Saraca Asoka (Ashoka)

Saraca asoka, commonly called the Ashoka tree, is one of India’s most sacred and well-loved trees. It belongs to the legume family (Caesalpiniaceae) and holds a special place in Indian traditions, culture, and ancient medicine.

Other Names:

• English: Ashoka tree

• Hindi: Asok

• Gujarati: Ashok

• Sanskrit: Asoka, Gatasoka

Where It’s Found

The Ashoka tree is native to India and grows throughout the country. Its beautiful flowers are the state flower of Odisha.

Plant Description

The word ‘Ashoka’ means ‘without sorrow’, and people believe that being near this tree brings peace and removes sadness from the heart.

In Ayurveda, it is known as a very helpful plant for women’s health, especially for problems related to the uterus like menstrual pain, endometriosis, and other disorders.

The Ashoka is a medium-sized evergreen tree, growing up to 9 meters tall.

• Its leaves are long and grow in pairs.

• The flowers are bright orange to yellow, bloom in clusters, and have a lovely fragrance.

• The fruit looks like a flat, black pod.

• The tree’s bark is dark brown to greyish-black, with a rough texture, and turns reddish when cut.

It usually flowers and bears fruit from January to July.

Parts Used in Medicine

• Bark

• Flowers

Medicinal Properties

The Ashoka tree has been traditionally used to treat:

• Menstrual disorders

• Bleeding problems

• Pain during menstruation

• Digestive issues

• Skin diseases

Modern research has found that extracts from its bark can fight against harmful bacteria like:

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Proteus mirabilis

• Klebsiella pneumoniae

It’s known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.