According to ancient Indian lore, Chyawanprash—a sweet paste that’s jam-packed with Ayurvedic herbs—was created by twin Vaidyas (Ayurveda experts) to help the great seer Chyawan Rishi restore his vigor. These days, people use it as a daily immunity booster and a helpful respiratory tonic.
What is Chywanprash?
It’s an ancient Ayurvedic formula made of herbs, raw unheated honey, and ghee (clarified butter) that all work synergistically to support lung health, the respiratory system, and overall immunity. As with all of our Ayurvedic formulas, the herbs in Chyawanprash are combined using precise proportions and traditional Ayurvedic techniques to enhance bioavailability and the assimilation of vital nutrients.
Chywanprash ingredients
Chyawanprash owes its rich, dark color to the many beneficial herbs it contains. Chief among these are Amla (or Indian Gooseberry) and Vanshlochan (which comes from bamboo).
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Amla is renowned in Ayurveda as a powerful antioxidant and rejuvenative that helps strengthen the body’s natural immunity.
Vanshlochan is a wonderful ingredient that supports the respiratory system and promotes clearer breathing—a boon during winter months or when those first flowers come into bloom in spring. Vanshlochan also helps bolster the body’s resistance to stress.
The sugarcane, honey, and ghee act as carriers that help the body effectively assimilate the many nutrients in this traditional formula. They also lend Chyawanprash its signature sweet taste. You’ll also notice notes of cinnamon and cardamom—warming spices that are at once flavorful and beneficial for digestion.
A word about purity
Because we’re committed to maintaining the utmost purity in our Ayurvedic formulas, we use only the highest-quality, sustainable ingredients in our Chyawanprash. We carefully select well-ripened Amla fruit for maximum effectiveness. We also use authentic, harvested Vanshlochan, unlike the synthetic forms found in many formulas today. Vanshlochan is quite process-intensive to harvest in its pure form, but we’re committed to offering the best—in our Chyawanprash and in all of our Ayurvedic offerings. Learn about samyoga, the ancient art of Ayurvedic herbal blending.
How do you eat Chyawanprash.
We’re glad you asked! A mainstay in Ayurvedic kitchens, Chyawanprash can be spread on toast just like regular jams, spreads, and jelly—though it definitely has more of an herbal flavor.
Another way to enjoy it is to stir a teaspoonful into a mug of warm milk for a soothing start, or end, to your day. Once you acquire a taste for Chyawanprash (and its many benefits), you might even enjoy it straight off the spoon.
Who should try it?
Chyawanprash is one of those wonderful Ayurvedic formulas that is balancing to all three dosha types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In other words, it’s beneficial for most body types. Because it’s a natural immunity booster, it’s a great daily tonic for just about anyone. Ayurvedic Vaidyas also recommend it for those needing a little extra support for their respiratory systems.
This versatile paste has myriad other benefits as well. It strengthens digestion and assimilation by promoting healthy liver function, and it also boosts memory, retention, and recall. Chyawanprash is great for kids and adults alike. Add to your Ayurvedic pantry, and experience its many benefits firsthand.
For more on Ayurveda and respiratory health, check out our article on Seven Ways to Keep Your Respiratory System Healthy.
© 1999, 2023 Maharishi AyurVeda Products International, Inc. (MAPI). All Rights Reserved. MAPI does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See additional information.
