Asoka-අසා්‍ෙක

Botanical name  -Saraca indica
Family                 - Leguminoseae
Sanskrit names   - Asoka, Hemapushpa, Vanjula, Tamrapallava, Kankeli, Pindapushpi,
                               Gandhapushpi, Nata
Singhalese name- Asoka
Parts used   - Bark, seeds & flowers

Properties:      
Rasa          Kashaya, Tikta
Guna         Laghu, Ruksha
Veerya      Sheeta              
Vipaka      Katu

Attributes / Karma:
Alleviates Tri- dosha mainly Kapha & Pitta.
(Grahi) constipative. Enhance the complexion.
Cures – (Apachi) enlargement of the soft / suppurated & discharging glands of the neck, excessive thirst, Krimi, (Sosha) phthisis, poisoning, blood disorders.  
Cures (Raktapradara) Menorrhagea (So)
Medicinal uses
External
• Bark paste used in pains & poisoning for local application.
Internal
• Haemoptysis & internal bleeding – powdered flowers is used.
• Diseases of the uterus – decoction of the bark act as a tonic for the (leucorrhea / menorrhagia) endometrium.
Formulations
Asokarishta
Asoka ghrita