuration due to the presence of uterine fibroids, leucorrhea, and other causes. It can be used as a substitute for ergot, a kind of dried fungus used in medicine in the treatment of uterine hemorrhages.

For Piles

Asoka bark decoction is beneficial in the treatment of piles, it is effective for treating internal piles.

For Dysentery

Asoka bark decoction is beneficial for dysentery, flowers decoction is also beneficial in hemorrhagic dysentery.

For Diabetes

Dried flowers of the Ashoka are beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.

For Menorrhagia (Heavy bleeding during periods)

Ashoka bark is beneficial in the treatment of Menorrhagia, due to its cold potency it helps to control heavy menstrual bleeding during periods.

For Leucorrhea

Leucorrhea is a common problem in women, it is caused by to imbalance of Kapha dosha. Asoka bark helps to control Leucorrhea.

Buy Ashoka Bark Powder

6. How to use Ashoka Bark?

The bark of Ashoka is prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine for arresting bleeding or secretion and as a uterine sedative. It has a stimulating effect on the endometrium that is, the mucous membrane lining the uterus, and on the ovarian tissue.

Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as an Ayurvedic doctor recommends. The general recommended dosage is 3-6 grams of Ashoka bark daily once a day.

Here are some home remedies for Ashoka Bark

• Make a decoction of Ashoka bark and take it twice a day, helps to treat piles.
• Take 90 grams of Ashoka bark powder and boiled in 30 ml of milk and 360 ml of water, reduce the total quantity to about 90 grams. Take 2-3 doses during three days of the mensuration.
• Make a decoction of Ashoka flowers and take 15-20 drops twice a day, helps to treat dysentery.
• Dried flower powder of the Ashoka with water, helps to treat diabetes.
• Take Ashoka bark powder and mix it with water and honey, take this mixture twice a day. Helps to treat piles.

7. Side Effects of Ashoka Bark.

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’t have any side effects but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have unique health issues.

Here are some side effects of Ashoka Bark.

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• Do not take Ashoka Bark if you are suffering from any kind of critical disease.
• If you are on diabetes or hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming Ashoka Bark
• If you are above 65 years old and want to start Ashoka Bark, consult the doctor and discussthe health conditions.
• If you are on any supplements, vitamins, or herbal medication, consult the doctor before taking Ashoka Bark.
• Avoid Ashoka Bark when having intestinal ulcers as it could worsen the condition.
• Stop taking Ashoka Bark at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Ashoka Bark may interact with other medicines like blood sugar or blood pressure allopathy medicines.

8. Frequently Asked Question

Q - What is Ashoka bark used for?

Ashoka bark is one of the renowned Ayurveda medicine which has been used since ancient times, it has numerous health benefits, and the bark of the banyan tree is extensively used in the herbal preparation. 

Q - Can Ashoka be taken during periods?

Ashoka tree bark is beneficial in the treatment of Menorrhagia, due to its cold potency it helps to control heavy menstrual bleeding during periods.

Q - Is Saraca indica and saraca Asoca same?

Saraca asoca is the botanical name of the Ashoka tree, some other common names are Ashoka, Anganapriya, asok, asoka and Saraca indica.

Q - What is the common name of Saraca indica?

Saraca indica is the common name of Ashoka tree, other name are Ashoka, Anganapriya, asok, asoka and Saraca indica.

Q - What are the benefits of Ashoka tree?

Ashoka tree bark is used in Ayurveda to treat health ailments, here are the health benefits of Ashoka Tree Bark.

• Uterine Disorder
• Skin Disorder
• Menorrhagia
• Leucorrhea 
• Diabetes

Q - What are the active ingredients in Ashoka Bark?

Ashoka Bark contains several active compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides. These compounds are thought to be responsible for the herb's medicinal properties.

Q - Is Ashoka Bark effective for treating infertility?

Ashoka Bark is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support women's reproductive health, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for treating infertility specifically.

Q - How does Ashoka Bark help with menstrual cramps?

Ashoka Bark is believed to help relieve menstrual cramps by reducing inflammation, relaxing the uterus, and regulating hormone levels.

Q - Can Ashoka Bark be used to regulate periods?

Yes, Ashoka Bark is traditionally used to regulate menstrual cycles and can be helpful for women with irregular periods.

Q - Can Ashoka Bark be used for men's health issues?

While Ashoka Bark is traditionally used for women's health issues, it may also have benefits for men's health, including improving digestive function and reducing inflammation.

Q - What is the recommended dosage of Ashoka Bark?

The recommended dosage of Ashoka Bark may vary depending on the specific product and the intended use. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Q - Can Ashoka Bark be used to treat PCOS?

Ashoka Bark may be helpful for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) due to its ability to regulate hormone levels and support reproductive health.