Dr Archita Mahajan, a nutritionist, dietitian, child care expert with a Master’s degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics, homoeopathic pharmacist, and trained yoga teacher, has highlighted important facts about the Ashoka tree and its medicinal significance in Ayurveda.
She has been reportedly nominated for the Padma Bhushan national award and has also been honored by the Punjab Government, Himachal Pradesh Government, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri Kavinder Gupta, and Chandigarh Mahajan Sabha President Shri Ram Murti.
Speaking about Ayurveda, Dr Mahajan explained that the Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca), also known as “Hemapushpa” or “Tamrapallava,” is highly valued for its medicinal properties. Its flowers, leaves, and other parts are traditionally used in treating various women’s health-related issues and other ailments in Ayurvedic medicine.
However, she also warned about confusion between the real Ashoka tree and the commonly planted False Ashoka (Polyalthia longifolia), which is widely used in landscaping and home decoration. Due to its similar appearance, many people mistakenly plant it believing it to be the medicinal Ashoka tree.
According to her explanation, the False Ashoka tree has no significant medicinal value like the true Ashoka. Instead, it is mainly used for decorative purposes, sound and dust barrier plantations, and shade.
The False Ashoka tree is commonly used in parks, gardens, and roadside plantations due to its tall, straight growth and dense foliage. Its leaves are also used for decorative torans (garlands) during festivals and auspicious occasions. The wood is used for making small items such as boxes, pencils, and matchsticks.
Dr Mahajan emphasized the importance of identifying the correct Ashoka tree to benefit from its Ayurvedic healing properties.
