Prescribing herbal remedies in Ayurveda is something to be done carefully with much forethought and consideration. First of all because (of course) you want to recommend the correct herbs that will actually induce healing, but also because you don’t want herbs to have absolutely no effect or a negative effect that could taint Ayurveda’s reputation as a viable treatment option.
Luckily there are lots of herbal remedies and plenty of information in the ancient texts as well as from more recent and even modern day studies that provide great details and instructions in how to choose the right remedy.
Our Product Highlight today is focused on a powerful liquid formulation called Abhayarishtam from the Ashtanga Hridaya. Arishtams are aqueous remedies that are found only in the practice of Ayurveda. They are made using naturally found yeast to ferment. In the case of Abhayarishtam, the yeast converts the jaggery (sugar) into alcohol. A traditional Arishtam or Asavam has about 3% – 5% of alcohol that is self-generated over about 3 months of fermentation. The alcohol and water act as a base for the active principles of the herbs. Arishtams are ideal for people with weak digestion because of their ability to absorb quickly into the body versus solid herbs that are heavier to digest. No matter how accurate the prescription is if the body can’t absorb the nutrients from the herbs it’s not going to work!
Abhayarishta helps to heal…
- Bleeding and Non-Bleeding Hemorrhoids
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Weak Digestion
- Difficulty Urinating
- Flatulence
- Hard Stool
Because of Abhaya Arishtam’s ability to balance both Kapha and Vata Dosha in their homes in the intestines, it is a great remedy for someone who is still only experiencing the first symptoms of disease such as the indications listed above. Once the Doshas have become so imbalanced they have left their “homes” in the digestive tract and have spread to other parts of the body such as the skin, tissue, blood and bones, other treatments will need to be added. Its ability to cleanse and strengthen the digestive tract is what makes it a great addition to other herbal treatments in the healing of skin disorders like acne and eczema.
It is also especially effective for hemorrhoids because it relieves pressure in the lower intestines, thus reducing vein swelling. Abhayarishtam works so well on constipation because it increases the secretion of bile from the liver – and bile can induce peristalsis, the movement of the intestines as it pushes matter through the canals.
Abhaya refers to Haritaki (fruit rind), one of the main ingredients in this product. Haritaki is also known as Chebulic myrobalan or Terminalia chebula. It has incredible healing properties – it is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-mutagenic, anti-oxidant and anti-ulcer, and it can also help to heal kidney disease and prevent cardiac damage (Gupta, 2012). It is extensively used in other natural healing sciences and is one of the top listed plants in the Ayurvedic Materia Medica for the healing of asthma, bleeding piles, vomiting, sore throat and gout.
Amla, another main herb in Abhayarishtam also called Indian Gooseberry or Phyllanthus emblica, has been proven in many scientific studies to have potent anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, gastroprotective and anti-oxidant properties (Ihantola-Vormisto, et al., 1997). It builds immunity and vigor and has tons of nutritional value, including lots of Vitamin C, amino acids and minerals! Amla alone is used to heal indigestion, liver disorders, heart complaints, anemia and urinary problems (Mirunalini and Krishnaveni, 2010).
With a remedy as powerful as this, the correct dosage is extremely important. Below is a chart with recommended dosing instructions for the use of Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners. It can be taken twice a day with an equal amount of water immediately after eating.
Commonly used product combinations
- Triphala Guggulu is administered along with Abhaya Arishtam to support the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Duration of use: Abhayarishtam can be used for a long period of time on a daily basis as long as none of the side effects listed below occur.
Side effects
- A very high single dosage of more than 50 ml. may cause loose bowel movements and stomachaches. If this occurs reduce dosage until side effects no longer occur. If they do not stop, discontinue use of this Arishtam.
- Avoid this medicine during pregnancy.
- If already experiencing loose bowel movements or diarrhea do not use this product.
Price: $19.99
Sizes Available: 15.216 fl.oz / 450 ml
Ingredients
Every 10 ml. is prepared out of:
Guda - Saccharum officinarum 3.650 g
Abhaya - Terminalia chebula 0.146 g
Dhatri - Phyllanthus emblica 0.292 g
Kapitha - Limonia accidissima 0.183 g
Vishala - Citrullus colocynthis 0.091 g
Lodhra - Symplocos cochinchinensis 0.037 g
Maricha - Black pepper 0.037 g
Krishna - Long pepper 0.037 g
Vella – False black pepper - Embelia ribes 0.037 g
Elavaluka - Prunus avium 0.037 g
Dhataki - Woodfordia fruticosa 0.292 g
All views and information shared here is only for the sharing of Ayurvedic knowledge. Please do not try or prescribe or take any of the remedies and suggestions here without talking to your regular, qualified doctor. Kottakkal Ayurveda and no other person associated with Kottakkal is responsible for unwanted side-effects or contraindications in your health. Thank you!
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References
Bhaishajya Ratnavali Arsho Rogadhikara 9/175-180, AFI Part I 1:1, Astanga Hridayam.
Mirunalini, S., and M. Krishnaveni. "Therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus emblica (amla): the ayurvedic wonder." Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology 21.1 (2010): 93-105.
Ihantola-Vormisto, Arja, et al. "Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from leaves of Phyllanthus emblica." Planta Medica 63.06 (1997): 518-524.