The Ashoka Tree

The Ashoka tree is considered sacred and the botanic name means sacred tree: Saraca Indica. It was later given the name of Jonesia Ashoka. Though a slow growing tree, it lives very long and heralds spring with its red and orange blossoms. the images above are taken in the Botanic Gardens.

From the bark of the tree the medicine Ashokarista is prepared in the Ayurvedic School of medicine. In homoeopathy the medicine is known as Jonesia Ashoka. It is used as a mother tincture. It is useful in protecting the uterine and cures diseases related to it. The flower has a light fragrance. The tree has a festival named after it, the Ashokashtami which fall in March-April every year in the month of Chaitra.