Asavas / Aristhas - Ayurvedic / herbal medicines

What are Asavas and Aristhas?

Asavas and Aristhas are liquid preparations containing self generated alcohol. Thus contain water soluble as well as alcohol soluble substances of the drugs. Asava and Aristhas differ from each other owing to their difference in method of preparation. Asavas are preparations which are subjected to fermentation for an allotted period with all its specific ingredients mixed with certain quantity of water unboiled, while aristhas are preparation which are subjected to fermentation for a specific time after boiling the main decoction substance and the adding other ingredients. These are more effective than solid medicines and are totally safe to use by any person.

Asavas and aristhas as they are called so due to their instantaneous effect over the body generally hear their names after the main ingredients which may constitute of plant, fruits, roots, extracts roots, leaves and barks. The jaggery sugar or honey with water are the other ingredients. Prakshepa to be added after the fermentations.