Chyawanprash Rasayana, Lehyam (Ayurvedic Jam)- Preparation

Chyawanprash or chyavanaprasam is a well-known formulation of more than 40 medicinal herbs and has got multiple health benefits. The main ingredients are Indian gooseberry (Embilica officinalis), roots of 10 classical herbs, grape (Phoenix dactylifera), Holostemma ada-kodien (jevanthi), Ipomea paniculata (vidari) and Sida rhombifolia.

The name Chyawanprash came from a famous sage Chyawan who got the benefit of this formulation, as he became young after using this formulation. This is one of the most acceptable rasayana formulations in Ayurveda. The documented formula of Chyawanprash is found in Charaka Samhita. The term rasayana indicates the way to healthy maintenance of dhatus (body tissues) with proper functioning of the srothus (channels). This includes proper movement of food juice without obstruction, proper circulation and unhindered movement of nerve impulses.

Chyawanprash is a proven preventive medicine, which enhances immunity and improve digestive power, possesses rejuvenative properties, and delays the ageing process. It is given as therapeutic doses for respiratory disorders, urinary diseases and for general weakness and fatigue. The most acceptable adult dose of Chyawanprash is one tablespoon twice daily, preferably with a glass of milk. Chyawanprash can be given for people of all ages, but diabetics must have a chat with their health consultants before taking it.

There are many rasayana preparations listed in the scriptures in different forms like choorna(powder), lehya, ghritam(ghee-based) and swarasa(juice) etc. The physician will decide the drug after analyzing the dosha constitution of the patient.

The preparation and procedure of rasayana are key to the successful completion of the therapy. A decoction made with Indian gooseberry will have palliative effect on the disease but will not act as rasayana. It gives the effect of rasayana only when prepared and administered according to the prescribed method.

The major components in making lehyam are:

• A liquid part- Kashayam, juice etc.
• Ghee, oil or honey (according to the formula).
• Sugar media- Jaggery or sugar.
• Medicines in the form of powder or ground paste.

Making lehyam starts with dissolving the sugar media in the liquid part and concentrating it in a low temperature until it becomes a stage called 'paka'.(when the concentrated semi-liquid will shows thread like when pressed between two fingers and released). This is then added with the fine powder, ghee and oil. Good mixing is essential to get the semi-solid form. Honey is added to the cooled mixture. It is properly mixed to get the appropriate semi-solid form.

Lehyam, avaleha, prasam and gulam are the very familiar forms of medicines processed with sugar media. Chyavanaprasam(Chyawanprash), Aswagandhaadi Lehyam, Sathavarigulam are examples of such preparations. In Ayurveda Agasthya Rasayanam, Brahma Rasayanam and Chyavanaprasam are some of the well-known rasayana preparations. People are often confused with lehyam and rasayana preparations. In fact, a rasayana drug can be administrated not only in lehyam form but also in other forms like ghee and pills.

There are many lehyam preparations used to treat various problems like cough, asthma, degenerative diseases, arthritis and skin diseases. It is also used in rasayana chikitsa (rejuvenative therapy).