Legend has it that long, long ago in a forest far, far away there lived a wise elderly sage who spent his days and nights in deep meditation.
This sage – Chyavan was his name – was so utterly devoted to God, that God sent him a gift: a young, vivacious princess who would marry him and please him for his remaining days on Earth. Chyavan, knowing he didn’t stand a chance of satisfying her on the eve of their conjugal bliss, looked to the heavens for an elixir that would restore his youth, vigor, and stamina. The gods complied, after all he was a dedicated devotee, and together they scoured the forest and mountains for fruits, roots, berries, and seeds. Ultimately they landed on a spectacular formula for rejuvenation; the scrumptious, nourishing jam known as Chyavanprash (literally meaning ‘food for Chyavan’).
Brimming with vitamins, antioxidants and agni-boosting spices, this classic tri-doshic recipe has been around for centuries. The base of this rich jam is the amalaki fruit, also known as amla – the Indian Gooseberry. With hundreds of studies backing it up, amalaki is one of the most powerful rasayanas we have in our Ayurvedic arsenal.
Rasayana : any group of herbal medicines that have significant
anti-oxidant properties, slow the aging process, and fight disease
Amalaki is the most concentrated form of vitamin C in the plant kingdom, it supports the liver in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and has been found to have chemo-toxicity preventative qualities. It has a spicy quality that stimulates metabolism and its adaptogenic qualities revitalize depleted energy levels. The fruit itself is a small berry that contains five of the six tastes – sweet, sour (very!), bitter, astringent, and pungent. It’s this well-rounded taste combination that provides a balancing effect on the three doshas, which is why we can call it a ‘tri-doshic’ formula.
How to Eat Your Medicine (1-2 tsp daily):
- Straight from the spoon – my preferred way
- Spread it on toast or crackers (one of my clients likes to smear it onto fortune cookies…. hey, whatever works)
- Stir it into 1C warm milk for a soothing evening toddy that tastes like chai
Who knew medicine could taste so good? Chyavanprash provides a delicious and effective way to support your health and stamina throughout the winter season while getting a daily mega-dose of vitamins. I keep a jar in my cupboard year ‘round!
Until we meet again, eat (or drink) your medicine.
