Ashoka – for when you are Feeling Down-and-Out, or if you have high Inflammation!

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things get so very rough, that we end up
emotionally ruffled. That’s life calling on us to put out the best we’ve got! But then
again, sometimes we feel down and out and blue for no apparent reason.
That’s when things are alarming. It’s ok to feel sad if you are experiencing
challenges; but what’s going on when you wake up feeling listless and
lethargic?
Did you know that recent scientific research has established a link between
inflammatory conditions and depression? Findings state that many cases of
depression may be caused by an “allergic reaction to inflammation” (http://
www.feelguide.com/2015/01/06/new-research-discovers-tha-depression-isan-
allergic-reaction-to-inflammation/). The key to connecting inflammation
with depression is a protein called called “cytokines. ” Tim de Chant of
NOVA writes: “Inflammation is our immune system’s natural response to
injuries, infections, or foreign compounds. When triggered, the body pumps
various cells and proteins to the site through the blood stream, including
cytokines, a class of proteins that facilitate intercellular communication. It
also happens that people suffering from depression are loaded with
cytokines.” So watch out for emotional imbalances when, of course, you are
going through harsh traumatic events, but most of all, when you are inducing
inflammation in your body through an imbalanced diet and lifestyle –
consuming foods in high sugar, transfats, not getting enough sleep, letting
stress build up with no relief, etc.
But the connection between feeling down and managing your overall health
to avoid triggering inflammation is not new to Ayurveda! The scientific
discovery, no doubt, will herald new strategies to combat emotional
imbalances and help those struggling with it. However, while it may take a
while for scientists to fully uncover the workings of depresssion in relation to
inflammation, Ayurveda clearly explains and addresses the profound link
between inflammation and emotional balances. You could look at it in terms
of your body’s dosha-s, in terms of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
In ayurvedic terms, emotional strength or weakness depend primarily on the
state of sadhak pitta – the pitta subdosha in charge of the heart. The Sanskrit
Sutra says: “Sadhako Hridaya Stitaha” – sadhak pitta resides in the heart,
particularly orienting the emotional heart. Remember we have to take into
account sadhak pitta and sadhak agni – they are not the same. Sadhak pitta is
the fuel that the heart runs on to process emotions and grief; while sadhak
agni is the flame that fires up the sadhak pitta, so that thoughts and feelings
can be transformed and delivered to the brain center. Yes, all thoughts and
emotions get “cooked-up” and processed in the heart, with sadhak pitta and
sadhak agni first. So if there is an imbalance in your sadhak pitta or sadhak
agni, then the transformation of the emotional thoughts will not be optimal
and the messages relayed to the brain center will carry that mark. The brain
gets colored by what it receives from the heart and it cannot alter it. When
the brain gets messages laden with grief because the heart could not process
them, then there are further chemical mechanisms that are triggered releasing
more cytokines and leading to further inflammation resulting in deeper
sadness, or sorrow.
If, however, the heart clearly processes and digests emotionally charged
experiences and events, and sends clear signal to the brain, then the brain
further supports the physiology with healthy signals and the process of
grieving, or of overcoming emotionally overwhelming obstacles is tackled
successfully. The individual learns and moves on to happier instances.
In ayurvedic terms, then, we have to keep our sadhak pitta in check. There are
a few things to consider here. In SV Ayurveda, we know that the balancing
factor of sadhak pitta resides in avalambak kapha. This is a kapha sub-dosha
that resides the lower back and the lower spine. Avalambak kapha gives
stability to emotional energy.
Yet another subdosha involved in maintaining a balanced sadhak pitta is
prana vata. If prana vata goes off, sadhak pitta is sure to follow. To balance
prana vata, you need to maintain optimal levels of tarpak kapha. Tarpak kapha
resides in the brain and spinal fluid. It keeps mental energy or stamina in
check. This would be the doshic explanation to warding off depression or
being able to process harsh emotional experiences and sorrow.
But in practical terms, as you are aware, in SVA, an alkaline antiinflammatory
diet is the number recommendation. No balancing of any
subdosha or anything else will work unless you maintain a good SVA Diet!
Current research findings mention the health benefits of curcumin (the active
chemical molecule of turmeric) and its anti-inflammatory properties.
However, eating an inflammatory diet and then taking Turmeric or Curcumin
supplements or shakes will only further aggravate your body. In SVA, we learn
also how to properly use ayurvedic herbs that can support our physiology’s
intelligence to take care of itself. For example, we NEVER consume raw
turmeric. Rather, we cook it in ghee. Ghee is known to pacify sadhak pitta
and prana vata. So adding turmeric to ghee and consuming it thus is ideal.
Ghee also supports avalambak and tarpak kapha. Ayurveda has known about
the deep connection between depression and inflammation. But there is
more! More than just turmeric in the ayurvedic pharmacopeia.
Did you know that all the key ingredients that Ayurveda recommend for
depression also happen to be great anti-inflammatory agents, and carry
anti-inflammatory properties?
In my Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda lineage, we correct emotional
imbalances by addressing inflammatory conditions arising out of pitta and
pitta subdosha aggravations. For example, the bark of the Ashoka tree. As its
name indicates, a-shoka, as in “no-grief ” or “un-grief ”

– we know the potency of this plant in helping one handle emotional
challenges, as the Sanskrit sutras clearly state it:
But if you go in-depth, and look at the properties of Ashoka, you will find
that it is highly astringent, that is: it alkalizes the cellular system, and has a
deep anti-inflammatory action in the body. According to Bhav Mishra in his
Bhav Prakash Nighanthu, verse 48 says:
Ashoka

Ashoka pacifies cellular aggravation of pitta. Aggravation of pitta can result in
acute dehydration, burning, and drying of the cellular system, creating
inflammatory toxins in the blood. Ashoka is the best plant to address this
condition.
In addition, in the Raj Nighantu, verse 56, we read that Ashoka is cooling; it
is hridya, nurturing to the heart. It also is known to pacify burning, and
fatigue arising due to pitta aggravation.

My father was very well versed in using Ashoka in so many different ways
and through different delivery systems. However, he also always added rose
petals with it, to create a synergistic vehicle to further support and magnify
the healing and balancing properties of Ashoka. The aromatic principle of
rose petals, along with their similar cooling and soothing chemical properties
further help support sadhak pitta and sooth the heart and body, calming the
mind. Rose and Ashoka together help for a faster and deeper relief from grief
and emotional upset. But I have also added more. I use DGL, which is
deglyzerised licorice. Ample research lists the anti-inflammatory properties of
licorice and its health benefits. But in SVA, we only use it as a deep pittapacifying
ingredient for the heart, stomach, liver, and cellular system.
One thing is crucial for your to keep in mind, and that is: the epicenter of
pitta is the stomach, and then the liver. So the health of the stomach and the
liver support the health of sadhak pitta. This, in a nutshell, gives you the key
to the food-mood secret. If you are eating high pH alkaline antiinflammatory
foods that are keeping your stomach and your liver balanced
and cool and happy, then you will be able to overcome any/all emotional
challenges. We learn with Ayurveda not only the importance, but also what it
means to have a holistic approach to a health issue, and how and why it needs
to be addressed that way. Now in practical terms, here are some things you
can do if you are experiencing some emotional ups and downs.
Feeling blue? Here’s what you can do!
Make sure you are eating good SVA food – preferably prepared with SVA
Pitta Masala and pitta pacifying ingredients such as summer squashes,
coconut, good healthy protein. Adding takra, or fresh buttermilk to your
lunch.
Do not skip or delay your meals to keep all pitta doshas in check.
If your liver is hot, apply DGL on your liver everynight before bed.
But more than anything else, make sure to add Ashoka to your daily life and
routine, because the Sanskrit sutra-s remind us of its healing powers.
Remember, the verse says ashoka is ‘shoka nashini.’

Bhav Mishra in the Bhav Prakash says this is one of the very balanced herbs
to pacify sadhak pitta and ranjak pitta together without aggravating tarpak
kapha or avalambak kapha. That’s why in my lineage we have been using
ashoka for centuries to pacify sadhak pitta along with ranjaka pitta. This gives
people emotional strength to fight day to day emotional challenges. Ashoka
also takes care of pitta related hormonal imbalances where women’s
reproductive organs have excess heat. These conditions impact sadhak pitta
on a deeper level.
I have created several products in the past such as Ashoka TD Cream;
Ashoka Roll-on: Ashoka HMN drops; and Ashoka Plus Capsules. They are
already helping so many people through the Samadhi Set or independent use.
But there is no limitation on the creative use of these kinds of divine herbs
because ashoka comes in the category of Divya Aushadhi – divine herb. It is
very sattvic and Tridoshic. Moreover, it has no side-effects – only all sidebenefits.
My newest formulations with Ashoka are Ashoka Tea and Ashoka with
Magnesium Massage Oil: Ashoka Tea is a unique combination of shoka
harini ashoka and somanasya janani rose. The idea for this tea was in my mind
since long time. Shoka harini ashoka with somanasya janani rose mixed
together synergizes one another to enhances bliss. The rose petals are
organically grown in India and hand-picked.
Then I added a little DGL to pacify ranjaka and sadhaka. So, this trio takes
care of the grief, enhances bliss, pacifies deeper pitta, and neutralizes the acid
of the stomach. Even though simple, it make for potent pitta and all pitta
sub-dosha pacification.
The Ashoka with Magnesium Massage Oil offers additional support.
Sometimes when someone goes through emotional challenges the need more
than one thing to help them. Many people already receive additional support
of Ashoka through my Ashoka Transdermal Roll-on and Ashoka TD
Cream. The massage oil adds yet another and stronger delivery medium.
Magnesium acts as a yogavahi – carrier and catalyst – for Ashoka, as well as an
independent nutrient for emotional challenges. Ashoka with Magnesium oil,
by applying it all over the body (except head and face), you harness the power
of Ashoka as it gets absorbed by your cellular system. Apply the massage oil
20 minutes or so before shower. Cover yourself and leave it on for 20 minutes.
Then wash it off in your shower – you can use my Real Rose or Ashoka soap.
Ashoka, Bliss-Giving Tree: Available in several therapeutic forms and
delivery systems: oral, transdermal, and transmucosal:
• Ashoka chaal (bark): Ashoka chaal (bark powder) delivers the physical
qualities of the herb and is the ideal delivery system if you want to use
Ashoka to help reduce burning (deha) in the body, and improve the
body’s internal environment so that bad bacteria cannot thrive
(krimijit).
• Ashoka Plus Capsules: Delivers the physical molecules of ashoka in a
convenient-to-use capsule form.
• Ashoka Transdermal Cream: Ashoka Transdermal Cream is one of the
creams used in Vaidya Mishra’s famous Samadhi Set, a wonderful
preparation for meditation.
• Ashoka Herbal Memory Nectar: When ashoka is taken in the form of
this herbal memory nectar, diluted in water, and sipped throughout the
day, the thirst quenching ability of ashoka is at its best. It also delivers
ashoka’s dehajit prabhava (its ability to remove excessive heat in the
body).

• Ashoka Massage Oil with Magnesium: This medium delivers ashoka’s
power quickly to the cellular system with the help of Magnesium – a
much needed ingredient by many.
• Ashoka with Organic Rose Tea: A new, Synergetic blend to help
remove grief and sadness and support emotional bliss in a single cup.
• Ashoka Herbalized Soap: Enjoy ashoka’s complexion enhancing
property (varnya prabhava), delivered transdermally while you bathe.
With this Ashoka Herbalized Soap, you will feel the subtle effect for
removing grief right away, and the transdermally absorbed molecules of
ashoka will also help to bind toxins in your blood.
Ashoka also has many other remarkable properties for health on a direct
physical level
1. Sheetala veerya (cooling potency) and sheeta guna (cooling physical
quality): Ashoka is excellent for removing excess heat (daha) from the
body. In fact, this sheetala property cools sadhaka pitta (the subdosha
governing the heart) and contributes in a physical way to ashoka’s
vibrational ability to remove grief.
2. Krimijit: Ashoka is described in the Sanskrit text Bhavaprakash
Nighantu as krimijit (bacteriostatic). While ashoka does not directly kill
bacteria, it helps normalize the pH of the colon, and of the body in
general, so that it becomes a bad environment for bad bacteria to grow.
When the body is too acidic, pathogenic bacteria thrive, and our
friendly bacteria and immune systems suffer. When it becomes more
alkaline, bad bacteria don’t do well, and our friendly bacteria and
immune system do better.
3. Kashaya rasa (astringent taste): This rasa of ashoka contributes to the
alkalinity of the body and the colon.
4. Tikta rasa (bitter taste): Bitterness stimulates liver function. When the
liver is working better, there are fewer acidic toxins in the blood, giving
the body a more normal pH. Also, when the liver is functioning better,
there is less inflammation due to toxins floating around in the body.
This relaxes the immune system so that it can focus better on killing
pathogenic bacteria, instead of being involved with inflammation.
5. Finally, on a purely vibrational level, Ashoka enlivens our connectivity
to the infinite field of consciousness, a potent field of vibrational charge
and light. Krimi (pathogenic bacteria), like many bugs, thrive in
darkness. By bringing a vibrational field of light to the body, Ashoka
helps create an environment where karmic energetic “dark bugs” can not
thrive and multiply.
SVA Ashoka Tea: with Ashoka powder, DGL Powder Organic Rose Bud
Powder. Ashoka Tea: Ashoka (a + shoka) means ‘without sorrow’, or ‘no grief.’
Ashoka Tea is made from the bark of the Ashoka tree. According to the epic
Ramayana, Sita (wife of Lord Ram) was captured by a demon and placed in a
grove of Ashoka trees. These trees gave tremendous emotional support to Sita
during her long separation from her beloved Ram.
Ashoka Tea has the unique prabhava (ultimate effect) to remove/cleanse grief
and sadness held in the vibrational heart lotus. This tea gives immediate
emotional support during any time of grief/sadness. With regular
consumption, this tea helps cleanse any long-held grief and sadness from the
heart lotus (vibrational heart.) Rose (taruni) meaning “ever young.” Rose
balances Sadhak Pitta (governs heart) and adds additional support by cooling
and soothing the heart and mind in stressful situations. DGL
(deglycyrrhized licorice) will further cool the system and bind hot toxins
produced by emotional stress.
Directions: Bring 8oz of high pH Spring water to a boil. Turn off the heat.
Add ½-1 tsp of Ashoka tea mixture to your pot. Cover and let it steep for 5
minutes. Filter and enjoy!

Disclaimer: This product and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA
 (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to
 diagnose, treat or cure any disease. All of the information above is intended to
 be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or
 compliment medical advice.