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What is Chyawanprash?
Chyawanprash is a jelly-like spread made from the pulp of apricots, grapes and other fruits high in antioxidants. Indian herbs like gooseberry are also part of the concoction; so are stems, seeds, and roots from plants native to Asia. Some formulas combine as many as 40 to 50 botanicals. The antioxidant content from the natural, plant-based ingredients in this spread bolsters immunity and promotes general healing. It purportedly detoxifies the body by purifying the blood and stimulating the cleansing activities of the liver.
Indian ingredients like bala, pippali, and mustak comprise most varieties of chyawanprash. Bala is a plant that is credited for increasing the body’s metabolism, resulting in more vigor and leaner body structure. It is also believed to restore sexual desire by balancing the body’s sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone. Pippali, a fruit originating in Sri Lanka, filters waste out of the body. Mustak is a root that heals ulcers in the digestive system and tones the stomach walls and muscles.
Originating in the Himalayas, chyawanprash has been used for centuries to maintain youthfulness and energy. Its high antioxidant levels come from the abundance of vitamin C; the fruit spread contains approximately 34 grams of vitamin C in every 100 grams. Medical studies suggest that this vitamin C, along with the other nutrients, enables this spread to reduce cholesterol in the body and control blood glucose.
Users of chyawanprash often report stronger immune systems. Researchers confirm through studies that users generally suffer fewer infections and theorize that the herbal pulp mixture protects immunity by significantly stimulating macrophages. Macrophages are white blood cells that annihilate germs and toxins by ingesting them.
Despite its numerous health benefits, many regular users enjoy the sweet, aromatic jam mostly as a food rather than a remedy. Some people use it daily on toast and muffins. It can also be folded into baked goods like cakes and pies, although some herbalists believe this cooking can kill bioactivity in the jelly. Others prefer to stir it into milk.
Chyawanprash is sold primarily in jars at health shops, Indian markets and ayurvedic stores. Users generally take one to two teaspoons (5 ml to 10 ml) daily to experience improved health and stamina. Often, results are not seen for two to three weeks. Although this substance can balance sugar levels, the fructose in daily doses might be too much for diabetics, some doctors warn. For convenience, it is also sold in capsule form, with one daily capsule offering 300mg to 500 mg of the herbal mix.
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![Chyawanprash is a jelly-like spread primary sold in jars.]()
By: Aleksandr UgorenkovChyawanprash is a jelly-like spread primary sold in jars. -
![Apricots are included in chyawanprash.]()
By: Malyshchyts ViktarApricots are included in chyawanprash. -
![Gooseberries are included in chyawanprash.]()
Gooseberries are included in chyawanprash.
Discussion Comments
@anamur: Dabur's Chyawanprash is also available with no added sugar. You may want to try that.
If I take Chyawanprash regularly, would I still need to take the vitamin supplements? I am 47 and have been taking vitamins for the last few months.
I tried taking chyawanprash, but just couldn't handle the taste of it. I thought it might be something I could acquire a taste for, but no matter how many times I tried it, it never got any better.
When I read how it was known to lower cholesterol levels and help control blood glucose, I wanted to give it a try. Those are two health conditions I need to improve.
I started taking the capsules so I didn't have to worry about the taste. For me this is a much better option. If I had to eat this every day, I would never do it. This way I can still get the benefits without worrying about getting it down.
I take some Dabur chyawanprash every day and have found this to be a great energy booster. Of all the herbal supplements I have tried, this one seems to have the most benefits.
I always take it with milk, and can really tell a difference if I run out or forget to take it for a few days.
Chyawanprash has been used in India for many, many years, and I am glad I have this type of product available to me.
I used to order it online, but have found it is cheaper in an Indian store. If you don't live close to an Indian store, your best bet would probably be to search for it on the internet.
I haven't had much luck finding it at my small health food stores. Even the food co-op I usually order from didn't have it, so you may have to do some searching, but I think it is worth the benefits you receive from taking it.
My massage therapist is familiar with Ayurvedic medicine and incorporates some of this in with her recommendations and treatments.
She told me this is the world's oldest medical system that originated in India. Using natural herbs, massage and specialized diets are all a part of this system.
She is the one who told me about chyawanprash. I have been trying to eliminate processed foods and sugar from my diet. This was one of the things she recommended I try.
It is naturally sweet, so satisfies my sweet tooth without spiking my blood sugar levels. I don't mind the taste of it, any like knowing it has so many health benefits if I take it on a regular basis.
@anamur, @burcidi-- I actually like the taste of chyawanprash. I think it either goes two ways when people first try it. You either hate the taste or love it.
It really is great for immunity. I take chyawanprash for bad seasonal allergies and it has made such a difference for me. The homemade ones are a lot more effective than retail chyawanprash but not everyone can make it at home.
I've used the brands Dabur and Baidyanath chyawanprash and both are pretty good. Dabur even has a chocolate flavored one now for people who don't like the taste. I like the original flavor but I have it along with warm milk.
I am familiar with a lot of health foods, but have never heard of chyawanprash before. I haven't even heard of many of the botanicals like bala and pippali that are included in this fruit spread.
I am going to look for this the next time I am at the health food store. If I like the taste of it, this sounds like it would be a good replacement for jelly.
My husband and I don't have a lot of time for breakfast in the mornings, but like toast with peanut butter and jelly on it.
I think the chyawanprash would be a better choice than the usual jelly or jam I use that has a lot of sugar in it.
@anamur-- Chyawanprash has raw palm sugar in it. So your doctor may not allow you to have it, you should consult with your doctor first.
My mom used to make me take chyawanprash every day when I was young so that I wouldn't get sick. I absolutely hated it. It doesn't taste good at all and I used to swallow it really quickly and have milk afterwards. I always thought of it as medicine, so I can't imagine anyone eating it for the taste, or spreading it on toast.
As much as I hated the flavor, I used to never get sick in those years. So maybe it had something to do with it. Chyawanprash has benefits, but I would rather take the capsules than the jelly so that I don't taste anything.
I'm a diabetic so I guess I won't be able to eat chyawanprash everyday. But it does sound amazing. Has anyone been eating it on a regular basis? What does it taste like and what kind of changes have you noticed in your health?
I've been getting sick a lot lately, I had the flu twice this year and have caught a cold a couple of times already this winter. I feel like I need something to boost my immunity. I take a multivitamin and have 1-2 portions of fruit everyday but I haven't noticed much of a difference. I think it wouldn't hurt to try some herbal products and chyawanprash sounds pertty delicious.
I don't know if I should be worried about quality and safety though. Is there an FDA approved brand of chyawanprash in the US?
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