• Ghee, or clarified butter (ghrta)
• Sesame oil (taila)
• Unrefined cane sugar (matsyandika)

Dabur is the first branded Chyawanprash in the country. It is the highest selling Chyawanprash with more than 60% market share.

• How Chyawanprash Works

  Indian gooseberry is very high in . Since Indian gooseberry is the main component of chyawanprash, this high vitamin C content is likely responsible for some of chyawanprash’s antioxidant properties and its other effects .

  Indian gooseberry and vitamin C have both been shown to enhance memory, which could be how chyawanprash may exert its improvement on brain function and memory [5].

  Brain degeneration disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are thought to be partially caused by decreases in cholinergic neurons (a certain type of brain cell). Chyawanprash may improve brain function by enhancing the activity of these brain cells.

•  

  Animal Research (Lack of Evidence)

  Allergies

  Studies on rats and mice show that chyawanprash given before an allergic reaction can reduce the symptoms, comparable to cetirizine (a common anti-allergy drug)

  Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosage

  For the most part, there are few reported side effects to taking chyawanprash. Most clinical studies didn’t find any negative effects or toxicity [10].

  However, keep in mind that chyawanprash is a practically unresearched remedy with a relatively unknown safety profile. You should consult your doctor about other potential side effects based on your health condition and possible drug or supplement interactions.

  Those with diabetes should take caution when taking chyawanprash due to its high sugar content from the added unrefined cane sugar and honey.

  Due to the lack of safety data, pregnant women should consult with a physician before taking chyawanprash as a supplement. Some sources online recommend reducing dosage by half for pregnant women, though no scientific studies have examined this in detail.

  Some reviews mention sensations of heat after consuming chyawanprash, likely due to the strong combination of herbs in chyawanprash. Taking chyawanprash with hot milk may soothe this sensation. Again, no scientific studies have described this in detail.

  Drug Interactions

  There are no reported interactions between chyawanprash and other drugs. However, it’s still recommended to consult with a physician if you wish to take chyawanprash in combination with other medications due to the variety of herbs that are found in chyawanprash. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.

  Forms of Supplementation & Dosage

  Chyawanprash is a dark brown jam-like paste. It is usually eaten directly, or with warm milk or water.

  Because chyawanprash is not approved by the FDA for any conditions, there is no official dose. Users and supplement manufacturers have established unofficial doses based on trial and error.

  The typical dosage is one teaspoon (~10-15 g) of chyawanprash, 2x/day. Doses should be reduced for younger children [12].

  Recipe

  Different classical texts and current industrial practices have modified the methods and ingredient proportions. For example, the amount of gooseberry used may vary, and the proportions and parts used of other herbs can differ. Additionally, the amount of sugar and ghee can be variable [2].

  Reviews

  The opinions expressed in this section are solely those of chyawanprash users, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. Their reviews do not represent the opinions of SelfHacked. SelfHacked does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

  Do not consider user experiences as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers because of something you have read on SelfHacked. We understand that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.

  A majority of reviews recommend taking chyawanprash with milk, and some say it can be spread on bread or crackers as well. Many users took it to boost immunity, especially during the winter, to supplement their diet with more nutrients, and to improve energy and activity levels as they grow older. Several of them reported satisfactory results.

  Some reviewers complained about the taste, which is a mixture of sweet, sour or spicy, and bitter.

  One review warned users to take note of possible allergies, since chyawanprash contains many different herbs.