In the world of Ayurveda, Chyawanprash is nothing short of a legend—a sacred concoction designed not just for nourishment, but for transformation. Named after the sage Chyavana Rishi, who is believed to have regained youth and vitality through its use, this age-old formulation is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian wellness traditions.
More than just a herbal jam, Chyawanprash is a symbol of preventive healthcare. It has been passed down through generations as a daily immunity tonic, a winter essential, and a healing remedy trusted by millions.
Why Is Chyawanprash So Precious?
What makes Chyawanprash invaluable is its unique blend of 54 medicinal herbs, fruits, roots, minerals, and natural sweeteners—all working in harmony to rejuvenate the mind and body. Traditionally, it was hand-prepared in small batches, using:
Wild Desi Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – a rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants
Ghee (vegan) – a carrier of fat-soluble vitamins and herbs
Raw Jaggery and Natural Honey – to enhance digestion and boost energy
Ashta Varg – 8 rare Himalayan herbs that promote longevity and vitality
Every spoonful was crafted not just for taste, but to awaken inner strength, boost Ojas (vital energy), and delay aging. This makes Chyawanprash one of Ayurveda’s most treasured and sophisticated formulations.
The Secret Behind Chyawanprash's Strength
Traditional Chyawanprash is made from a potent blend of 54 herbs, including the renowned Ashta Varg group—a set of 8 rare Himalayan herbs. These herbs work together to:
Enhance the immune system
Improve respiratory health
Promote vitality and longevity
But here’s the alarming truth 32 of these 54 herbs, including 7 out of 8 from the Ashta Varg group, are now extinct or endangered.
What’s Happening to These Herbs?
According to Dr. K.S.L. Sharma, Head of Department at Government Ayurveda College, Gwalior, overharvesting, environmental degradation, and lack of conservation have led to the extinction of these precious herbs.
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has also flagged this issue, warning that heavy exploitation and neglect have wiped out large quantities of medicinal plants that once thrived in the Himalayan belt.
What’s Replacing the Original Herbs?
To keep up with demand, many manufacturers have started using:
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Sugar instead of jaggery
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Dry Amla instead of freshly hand-picked Desi Amla
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Common substitutes like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and Vidarikand, which only offer 10-20% of the original effectiveness
As a result, modern Chyawanprash is more sweet than sacred—a far cry from the energy-boosting nectar it was meant to be.
Chyawanprash Deserves a Revival
The extinction of Ayurvedic herbs is not just a product problem—it’s a heritage crisis. Chyawanprash isn’t just a product; it’s Ayurveda’s answer to modern lifestyle diseases, fatigue, poor immunity, and premature aging. Losing its original ingredients means losing a piece of ancient healthcare wisdom.
Can We Restore the Original Chyawanprash?
Absolutely. Experts believe that efforts must be made to re-grow extinct herbs in native regions like Chitrakoot, Uttarakhand, Orissa, and the Himalayas. Reviving these lost medicines is the only way to bring back the true power of Ayurvedic immunity.
A Call for Conscious Wellness
As part of our mission at VeganByTammy, we deeply value authentic wellness over trends. True Ayurvedic nourishment cannot be achieved without respect for the source, ingredients, and ethics.
We believe it’s time for conscious consumers like you to ask:
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What am I consuming in the name of health?
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Is this product helping me or just a commercial version of tradition?
What You Can Do as a Conscious Consumer
✅ Read labels carefully – Check for original herbs and natural sweeteners
✅ Support ethical Ayurvedic brands – that promote herb conservation
✅ Educate others – Share awareness about this crisis on social media
✅ Demand transparency – Ask brands where their herbs are sourced from
