O-Care

Indications

Ashokarista is a traditional Ayurvedic fermented herbal liquid (arishta) made mainly from the bark of the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca), with other herbs. It is traditionally used for women's health, including:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Painful periods and lower abdominal cramps
• Irregular periods and white vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea)
• Weakness related to menstrual problems

Scientific evidence for these uses is limited. Heavy or irregular bleeding can be caused by fibroids, hormone problems, infection or, rarely, cancer, so it needs medical assessment rather than self-treatment alone.

How It Works

Ashoka bark contains tannins and other plant compounds traditionally believed to tone the muscle of the womb and reduce excessive bleeding (an astringent effect). The herbs are fermented with jaggery and flowers that start natural fermentation, which produces a small amount of self-generated alcohol that helps extract and preserve them.

Dosage and Administration

Take as directed on the label or by a registered Ayurvedic practitioner, usually after meals mixed with an equal amount of water. Do not exceed the label dose or use for long periods without advice. Not for use in children.

Interactions

Because Ashokarista contains alcohol, do not take it with Metronidazole, Tinidazole, sedatives or other medicines that react with alcohol. Ask your doctor before use if you take hormonal medicines, blood thinners such as Warfarin, or diabetes medicines, as the sugar content may affect blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all herbal products you use.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Children
• People who must avoid alcohol, including those with alcohol dependence or liver disease
• Known allergy to any ingredient

Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon but may include:

• Constipation, stomach upset or acidity
• Nausea
• Rise in blood sugar because of the sugar content

Get urgent medical help if bleeding is very heavy (soaking a pad every hour or passing large clots), if you feel faint or breathless, have severe abdominal pain or fever, or show signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains alcohol and herbs that act on the womb. If your period is late, take a pregnancy test before using any medicine for menstrual problems.

Precautions and Warnings

• Contains alcohol and sugar: people with diabetes, liver disease, or who avoid alcohol for health or religious reasons should take note.
• See a doctor for bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause, or for periods heavier than usual.
• Long-term heavy bleeding can cause anaemia; have a blood test if you feel tired or breathless.
• Buy from a reliable source.

Overdose

Taking too much may cause stomach upset and the effects of alcohol. Seek medical help if a large amount has been taken, especially by a child.

Therapeutic Class

Ayurvedic herbal preparation (arishta, uterine tonic)

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed.