Sauvira
Sauvira refers to a type of fermented product or beverage that requires proper preservation for its therapeutic properties, related to Virechana. It is prepared from de-husked barley, either raw or roasted.
Modern description
Sauvira is a fermented barley preparation used in Ayurveda, primarily known for its digestive and purgative properties. It is used to address digestive issues, promote appetite, and alleviate Vata-related disorders.
Purpose
To be preserved for therapeutic properties, especially related to Virechana.
Indications
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Abdominal distension
- Sprue
- Used as a vehicle (anupana) for other medicines
- Chronic colitis (grahani)
- Hemorrhoids
- Vitiation of phlegm
- Disease of the bowels (udavarta)
- Body ache
- Bone pain
- Flatulence
Classical indications
- Grahani (chronic colitis)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Kapha Vikara (disorders due to vitiated Kapha)
- Udavarta (upward movement of Vata)
- Angamarda (body ache)
- Asthi Shoola (bone pain)
- Adhmana (flatulence)
Karma
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Rochana (improves taste)
- Vata-hara (alleviates Vata)
- Virechana (purgative)
Key ingredients
- Sauvira generally refers to a type of vinegar or a fermented liquid. Ingredients would vary depending on the source and intended use
- but a typical recipe involves barley
- rice
- or other grains
- water
- and a fermenting agent like yeast or previous batch remains. Exact proportions are not explicitly defined
- it's often described as a fermented gruel or liquid extract.
Adult dose
12-24 ml (approximately 1-2 tablespoons)
Pediatric dose
Dosage should be reduced for children; consult a physician.
Preparation steps
- De-husked barley is powdered.
- The powdered barley is boiled in water.
- The boiled mixture is then fermented.
- Specific herbs may be added during fermentation based on the indication.
Safety contraindications
- Contraindicated in acute diarrhea, dehydration, and severe electrolyte imbalance.