Last verified: April 2026
Chyawanprash -- The Foundational Rasayana
Charaka Samhita opens its Rasayana chapter with Chyawanprash -- the oldest documented multi-ingredient Rasayana formulation in any medical tradition, with 36 ingredients and Amalaki as its primary constituent.
Source text
Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 1.1 opens the Rasayana chapter -- the longest in classical Ayurveda -- with Chyawanprash. It is the oldest documented multi-ingredient Rasayana formulation in any medical tradition.
Composition -- 36 documented ingredients
Primary ingredient (approximately 48% by traditional formula): Amalaki -- Phyllanthus emblica. The reason: simultaneously Rasayana, tridoshic, the highest documented Vitamin C source in classical materia medica, and the one Amla-tasting herb documented as Pitta-reducing through Prabhava. No other single herb provides Amalaki's combination of properties.
Supporting herbs (35 additional): Dashamoola group (ten roots for Vata), Bala, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Pippali, aromatic herbs (cardamom, cinnamon, tejpata), and channel-clearing herbs.
Vehicles: Ghee (fat-soluble delivery and Vata nourishment), sesame oil (warming), honey (Yogavahi -- added after cooling), sugar (palatability and preservation).
Classical protocol
Begin in Hemanta (early winter)
Charaka Samhita documents Hemanta as optimal -- strongest Agni ensures full absorption of this heavy, sweet Avaleha preparation.
1--2 teaspoons daily
6--12g once or twice daily. Morning, with warm milk. Children: half dose from age 5 upward.
Minimum 3 months; ideally year-round
Rasayana effect requires sustained administration across multiple 35-day Dhatu formation cycles.