how does arishta in ayurveda work for digestion and immunity? - #2403

Ah, arishtas! These are fascinating, right? So, in Ayurveda, arishtas are herbal concoctions prepared by fermenting plant ingredients. They are known for enhancing digestion, improving overall metabolic processes, and boosting immunity through the concept of agni (that’s our inner digestive fire). So when the agni is strong, it naturally helps in reducing the bloating and sluggish digestion. The fermentation process, which lasts for about a month or more, sorta enhances the potency of the herbs. This makes the active principles of the herbs more bioavailable, basically easier for the body to absorb and use. This fermentation also gives arishtas a slightly alcoholic content, generally around 3-12%, and this itself can help as a preservative. So, Dashmoolarishta is often used for overall vata balance (think calming nervous system), and it helps with indigestion, gas, or bloating because it comes with herbs that support digestive health. Ashwagandharishta, on the other hand, is more about balancing vata and kapha doshas and is great for reducing stress-induced digestive issues, which kinda makes sense considering stress can mess with digestion. Regarding side effects, they’re pretty safe when used as prescribed. But, yeah, if taken in excess or for too long without guidance, there could be issues like acidity or digestive distress. And yes, sometimes they might interact with modern meds. It's about balance – since some arishtas have mild alcohol content, they can affect the way certain drugs work, especially liver-targeting ones. Always a good idea to chat with a healthcare pro before combining them with your current meds. For improving gut health, look for arishtas containing typical digestions herbs like pippali, haritaki, or ginger. These legendary trilogies do wonders! And if you have any critical health issues, it's super important for you to seek medical attention alongside these natural remedies. Ayurveda is all about individualized care, remember? 🧘‍♂️