About Draksharishta
Draksharishta, documented in Sharangdhar Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali, is a self-generated (swayam-jata) herbal wine prepared from dried black raisins (draksha / Vitis vinifera) fermented with pippali, cardamom, cinnamon, tejpatra and madhuka. Typical ABV 5–10%.
Among the gentlest classical arishtas — sweet-sour taste, pitta-pacifying, and rarely contraindicated. Traditionally used for hridya (cardiac support), shosha (wasting / TB convalescence), daurbalya (debility), chronic dry cough, anorexia, and as a general tonic after fever or prolonged illness. Often prescribed in elderly for appetite and strength.
Because it is fermented, it is absorbed rapidly and does not require strong digestive fire — ideal for depleted constitutions where churnas and tablets pass through undigested.
Classical Reference
Sharangdhar Samhita — Madhyam Khanda, Sandhana Kalpana
Dosha Effect
Ingredients (10)
| Ingredient | Role | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Draksha (Black raisins) | chief ingredient — madhura, hridya, brimhana | 12.288 kg |
| Water for decoction | solvent | 49.152 L |
| Sharkara (sugar) | fermentation substrate | 4.8 kg |
| Madhu (honey, post-fermentation) | anupana + mellowing | 2.4 kg |
| Pippali | deepana, rasayana | 48 g |
| Ela | aromatic, tridoshic | 48 g |
| Tvak (cinnamon) | aromatic | 48 g |
| Tejpatra | aromatic carminative | 48 g |
| Nagkesara | aromatic, pitta-shamaka | 48 g |
| Madhuka (Yashtimadhu) | soothing, sweetening | 48 g |
Preparation Method
Raisins are decocted in water, reduced to one-fourth, strained. Sugar dissolved, cooled. Honey and powdered herbs added. Sealed in earthen jars in a dhanyarashi (grain heap) for 30–60 days to self-ferment (no external yeast). Strained, matured for 3 months.
Traditional Uses
Cardiac support
Hridya — mild positive inotrope, soothing palpitations.
Anorexia, convalescence
Post-illness appetite restoration, weakness recovery.
Chronic dry cough
Unctuous, demulcent action on respiratory tract.
Anemia, debility
Rakta-vardhaka and brimhana properties.
Elderly tonic
Gentle rasayana where strong medicines are poorly tolerated.
Dosage Guidelines
| Form | Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 15–30 ml | Twice daily after meals, diluted with equal water |
| Children (>12) | 5–10 ml | After meals, diluted |
Anupana (Recommended Carriers)
- Equal water — Dilute 1:1 before consumption
Contraindications & Interactions
Avoid or use with caution in:
- Pregnancy
- Active alcoholism / recovery
- Severe liver disease
- Children under 12
- Diabetes (contains sugars — check glycemic response)
Drug interactions:
- All CNS depressants (minor ABV)
- Metronidazole (disulfiram reaction risk)
- Disulfiram
Contains 5–10% self-generated alcohol. Not a "wine" in the recreational sense — used therapeutically in small divided doses. Check labeling for actual ABV — some formulations exceed 10% and require Schedule E(1) compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Draksharishta contain alcohol?
Yes — 5–10% ABV generated through natural fermentation. The alcohol acts as a carrier and preservative; it is not added.
Can children take it?
Generally avoided in children under 12. Pediatric Ayurveda uses alcohol-free alternatives like Ashtamangala ghrita or Saraswatarishta (mildly) under supervision only.
Good for weakness after fever?
Yes — one of the most prescribed arishtas for post-febrile daurbalya and jirna-jvara convalescence.
Is it safe in diabetes?
It contains jaggery/sugar from fermentation. Diabetics should use sugar-free variants or prefer non-sweet alternatives like Arjunarishta.