Asoka is an important Ayurvedic herb used mainly in bleeding gynecological conditions. Its botanical name is Saraka indica or Saraca asoca and it belongs to Caesalpinoidae family. It is famed in Hindu mythology from the circumstance of Sita, the wife of Ramchandra, having been confined by Ravana in a grove of Asoka trees.

Health Benefits of Asoka
Asoka was traditionally used as a uterine tonic, especially to reduce excessive bleeding during menstruation. It was also used to treat other complaints such as uterine pain, congestion and discomfort. In Ayurveda, Ashoka is used to deal with cysts and fibroids in women. This herb has also been used as a diuretic and due to its astringent action, has good action in controlling dysentery and bleeding from internal piles.

Dose of Asoka in Medicine
The bark is much used by native physicians in uterine affections and especially in menorrhagia. A decoction1 of the bark in milk is prepared by boiling 8 tolas of the bark in 8 tolas of milk and 32 tolas of water till the latter is evaporated. This quantity is given in 2 or 3 divided doses during the course of the day, in menorrhagia.

Asoka Ghrita
Ashoka Ghrita is an Ayurvedic medicine used for preparatory procedure for Panchakarma and also as medicine, used mainly in gynecology related diseases. The ghrita is prepared with a decoction of the bark and clarified butter with the addition of a number of aromatic substances in the form of a paste.

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