The Ashoka tree, widely admired for its aesthetic appeal and aromatic properties, offers several medicinal advantages. It is often cultivated in gardens and revered in various cultural practices due to its beauty and health benefits.
Plant Description
The Ashoka tree is a medium-sized evergreen that can reach heights up to 9 meters. It has drooping branches and lanceolate leaflets, each ranging from 30 to 60 cm in length. Health Benefits and Uses of Ashoka Tree The tree blossoms with orange to yellow flowers from January to July, and its fruit is a flat black pod. The bark of the Ashoka tree is grey to black, turning red upon exposure to air, with a thickness between 5 mm and 1 cm.
Cultivation and Mythological Beliefs:
Primarily grown in the Indian subcontinent, the Ashoka tree holds sacred significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is often associated with the Yakshi mythological dynasty and is commonly found at the entrances of temples. The tree’s propagation is most successful through stem cuttings, as seed cultivation proves difficult. In mythology, the Ashoka tree is linked to the removal of sorrow, as its name implies.
Regional Names of Ashoka
| Regional Names of Ashoka | Names |
| English | Ashoka |
| Hindi | Seetha-Asok, Ashoka |
| Tamil | Asogu/Asokam |
| Bengali | Asok |
| Marathi | Seethecha Ashok |
| Gujarati | Asupala |
| Odia | Asoka |
| Telugu | Asokamu |
Scientific Classification
| Scientific Classification | Details |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Saraca |
| Species | Saraca asoca |
| Scientific Name | Saraca asoca |
Nutritious Elements in Ashoka
Ashoka contains tannins, glycosides, essential oils, calcium, flavonoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. The tree bark also contains kitosterol, contributing to its health benefits.
Health Benefits of Ashoka
1. Menstrual Issues: Ashoka is effective for treating menstrual problems, including irregular periods, amenorrhea, fibroids, and cysts. It provides relief from uterine contractions and stomach pain.
2. Skin Care: A paste made from the bark, mixed with mustard oil, can treat acne and improve skin health.
3. Brain Health: Regular use of Ashoka bark, mixed with Brahmi powder, enhances intellect and cognitive function.
4. Skin Diseases: Ashoka helps detoxify the blood, preventing skin allergies and promoting healthier skin.
5. Abdominal Bloating: Ashoka leaves can eliminate stomach worms, reducing bloating and inflammation.
6. Diabetes & Piles: Ashoka flowers help regulate blood sugar levels and treat piles.
7. Stops Internal Bleeding: Ashoka flowers can help prevent internal bleeding and manage dysentery.
8. Prevents Diarrhea: It is used to treat diarrhea, especially to prevent blood loss in stools.
9. Pain Relief: Ashoka’s analgesic properties aid in relieving joint pain and inflammation.
Additional Benefits
1. Kidney Stones: Consuming Ashoka seed powder wrapped in betel leaf may help dissolve kidney stones.
2. Fever: Ashoka has antipyretic properties, making it effective against fever.
3. Cancer Prevention: It has anticancer properties, particularly against breast cancer.
4. Improves Sleep: Ashoka helps with insomnia by relaxing the central nervous system.
5. Infertility Treatment: Ashoka helps in treating endometriosis, a common cause of female infertility.
6. Menopause Symptoms: It alleviates symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
7. Leucorrhea: Ashoka reduces the symptoms of leucorrhea by balancing bodily doshas.
Uses of Ashoka
Bark: Used in medicines and cosmetics, improves skin tone.
Flowers: Beneficial for diabetic patients.
Leaves: Help with urinary issues.
Other Parts: Serve as an antidote in some conditions.
Side Effects of Ashoka
While Ashoka offers numerous health benefits, it may cause side effects:
Pregnancy: Pregnant people should avoid Ashoka, as it may cause complications during delivery.
Sensitivity: People sensitive to certain foods should consult a doctor before using Ashoka.
Medication Interactions: Those on prescription medications should consult healthcare professionals before using Ashoka-based products.
Conclusion
The Ashoka tree is a valuable plant that offers multiple health benefits, especially for women’s health, skin conditions, and internal ailments. Health Benefits and Uses of Ashoka Tree It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using Ashoka products, particularly for individuals with specific health concerns or conditions.
FAQs
1. What is the specialty of Ashoka tree?
Ans: Ashoka is prized for its beautiful flowers and medicinal properties, especially for women’s health.
2. What are Ashoka leaves used for?
Ans: Ashoka leaves help in treating menstrual disorders and skin infections.
3. Is Ashoka tree herbal?
Ans: Yes, Ashoka is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its uterine and skin health benefits.
4. Why is Ashoka tree called ‘Ashoka’?
Ans: The name “Ashoka” means “without sorrow” in Sanskrit, referencing its health benefits.
5. Is Ashoka tree good for the house?
Ans: The Ashoka tree is considered auspicious and is believed to bring positivity when planted near homes.
My self Anita Sahani. I have completed my B.Com from Purbanchal College Silapathar. I am working in Dev Library as a Content Manager. A website that provides all SCERT, NCERT 3 to 12, and BA, B.com, B.Sc, and Computer Science with Post Graduate Notes & Suggestions, Novel, eBooks, Health, Finance, Biography, Quotes, Study Materials, and more.
