Learn More About Ayurvedic Arishtam

The gaining popularity of Ayurveda has raised a demand for herbal supplements over the last few years. Ayurvedic remedies come in different forms; tablets, syrups, capsules, oils et cetera. These different forms are called Ayurvedic dosage. The basic principle of Ayurvedic dosage is the process by which various herbs are taken in their raw form and converted into highly effective medicines. Among the various dosage forms, the most popular is said to be the Kwath, or what is also referred to as Kashayam. 

The problems with Kwath dosage form are mainly -

• Low shelf life: The freshly prepared Kwath needs to be consumed within 24 hours
• Not so great to taste: Some Kwaths are highly bitter and astringent in taste
• It contains only the water-soluble components

To solve these Kwath problems, ancient Ayurvedic masters designed fermented liquid dosage forms, called Arishtams. It contains self-generated natural alcohol in them. They contain sweet substances such as jaggery, natural sugar, grapes, etc. Arishtam carries both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble active principles of the herbs. Hence, the potency of Arishtam is very high. Arishtam is a better version of Kwath as it extracts both water and alcohol soluble properties of the herbs and has improved taste.

Method of preparation of Arishtam

• First Kashaya of the herb is prepared. For this, one part of the coarse powder of herbs is mixed with 16 parts of water. This mixture is boiled in an open vessel till the water level reduces to 1/8th or 1/4th proportions. Filtered. This is Kwath or Kashayam.
• To this Kwath, a designated amount of sweetening agent is added. Usually, jaggery or natural sugar is used. This mixture is stirred well so that the sweetening agent completely dissolves in the Kwath medium. It is again filtered.
• To this, natural fermenting agents are added. Flower of Dhataki – Woodfordia fruticosa or Madhuka – Madhuca longifolia acts as a natural fermenting agent. It is mixed well. To this, a group of designated herbs is added.They act as fermentation regulators. They regulate the speed of fermentation.
• To this, a group of designated herbs is added. These herbs bring in their own medicinal values to the Arishta based on the pathology the Arishtam it is intended for. They also act as fermentation regulators. They regulate the speed of fermentation.
• This whole mixture is taken in mud or wooden vats filled up to 2/3rd of the vat, sealed and kept undisturbed for 2–8 weeks, as per the traditional formula of specific Arishtam.
• During this course of time, the sugar molecules of the sweetening agent are broken down by the fermenting agent and converted into alcohol.
• The Kwath contains water-soluble active principles; they are further activated in the alcohol medium.
• The alcohol and water-soluble components of the herbs get dissolved in the Arishtam.

Due to all these processes, after the designated time, the final liquid product will contain water and alcohol soluble extract of the herbs. This is filtered and stored in air-tight bottles, away from direct sunlight.

Benefits of Arishtam

Arishtam has a multitude of benefits because of the way it is concocted. Here, we will look at how Ayurveda’s Arishtam has many benefits.

• Arishtam is a great compound that helps digestion to a very large extent. This is something that is vital in Ayurvedic healing because the Ama (digestive fire) handles the ideal functioning of the body and wellbeing.
• The base of Arishtam is alcohol and water. This combination makes it very adept to be absorbed by the stomach and intestines. Easy absorption makes it easier for the supplement to be distributed through the rest of the body. 
• Because of water and alcohol media, the Arishtam is very swift to get absorbed and distributed to all parts of the body. This swift distribution action is explained as Vyavayi in Ayurveda.
• One of the biggest advantages that Arishtam holds over Kashayam is the fact that it has a better shelf life. Kashayam can be stored for just about 24 hours, but considering the use of alcohol, Arishtam can be stored for longer.
• Because of the sweetening agent, the taste of Arishtam is sweet-spicy. The sweetening substances mask the bitter and astringent tastes of herbs.
• Because of fermentation, Arishtams can be stored for a very long period.
• Arishtams also contain spicy herbs in them, which help to boost digestion and metabolism strength in the patients.
• Arishtam is a great way for individuals to improve their digestive levels. As mentioned earlier, since Arishtam works well to sort the digestive fire, it also aids in digestion and in overall wellbeing.
• There are several illnesses pertaining to the respiratory tract that Arishtam heals. Considering Ayurveda suggests that the best way for general well-being is keeping the nasal and respiratory tracts clear, this is a very essential remedy Arishtam accomplishes.
• Another very crucial disease that Arishtam heals, to an extent, is tuberculosis. Symptoms of cold and a persistent cough can be reduced to a large extent with specific herbs that eventually made it into an Arishtam.

Dosage of Arishtam

The conventional dose of Arishtam is 30 ml. This is administered as single/ multiple dosages per day. It is administered before or after food, based on the disease of the patient.

Difference between Arishtam and Kwath (water decoction)

• Arishtam contains both water and alcohol soluble medicinal principles of herbs, whereas Kwath contains only water-soluble medicinal principles.
• Arishtam takes several days to prepare, Kwath can be prepared in a day.
• Arishtam has a longer shelf life of many years.
• Arishtam is more palatable than Kwathams.
• Because of the sweet taste, care should be taken while administering Arishtams in high doses in diabetic patients.

Difference between Arishtam and Asavam

Arishtam and Asavam are both prepared following a similar method. However, there are a few slight differences. In the making of Arishtam, the first step involves the preparation of the Kwath (water decoction) of the herb. Sweetening, fermenting agents and spices are then added to this decoction. Whereas, in the making of Asavam, sweetening, fermenting agents, herbs, and spices are directly added to water and kept for fermentation. Another major difference between asavam and arishtam is that the former is prepared by steeping dried herbs in cold or lukewarm water, whereas the latter is prepared by decocting dried herbs in boiling water.

Kerala Ayurveda's Arishtams

Arishtam is medicinally used in treating Kapha and Vata disorders; Asavam is used mainly in Pitta disorders, because of its cooling nature. For example, Chanadanasavam, containing sandalwood as an ingredient, is used in Pitta imbalance disorders.

Kerala Ayurveda Balarishtam - With ingredients like Bala – Sida cordifolia, clove, cardamom, castor root, etc, this medicine is a very good nervine tonic, helps boost and corrects immunity and is used extensively to improve body nutrition and strength. People with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from Balarishtam. This herbal supplement has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain and improve mobility. It works by pacifying vata dosha, putting an end to chronic pains, and letting you enjoy your life without having to depend on mobility support. A majority of vata problems occur because of impaired Agni and poor digestion. Balarishtam solves vata-related issues by strengthening your Agni and eliminating Ama from your body. Plus, it is considered the best arishtam for immunity.

Kerala Ayurveda Dasamoolajeerakarishtam - With ingredients like cumin, Dasamoola – group of 10 anti-inflammatory roots, this medicine is extensively used for improving digestion, metabolism, to reduce swelling, inflammation. This is also frequently used in the post-partum care of the mother (after child-birth). Childbirth is a complex phenomenon, and sometimes it can be extremely painful because of the extended labor. The mother may even experience a sudden decline in her uterine function or random fluctuations in hormone levels after giving birth. Consuming Dasamoola - Jeerakarishtam during the postnatal phase can solve these problems, allowing the mother to be energetic and feel positive about her overall health. It can also treat digestive issues caused during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Kerala Ayurveda Dasamoolarishtam - Kerala Ayurveda Dasamoolarishtam is an Ayurvedic digestive aid that stimulates metabolic fire and helps in improving gut health by relieving indigestion and bloating. With the effective blend of herbs such as the Root of ten herbs or Dasamoola, Leadwort or Chitraka, Giloy or Guduchi, Three dried fruit or Triphala, Cumin or Jeeraka, Grapes or Draksha, Honey, Jaggery and other herbs.

Kerala Ayurveda Abhayarishtam - Kerala Ayurveda Abhayarishta is a fermented liquid classical formulation that has an exceptional effect on digestive health. It gives quick relief from constipation. It is an Ayurvedic digestive syrup used to cure digestive problems such as indigestion, abdominal distension, flatulence, and gas trouble. 

Kerala Ayurveda Amrutharishtam - With Giloy as the key ingredient, which is a highly effective antipyretic Ayurvedic herb, this medicine is used to treat post-illness weakness. It  contains Dasamoola–a group of 10 herbs, which improves appetite and helps overcome fatigue because of a debilitating illness. In most cases, cough and cold are part and parcel of high temperature and infection. Amrutharishtam has guduchi as one of its primary ingredients, helping with cough and cold while keeping the body temperature in check.

Kerala Ayurveda Aragwadharishtam - Cassia fistula is the key ingredient, which is an excellent skin tonic herb. It also contains clove, cardamom, black pepper, honey, amla, etc. It is extensively used for the treatment of skin disorders, infested and non-healing wounds, fistula and hemorrhoids. Since it contains natural laxatives, Aragwadharishtam helps improve bowel movements. It also acts as a nervine tonic, purifies the blood and helps individuals overcome fatigue caused by an underlying illness or poor nutrition. Among other benefits, it reduces stress and improves the proverbial digestive fire.

Kerala Ayurveda Asokarishtam - Asoka literally means, A-Soka – devoid of saddness. This medicine is famous for relieving the sorrows of women. It is widely used to treat menstrual disorders such as heavy periods, painful periods, bleeding haemorrhoids, etc. Saraca asoca, ginger, Triphala, mango seed kernel, sandalwood, etc. are its key ingredients. Apart from period care and relief, Asokarishtam contains herbs that aid in detoxification, digestion and ensure all three doshas are at their optimum levels. It also contains small traces of Indian gooseberry, which supplies vitamin C for skin benefits. Women suffering from oestrogen imbalance often experience white vaginal discharge, a condition known as leucorrhea, which can be treated effectively with Asokarishtam.

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