Aragwadharishtam also spelt Aragwadharishta is an ayurvedic proprietary medication falling under the Arishta Varga or decoction category that uses the natural fermentation process by generating alcohol within itself for preparation. This name of the herbal tonic comes from the main ingredient Amaltas a.k.a Aragvadha. This arishtam preparation plays a significant role in treating skin diseases, inflammatory conditions, intestinal worms, vitiligo (leucoderma), cough and cold. It also helps in speeding up the recovery process from ulcers, wounds, and other skin eruptions. It assists in the detoxification of the blood and reduces toxins (AMA) in the body, which in turn helps in remedying the skin lesions due to dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

How To Prepare Aragwadharishtam?

Ingredients:

Aragvadha (Amaltas) – Cassia fistula

Amalaki (Amla) – Emblica officinalis

Harad (Haritaki) – Terminalia chebula

Vaividang (False Black Pepper) – Embelia ribes

Kali Mirch (Black Pepper) – Piper nigrum

Elaichi (Cardamom) – Elettaria cardamomum

Laung (Clove) – Syzygium aromaticum

Nishoth (Trivrit or Turpeth) – Operculina turpethum

Guda (Gur) – Jaggery

Madhu - Honey

Method:

Wash and sun-dry all the ingredients and then powder them separately

 Soak the powdered amaltas in water overnight and boil it in the morning till they reduce it to ¼ of the original quantity

Filter the decoction through a muslin cloth to eliminate impurities

Add jaggery and honey to the clear decoction and stir to mix it properly

Now, pour the decoction into a wide-mouthed asava vessel smeared with honey from inside

Add the remaining powdered aromatic herbs to the filtrate and seal the mouth of the container using a mud-smeared cloth

Keep the vessel untouched in the fermentation room for 30 days

Once the fermentation process completes after 30 days, filter the fermented mixture through a clean muslin cloth to remove impurities

Store the formulation in amber-coloured, air-tight containers, for promoting maturation and future use

Medicinal Properties Of Aragwadharishtam

Aragwadharishtam is intrinsically blessed with the following therapeutic properties:

  • Antipruritic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Mild Laxative
  • Anodyne
  • Blood detoxifier
  • Carminative
  • Digestive
  • Mild Diuretic
  • Larvicide
  • Anthelmintic
  • Antimicrobial
  • Anti-bactericidal

Ayurvedic Indications Of Aragwadharishtam

Time and again, this extraordinary herbal formulation has been mentioned in several Ayurvedic scriptures and journals for its use in the treatment of the following:

  • Kustha (treats skin disorders)
  • Raktadoshahara (blood purifying)
  • Vran Ropana (heals wounds)
  • Varnya (improves complexion)
  • Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
  • Pachana (helps in digestion)
  • Rochana (stimulates appetite)
  • Anulomana (improves breathing)
  • Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting)
  • Jvara (useful for fever)
  • Kasahara (relieves cough)
  • Amahara (treats indigestion)
  • Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
  • Prameha (manages diabetes)
  • Vayasthapana (prevents ageing)
  • Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)
  • Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)
  • Hridaya (treats heart problems)
  • Kanthya (improves voice)
  • Arsha (treats piles)

Health Benefits Of Aragwadharishtam

Promotes Skin Health

Sanctified with powerful antioxidant properties, Aragwadharishtam is a blessing to achieve spotless radiant skin naturally. It helps in safeguarding the skin from oxidative radical damage due to the harmful UVA and UVB rays and hence reverses the various signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, spots, dark circles, etc. Packed with numerous anti-inflammatory herbs, this skin tonic also reduces inflammatory conditions like dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and carbuncles and prevents various other skin infections like erysipelas (a blister-like condition causing raised red patches on the skin due to the Streptococcus bacteria strain).

Remedies Hives

The host of anti-inflammatory components in Aragwadharishtam makes it a superb hydrating agent for the skin. Applying it topically on the skin with hives infections helps to pacify inflamed skin and speeds up healing. The vast reserves of valuable antimicrobial compounds in the herbs being used also effectively cure redness and irritation experienced in hives.

Also Read: Yoga For Hives: Superb Yogasanas For Providing Relief From Urticaria

Combats Acne

Replete with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial traits, Aragwadharishtam is extremely beneficial for treating skin infections and inflammatory conditions like acne, pimples, etc. The tonic acts as a blood purifier and helps to rid the body of toxins which in turn helps remove dead skin cells and accumulation of dirt and grime particles from the skin pores. It also impedes infections in the sebaceous glands, besides subsiding swelling, and redness at the site of acne and soothing damaged, peeling tissues. This herbal formulation also aids in regulating sebum oil production on the skin surface and maintaining the optimal pH of the skin.

Treats Gout

The presence of Amalaki and  Haritaki in this magical formulation showcases dominant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-gout or anti-hyperuricemic effects which are highly significant in diminishing serum uric acid levels in the body. Additionally, the abundance of Amaltas and Vaividanga have the synergic effect of reducing inflammation, pain and stiffness in patients afflicted with hyperuricemia (i.e., abnormally elevated serum uric acid levels in the blood) and gouty arthritis.

Also Read: Gout: 5 Incredible Foods To Ease Joint Pain And Swelling

Shields From Intestinal Troubles

Imbued with anti-inflammatory and purgative properties due to the presence of amaltas in this formulation helps to curb the action of the toxic bacteria Helicobacter pylori and also impedes its growth in the gut. Owing to its strong laxative nature, it extensively averts constipation, and piles by softening the stool and facilitating its smooth passage through the large intestine and anus. It also prevents the abdominal fluid from drying up in the colon and prevents abdominal pain, abdominal distension, bloating, colic, etc.

When taken in the prescribed dosage, Aragwadharishtam helps to relieve indigestion, gas trouble, intestinal worms, and acid reflux and helps in fortifying the functions of the intestines.

Also Read: Digestive Disorders: 7 Ways To Improve Gut Health

Aragwadharishtam Dosage

The effectual remedial dosage of Aragwadharishtam may vary from one person to another depending upon the patient’s age, body strength, effects on digestive fire or appetite, and severity of the patient. It is mandatory to consult an Ayurvedic doctor to know the correct dose required for treating the specific condition.

Adults: 10-25 ml, alongside an equal amount of water, twice daily after meals or as prescribed by your doctor

Aragwadharishtam Side Effects

Although this polyherbal arishta preparation is considered safe and reports no major side effects but if it is consumed in excess it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and dysentery owing to the purgative action of the primary ingredient Amaltas.

Aragwadharishtam Contraindications

Aragwadharishtam is strictly contraindicated in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome characterized by loose stools or diarrhoea.

Aragwadharishtam Precautions

The presence of Nishoth and Haritaki in Aragwadharishtam might induce contractions in pregnant women, hence it is safe to avoid consuming this formulation during pregnancy. However, it may be safe during the lactation period, but it is strictly necessary to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before consuming it.

Conclusion

Thanks to the goodness of the essential bio-active ingredients, Aragwadharishtam is a boon for all sorts of skin woes including psoriasis, eczema, acne, pimples, hives, rosacea, vitiligo etc. It is also extensively used for treating gout, remedying digestive anomalies, curing flu and feverish conditions, promoting cardiac functioning, relieving pain and inflammation, and many more.