Herb × Condition

Ashoka Tree Flowers for Menstrual Health

Sanskrit: अशोक | Saraca indica Linn.

How Ashoka Tree Flowers helps with Menstrual Health according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Ashoka Tree Flowers is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for menstrual health. Ashoka (Saraca indica) is one of the most important trees in Ayurveda for female reproductive health. The bark is the primary medicinal part but the flowers are also used. The bright orange-red flowers bloom in dense clusters. The tree is evergreen with compound leaves. The bark decoction is the main ingredient in Ashokarishta, a famous uterine tonic. The flowers contain tannins (about 10% Catechol). The fresh bark is preferred over dried. The tree is sacred in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Polyalthia longifolia (Ashoka look-alike) is sometimes confused with this tree but is different. The bark is used in menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and other uterine disorders. The tree grows 20-30 feet tall. Verse: 25 (primary); also see text in Pushpa Varga.

How Ashoka Tree Flowers Helps with Menstrual Health

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Ashoka Tree Flowers has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing menstrual health:

  • Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Tannins (Catechol), Flavonoids, Steroids
Also Known As
English: Ashoka Tree, Sorrowless Tree
Sanskrit: अशोक, हेमपुष्प, ताम्रपल्लव
Hindi: अशोक

Other Herbs for Menstrual Health

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Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.)
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Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
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Banyan Tree Ficus benghalensis Linn.
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Borax Sodium Borate; Sodii Biboras
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Eranda Ricinus communis Linn.
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China Rose Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.
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False Ashoka Polyalthia longifolia Benth. & Hook. f.
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Karanj Caesalpinia bonduce-lla Fleming; C. crista Linn.

See all herbs for menstrual health on the Menstrual Health page.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.