What is Ashoka? Ayurveda’s Powerful Herb for Infertility and Periods

May 22
2 min read

Ashoka, 'the sorrowless tree', (also known as Joanesia asoca, Jonesia asoka, Saraca asoka or Janosia asoka) comes from the bark of a well known Indian tree. It is used in Ayurveda and Homeopathy.

Ashoka tree image from https://ayurvedagurukulam.com/blog/ashoka-saraca-asoca-medicinal-plant — Ashoka Tree (Saraca Asoca) | Health Benefits | Medicinal Herbs, Uses

It is mostly prescribed for uterine disorders, infertility and irregular periods when the symptomology fits. This includes menorrhagia (bleeding between periods), amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycle) and painful periods. It is thought of as a nourishing tonic for the uterus.

According to these indications, Ashoka can be considered for women with disorders like PCOS (now PMOS), endometriosis and ovarian cysts that are contributing to fertility issues.

The first time I learned about Ashoka was when it was prescribed to me as a mother tincture.

It is typically prescribed in mother tincture form, however if breastfeeding or pregnant, it is available in potency and can be prescribed in low potency if the case fits.

A mother tincture

is the starting material used in the making of potentized remedies from plants, e.g., 6c, 30c, 200c, etc. (see more on potency here) and acts directly on the physiology and more locally, to treat organ-specific disorders.

Naturopathic tinctures have specific ratios, whereas homeopathic mother tinctures are simply the raw extract.

Mother tinctures are used by many homeopaths alongside homeopathic remedies. Dr. James Compton Burnett, a prominent 19th-century British homeopath, played a crucial role in popularizing the use of mother tinctures.