Share this merde!

I was at the Indian grocers’ this week, and he turned me on to Chyawanprash (sometimes also called Chyavanaprasha, Chyavanaprash, Chyavanaprasam, Chyawanaprash, or Chyawanprash – none of which trip off the Western tongue lightly).

Now, before I go any further, I should explain that our Indian grocer isn’t just any Indian grocer. He is a classically trained Ayurvedic practitioner – his grandfather and his grandfather’s father passed down the Ayurvedic traditions to him. In fact, he is now in medical school here, so that he can practice here, blending his skills and knowledge. So when he recommends something as being Very Good for you, I tend to give it some credence.

In this case he not only recommended it – highly – but he suggested I Google it, which of course I did.

Wow.

Chyawanprash is a blend of more than 40 herb- and plant-based extracts. The brand that Raj carries is Dabur Chyawanprash, which he says is the best, and Google seems to bear that out.

The recipe is said to be more than 2000 years old. Legend has it that it was developed by a monk who was very old, and was then put in a position of having to marry a sweet young thing, and asked for a week to get ready. It is said that he then developed the Chyawanprash, and when they came back for him a week later, he was a much younger man.

Now, I don’t know that Chyawanprash is actually a fountain of youth, but I do know that it is chock full of some amazing things, with even more amazing properties.

According to the description from Dabur, “Dabur Chyawanprash is a powerful combination of over 40 herbs and plant extracts in a base of Amla (Indian Gooseberry fruit pulp). Dabur Chawanprash is derived from a 2500 year old ayurvedic formula. It is completely chemical-free, natural and safe. The first historically documented formula for Chyawanprash is found in the Charak Samhita, the ancient Ayurvedic treatise written by sage Charak in the 4th century BC. Prepared from more than 40 plants, fruits, roots, herbs and minerals in a base of amla fruit pulp, it works on the vital internal defense mechanism and increases body immunity.”

Chyawanprash is said to excel at helping one to build up immunity. Raj said this as well. In addition, it can boost energy, and aid in convalescence. And it’s extremely high in antioxidants.

Some of the ingredients include:

Amla – this is the Indian gooseberry, and is very rich in Vitamin C, pectin, and tannins. It is said to stop premature graying, encourage nail and hair growth, improves vision, nourish teeth and bones, cleanse the digestive system, and regulate blood sugar.

Ashwagandha – this is said to regulate body functions to aid in controlling stress and regulating immunity.

Pippali – said to aid, assist, and strengthen respitory functions.

Kesar – boosts energy and improves the skin.

Guduchi – provides mental and physical strength, and boosts the immune system.

Karkatsringi – aids in warding off coughs and colds.

Satavari – said to promote overall health and stamina, to improve mental function, and improve eyesight.

Bala / Vidarikand – said to boost strength and stamina.

These and 30 to 40 more herb and plant extracts make up Chyawanprash.

So let me tell you the two most surprising things I found out about Chyawanprash:

1. It tastes really good (Raj said that some people don’t like it). I found that it tasted kind of like a fruity cinnamon-y paste. It’s very thick – about as thick as organic peanut butter.

2. You can buy the very same thing from Amazon! As I said of the Lampe Berger – is there anything they don’t sell?? And the price is almost the same as I paid at my Indian grocers. So, you can check out Chyawanprash for yourself there, if you want!

Meanwhile, I’m taking mine every day! 🙂

Check out Chyawanprash at Amazon

• 
•