how does arishta in ayurveda work for digestion and immunity?

Question

i’ve been hearing about various arishtas in ayurveda, like dashmoolarishta and ashwagandharishta, being used for improving digestion and boosting immunity. i’m dealing with sluggish digestion and occasional bloating, and someone recommended i try one of these.

can you explain how arishtas are prepared and how they work on the body? are there specific arishtas for improving gut health, and do they have any side effects if taken long-term? i’m also curious about whether they interact with modern medicines.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Arishtas are traditional Ayurvedic liquid formulations made by fermenting herbal decoctions with a small amount of alcohol, which enhances their potency and absorption. They are typically used to balance doshas, improve digestion, boost immunity, and treat various ailments.

For sluggish digestion and bloating, Dashmoolarishta and Ashwagandharishta can be helpful:

Dashmoolarishta is often used to improve digestion and alleviate bloating, as it balances Vata and Kapha doshas.
Ashwagandharishta is more focused on boosting immunity, reducing stress, and improving vitality.
How they work: The fermentation process allows the herbs to break down into more easily digestible compounds, which are absorbed faster by the body. The alcohol content in small amounts also helps in the bioavailability of active ingredients.

Side effects: When taken in appropriate doses, arishtas are generally safe, but long-term use or excessive doses can cause mild issues like digestive disturbances or a feeling of heaviness. It’s best to take them under supervision.

Interactions with modern medicine: Some arishtas might interact with medications, particularly those related to digestion, blood pressure, or diabetes. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before combining arishtas with conventional medicines.

For gut health, arishtas like Triphala Arishta may also be beneficial for promoting regular bowel movements and detoxification. Always check with an Ayurvedic practitioner to tailor the right treatment for your condition.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

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? 🧘‍♂️

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

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