Herbal Wine (Arishta)

Modern description

A general term for fermented herbal wines in Ayurveda, used for various therapeutic purposes depending on the specific ingredients. The self-generated alcohol acts as a medium for the active principles of the herbs.

Purpose

Mentioned as a therapeutic substance among whey, buttermilk, worry, purification, and staying awake.

Indications

• Digestive disorders
• Respiratory problems
• General debility
• Anemia
• Skin diseases
• As a tonic
• Post-delivery weakness

Karma

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Vata-Kapha Hara (pacifies Vata and Kapha)
• Rochana (improves taste)
• Rasayana (rejuvenative)
• Medohara (reduces fat/cholesterol)
• Yakrituttejaka (liver stimulant)

Key ingredients

• Generally
• Arishta formulations include
• jaggery or sugar
• water
• and fermentation starters . The ratio varies depending on the specific Arishta
• a general proportion is often 1 part herbs
• 4-8 parts water
• and 1 part jaggery/sugar
• with a small amount of Dhataki flowers.

Adult dose

15-30 ml (1-2 tablespoons) once or twice a day.

Pediatric dose

5-10 ml

Preparation steps

• Decoction Preparation: Prepare a Kashaya (decoction) by boiling the specified herbs in water.
• Filtering: Filter the Kashaya through a muslin cloth to remove any solid particles.
• Sweetening: Dissolve jaggery (guda), sugar candy, or honey in the filtered Kashaya.
• Mixing: Mix well until the sweetener is completely dissolved, then filter again.
• Fermentation Initiation: Add a fermenting agent such as Dhataki flowers (Woodfordia fruticosa) or Madhuka flowers (Madhuca indica).
• Addition of Spices: Add Prakshepa Dravya, which includes specific spices like pepper, long pepper, clove, and cinnamon.
• Storage: Transfer the mixture into a fermentation vessel, traditionally made of earthenware, wood, or porcelain.
• Sealing: Seal the vessel with mud-smeared cloth to ensure it is airtight.
• Fermentation: Keep the vessel in a warm place, around 35 degC (e.g., buried in husk or hay), for 15 to 45 days, depending on the specific formulation.
• Filtering: After fermentation, filter the liquid through a muslin cloth.
• Storage: Store the Arishta in tightly sealed bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Safety contraindications

• Those with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
• Severe uncontrolled diabetes.
• Severe liver conditions without medical supervision.