Evolution of Chyawanprash: Ancient Health Tonic’s Modern-Day Benefits

Chyawanprash is an ancient Ayurvedic formula that rejuvenates the body. It protects the body from damage, decay, and degenerative processes. But in this blog, I am not going to retell the benefits of Chyawanprash rather I will take you back through the evolution of Chyawanprash.

Today, it is one of the most revered Ayurvedic formulations for general health. Its popularity has gone beyond borders. People know Chyawanprash for its immune-boosting, digestive, and nourishing properties.

The benefits, usage, and composition of Chyawanprash are often talked about.

But what many people don’t know is its origin!

And it’s a very fascinating story.

The history of Chyawanprash is traceable to the periods wherein history fades into myth. So, there are many amusing folklore from the era of epics. But a few things are constant in all stories!

Also Read: Swamala Chyawanprash for Better Immunity

How did Chyawanprash get its name? 

The word Chyawanprash comprises of two words – ‘Chyawana’ and ‘Prasha’. 

Chyawana is the name of an ancient seer who was among the first beneficiaries of this legendary formulation. Chyawana seems to be a symbol of dhatu kshaya i.e. increased catabolism and degeneration. Hence, the word ‘Chyawana’ also refers to degenerative changes. 

‘Prasha’ denotes a drug or diet, fit for ingestion!

Thus, the name Chyawanprash means a drug or diet that rejuvenated sage Chyawana. It was later used against decay, wasting, and degenerative processes.  

Also Read: More Epic Tales on Chyawanprash

The mythological link: Chyawanprash

The mythological link of Chyawanprash could be the most important driving factor for its popularity. The word Chyawana was the name of an ancient seer. He was among the first beneficiaries of this legendary formulation. 

Chyawanprash traces back to the pre-historic foundations of divinity. The formulation manifests the human quest for immortality, and freedom from disease and prevents aging. 

It is an expression of a blessing from Rigveda, “Jeevema Sharadah Shatam”. 

Perhaps, it also represents the quest of mankind for a “panacea”. It could address a wide array of health issues from aging to cough and the common cold. 

Thus, among all Rasayana formulations enumerated in classical and medieval treatises of Ayurveda, Chyawanprash remains outstanding. It imbibes all the philosophical and scientific brilliance of ancient Indian scholars.

The first scripts of Chyawanprash

Ancient literature gives a peep on the story of Maharishi Chyawan and his miraculous treatment by Ashwinis. But none of the ancient scripts reveals the recipe employed in the therapy. 

Rigveda mentions Chyawana as the elderly saint who restored his vigor and youth with the help of Ashwini Kumaras. Shravana Kramani mentions Chyawana as Bhargava. 

In addition to Rigveda, Vedic literature such as Nirukta. Chyawana also mentions his name.  

The formulation of Chyawanprash first appeared in a documented form in Charaka Samhita. Since then this formulation has been one of the most researched, spoken, and used Ayurvedic medicine. 

Also Read: Home-Made Chyawanprash

Turning the pages of Charaka Samhita

The first mentions of Chyawanprash are in the Charak Samhita (2000 BC). In the very first chapter of Chikitsasthana called Abhyamalakiya Rasayana Pada, it talks about Chyawanprash.

It says that in the early days, sages attained vital strength and immeasurable life span by using Chyawanprash. Charaka also mentions the story of sage Chyawana.

Charaka describes that Rishi Chyawana fell prey to a number of diseases in his old age. His complexion, strength, and voice became feeble. In Shatapata Brahmana, ‘Jirna’ and ‘Kastarup’ are the two adjectives used to describe the physically degenerated condition of Chyawana. 

Ancestors said Ashwini’s transformed him into a young man with the help of Chyawanprash. Charaka writes that Chyawanprash can treat seminal weakness. It can also stop degenerative processes. Improve immunity. Boost sex stamina and fertility. 

Evolution of Chyawanprash

So, that was the evolution of Chyawanprash through the ages.

Chyawanprash has evolved from a hypothetical concept to reality. Its evolution did not stop even after the product was realized. In fact, it maintained a dynamic stature in the subsequent stages of history.