Drakshasava: Uses, Benefits, Dose, Ingredients, Side Effects

What is Drakshasava?

Drakshasava is a traditional ayurvedic liquid preparation containing dried grapes or raisins as the primary component.

Its name is derived from 2 words, Draksha means dry grapes or resins and Asava means a fermented formulation.

Asava is a type of Ayurvedic formulation which is made without making a decoction, but Drakshasava is the only type of Asava which is prepared by the Kashaya method.

Drakshasava syrup consists of 5-10% self-generated alcohol in it. The water present in the formulation and its alcohol content acts as media to deliver water and alcohol soluble active herbal components to the body.

Drakshasava helps to treat constipation, gas, piles, irritable bowel syndrome, and respiratory disorders such as cough, cold, and asthma, promotes heart functioning, and is useful in bleeding disorders such as menorrhagia, and nasal bleeding.

As a general tonic and dietary supplement, it is also used for strength and to treat debility after fever or chronic disease and general fatigue.

According to Ayurveda, Drakshasava is helpful in health conditions arising from an imbalance of the Vata and Pitta Dosha.

What Are The Ingredients (Composition) of Drakshasava?

Ingredients (Composition) of Drakshasava syrup are as follows:

What is The Method of Preparation of Drakshasava?

Generally, Asava is made without making a decoction, but Drakshasava is the only type of Asava which is prepared by the decoction (Kashaya) method.

Draksha (Raisins) decoction is made by boiling it with water, reducing the liquid to a quarter ( i.e. ¼) part, and filtering it with a muslin cloth.

Let it cool down, then mix Sharkara and honey, and filter it with a muslin cloth.

To this, coarse powder of the rest of the ingredients is added and stirred well.

Then the container is sealed and kept aside for 30 days. After observing self-produced alcohol, the contents are filtered.

The filtered liquid part is Drakshasava and is preserved in airtight glass bottles for use.

What Are The Uses and Benefits of Drakshasava?

According to Ayurveda, Drakshasava calms Vata and Pitta dosha.

Uses and Health Benefits of Drakshasava syrup are:

1) Drakshasava Benefits for Digestion

Drakshasava has exceptional digestive properties. Its anti-flatulent property prevents gas generation in the gastrointestinal tract; hence reducing flatulence, bloating, and abdominal distension.

The antacid property of this syrup checks the formation of excessive acids in the stomach, thus helping in treating ulcers, indigestion, and gastritis.

2) Drakshasava Boosts Immunity

This potent formulation has a significant impact on the body’s overall stamina and energy levels. Its main ingredient, draksha, and other herbs alleviate weakness and exhaustion and increase the body’s vitality. As a strong aphrodisiac, it also stimulates the adrenal glands, which in turn helps to reduce stress levels.

3) It Cures Headache

This enchanted raisin-based syrup has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the pulsating blood vessels in the brain. As an antidepressant, it also improves an individual’s mood and gives relief from headaches caused by stress.

4) Drakshasava Benefits for Debility & Fatigue

Drakshasava is also beneficial for debility and fatigue.

It is more suitable for people with Pitta aggravation. It increases the secretion of bile from the liver, and also helps in its elimination, which in turn helps to reduce aggravated Pitta. Actually, it reduces the excess and increases the deficient Pitta Dosha.

It treats debility and weakness that occurs due to fever or some chronic diseases.

5) Drakshasava Improves Cardiac Function

Drakshasava, renowned as a natural cardioprotective formulation, is particularly useful for treating various cardiac diseases.

Because of its potent antioxidative properties, Drakshasava minimizes the risk of heart blocks, heart attacks, and blood clots.

It also plays an important role in decreasing blood cholesterol levels.

6) Drakshasava benefits in Constipation

Draksha (raisins) is the main ingredient of this syrup, which has mild laxative properties and stimulates bile from the liver that goes to the small intestine and induces peristalsis. This helps in improving digestion, liver functions, and bowel movement; and makes Drakshasava an effective treatment for constipation and other digestive problems.

7) Drakshasava Benefits for Respiratory Anomalies

The majority of active ingredients of Drakshasava provide relief from respiratory illnesses such as COPD, asthma, bronchitis, cold, and cough symptoms.

It also aids in:

• Removing phlegm deposits from the respiratory system

• Providing relief from cough, sore throat, and congestion

• Breathe easily

8) Drakshasava Benefits for Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person will intentionally restrict their food intake as a way to lose weight or avoid gaining weight.

It is also associated with mental health as the person suffers from poor self-esteem, fear of gaining weight, and a strong desire to lose weight. Additionally, the individual lacks appetite or desire to take any food.

As a natural digestive and appetizer, Drakshasava helps in the digestion of food and stimulates the appetite.

9) Drakshasava Benefits for Belching

Belching (or burping) is the expelling of excess gas from the stomach through the mouth. In a few cases, it becomes excessive and irritating.

But, Drakshasava syrup helps in reducing excess gas in the alimentary canal and hence reduces excessive burping or belching.

10) Drakshasava Relieves IBS

IBS, which is known as Grahani in Ayurveda, is often caused by

• Excessive consumption of food items that are difficult to digest

• Unhealthy dietary choices

• Overeating

• Consumption of allergenic or nutrient-poor foods

• Irregular eating intervals, and

• Various other physical and mental factors

This condition can cause both constipation and diarrhea.

The presence of incredible ingredients in Drakshasava syrup makes it an optimal remedy for this ailment.

11) Drakshasava Benefits for Bleeding Disorders

Drakshasava is very beneficial in the treatment of anomalies that cause bleeding disorders. It helps in healthy blood clotting which is required in cases of injuries and thus prevents the excessive loss of blood.

It can be used in the treatment of

• Excessive menstrual flow in women

• Epistaxis (bleeding from the nose)

12) Drakshasava Benefits For Skin

Drakshasava plays a vital role in the treatment of several skin ailments. Being rich in antioxidants, it is highly effective in removing harmful free radicals from the body.

Its antipruritic nature helps to alleviate the itching sensations caused by allergic conditions such as eczema, scabies, psoriasis, acne, patchy skin, and sunburn.

Multiple studies have shown that this formulation has significant antibacterial properties that are widely utilized to remove bacteria from the body. This syrup’s bioactive compounds also cure wounds and improve healing.

What Are The Side Effects Of Drakshasava?

Drakshasava is usually safe for most individuals when consumed as per dosha and in the recommended dosage.

But, when it is consumed in higher doses, it may cause loose stools in some people.

Precautions

Following are some precautions which should be taken while consuming Drakshasava:

• Diabetic people should avoid this syrup, or consume it only after consulting their doctor because it contains honey and Sharkara as its ingredients which may spike their blood sugar levels.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should also consume it only after consulting their doctor.

What is The Dosage of Drakshasava?

The following is the recommended dosage of Drakshasava syrup for different age categories:

You should consume it two times daily with an equal quantity of water, immediately after food

The effective therapeutic dosage of Drakshasava may vary from person to person depending upon their age, severity, and health condition.

The maximum possible dosage of Drakshasava in a day is 60 ml. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a diabetic person take Drakshasava syrup?

Diabetic people must consume this syrup only after consulting a doctor, as this syrup contains honey and sharkara as ingredients that may affect their sugar levels.

Can Drakshasava be consumed before or after meals?

It is advisable to consume this syrup after meals with water.

What is the effect of Drakshasava on Doshas?

Drakshasava calms Vata and Pitta dosha.

Does Drakshasava increase weight?

Drakshasava may not directly affect your weight. But its regular intake corrects your appetite and improves digestion, which might lead to an increase in body weight.

What are The Storage and Safety Requirements for Drakshasava?

Following are the storage and safety requirements for Drakshasava:

• Keep it in a dry place to prevent it from retaining water.

• It should be kept away from heat and direct sunlight.

• Store the bottle at room temperature.

• Keep it away from the reach of children.

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Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Any information associated with this article should not be considered as a substitute for prescriptions suggested by local health care professionals.

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