Do you know about the herbal powder made with eight herbs that helps gastrointestinal issues? Do you believe that it could reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis problems? Ashtachurnam is a powerful digestive blessing from ayurveda formulated using 8 vital herbal ingredients.
The present day lifestyle and the pandemic environment have created not only gastrointestinal issues but also lack of sleep, physical and mental issues. Ayurveda recommends taking herbs and spices as they stimulate appetite, boost up agni and have favourable curative activity. During my childhood, I remember my grandma always kept a small box beside her bed. Every now and then she used to take a pinch from it and munch it. Whenever I went near the box, the sweet aromatic smell fascinated me.I was very eager to see what is in the box. One day, I opened the box with curiosity and to my surprise it was the sweet scented ,cooling and light green cardamom. Then I came to know green cardamom, one of the spices, is good for digestion.
 Every herbs and spices have their own taste, qualities and actions. We are to see about the powerful healing ashta churnam that is made up of 8 herbs. All the herbs in ashtachurnam are highly beneficial for overall well being.
HERBS AND SPICES IN ASHTA CHURNAM
The main ingredients in Ashta churnam include
   Long Pepper – Pippali
   Black Pepper – Maricha
   Dry Ginger – Shunti
   Celery Seeds – Ajamoda
   Rock Salt – Sendha namak
   White Cumin Seeds – shweta jeeraka
   Black Cumin Seeds – karunjeeragam/Krishna Jeeraka
   Asafoetida – Shuddha Hingu (processed with ghee)
Dry all the above ingredients in sunlight without moisture and blend it to a powder.
HEALING BENEFITS OF THE HERBS
 LONG PEPPER/PIPPALI
Long Pepper which is rich in alkaloids,beta sitosterol and analgesic contribute to the good functioning of your entire system. It is used to boost up appetite and digestion. It is also used to heartburn,indigestion,intestinal gas,asthma and diarrhea.
BLACK PEPPER
Black Pepper which is rich in antioxidants improve brain function,controls blood sugar,lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of cancer.Piperine in black pepper helps in controlling high blood pressure.
DRY GINGER
Dry ginger is used to treat indigestion,sore throat,cold and cough. Ginger’s healing properties stimulate blood circulation,remove toxins from the body and promotes skin health. It supports your immune system.
AJAMODA
It is antiseptic which is used in treatment of bloating,indigestion,asthma and cough.It helps in the detoxification of the body.It is an effective remedy for inflammation and pain.
ROCK SALT
Rock salt contain minerals traces like manganese,copper,iron and Zinc. Rock salt can purify and rejuvenate skin tissue as they improve skin hydration.Rock salt can be used to improve your body’s metabolic and overall functioning of the body.
WHITE CUMIN SEEDS
White cumin seeds help to improve your gut health and boost your memory. Cumin seeds which contains anti inflammatory properties prevent cancer cells and help reduce pain.
BLACK CUMIN SEEDS
Black cumin seeds are effective for the treatment of constipation and haemorrhoids. It is also used for respiratory conditions like asthma,allergies,cough,flu and congestion.
 ASAFOETIDA
It is used for the treatment of various diseases like asthma,epilepsy,weak digestion,intestinal parasites and influenza. It can protect your body from free radicals.
BENEFITS OF ASHTACHURNAM
POWERFUL APPETIZER
It is used as a powerful appetizer as it it increases the secretion of gastric juices.It helps in digestion of the food and improves appetite.It is used to increase the pitta in our digestive system.
PROMOTES HEALTHY LIVER
It contains hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative properties and used in the treatment of liver problems like hepatitis,jaundice and fatty liver.
RELIEVES CONSTIPATION
It increases secretion of bile by the liver and allows smooth faecal passage from the large intestine. It minimizes mucous and extra fat content in the stools and protects them from sticking to the intestinal walls and allow easy bowel movement.
REDUCES JOINT AND MUSCLE PAIN
It has analgesic and anti inflammatory properties which helps to reduce joint and muscle pain. It is a good in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis,bursitis,shoulder dislocation pain and post viral fever.
TREATS IBS
IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is caused due to unhealthy diet choices,intake of low nutrient foods,overeating and emotional problems.The powerful herbs in ashta choornam effectively treats IBS.
DOSAGE
1 – 3 grams (for adults) twice a day with lukewarm water or cow’s ghee or as prescribed by the ayurvedic doctor.
Depending upon the age and body condition of the individual, the dosage of Ashta churnam may differ. It is advised to consult an ayurvedic doctor to take correct dosage.
TAKE AWAY
Ashta churnam is an effective ayurvedic remedy in treating indigestion,gastritis,Irritable bowel syndrome and loss of appetite. This miracle herbal churnam is a powerful digestive stimulant that promotes the secretion of digestive juices and increases the absorption of necessary nutrients through the intestines.