Latin name – Saraca asoka  
English name – Asoka
Indian name –Asoka, Asok, Vanjula, Sita asok, Hemapushpa, Gandhapushpa

Introduction

Asoka is a Sanskrit word which means no-grief. Asoca is a legendary and a sacred tree of India.The plant is prized for its beautiful foliage and flowers. The Hindu mythology describes it to be a sacred one and dedicated to Kamadeva, the God of Love. It is also said that Lord Buddha was born under this tree and is grown in all Buddhist monastery

Plant Description

Saraca asoca is small evergreen tree having height up to 10 meters. It has blackish bark and reddish-brown wood; Flowers are orange to scarlet color turning into deep red in color in bunches and has a strong fragrance; Pods tapering at both ends, seeds 4-8 ellipsoid- oblong. The flowering time of Asoca is December - May and fruiting time June-July.

Chemical Constituents

The bark contains tannin, catechol, sterol and organic calcium compounds. Its methanol fraction contains haematoxylene, tannin, and water-soluble glycoside. The latter has glucose, galactose and mannose as sugars.

Parts Used

Bark of the tree, sometimes seeds.

Uses of Saraca asoca :

1. Traditional system of Indian Medicine shows it to be effective against cases like Uterine fibroids, Dysmenorrhea, Hemorrhoids and Leucorrhoea. It is the plant that is helpful for combating a great number of Gynecological disorders.
2.  In general Saraca asoca is considered as best female tonic.
3. Diuretic, tonic, cooling, aphrodisiac and the dried fruits are used in cases of spermatorrhoea, phosphaturia, diseases of genito-urinary tract such as dysuria, gonorrhea, chronic cystitis, calculus affections, urinary disorders, incontinence of urine, gout and impotence also in uterine disorders after parturition.
4. The seeds are strengthening and the ash of plant is good for external application in rheum-arthritis.

Dosage

Ashok Powder - 3-6 grams per day.