Draksharishtam – Uses, Dose, Side effects and Ingredients

Draksharishtam is a liquid Ayurveda medicine, used mainly in the treatment of respiratory and intestinal disorders. Draksha refers to Raisin (Dry grapes), which is the main ingredient of this product. Draksharishta  contains 5 – 10 % of self generated alcohol in it. This self generated alcohol and the water present in the product acts as a media to deliver water and alcohol soluble the active herbal components to the body.  

Reference

Bhaishajya Ratnavali 14/73-76, Sharangdhara Samhita Madhyama Khanda 10/69-72.5
It is also known as Mridwikarishtam. Kottakkal sells this product in this name.

Dose

12 – 24 ml. one or two times a day, usually advised after food.
If needed, it can be mixed with equal quantity of water.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then, after a gap of 15 – 30 minutes, take Ayurvedic medicine or as directed by the physician.

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

With supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

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Uses

Draksharishta is used in respiratory diseases like cold, cough, COPD, chest injuries.
Draksharishta is one of the rare Ayurveda medicine which improves strength and at the same time useful in respiratory diseases. Increases digestive power and promotes bowel movements.
Draksharishta also helps in intestinal cleansing. It is useful in relieving gastritis and hyper acidity.
It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases of Pitta origin.

Traditional uses:
Useful in chest injury – Urakshata
Tuberculosis, chronic respiratory diseases, weight loss – Kshaya
Cold, cough – Kasa
Asthma – Shwasa
Throat infection / throat disorders – Galamayan
Improves strength – Balakrut
Cleanses intestines – Malashodhana
Debility – Dourbalya
Indigestion – Agnimandya
Haemorroids – Arsha
Regurgitation – Udavarta
Bleeding disorders – Raktapitta
Worm infestation – Krimi
Skin diseases – Kushtha , Jaundice Kamala
Anemia – Pandu , Eye disorders – Akshiroga
Diseases of the scalp – Shiroroga ,Throat disorders – Galaroga
Oedema – Shopha , Gaseous tumors – Gulma , Emaciation -Shosha ,Fever – Jwara etc.

Side effects

Over-dosage is best avoided.
Store in a cool dry place.
Pregnant ladies should seek medical advice before taking this medicine.
Diabetes mellitus patients should avoid this preparation as it is rich with jaggery.
The patients with gastric irritation and ulcer should avoid this as it may increase the irritation due to the hot and deep penetrative qualities of self fermented alcohol.

Excess intake may cause gastric irritation. Also if large amount of water is not taken along with this Arishtha it may cause mouth ulcers.

How long to use?
Based on doctor’s prescription, this medicine can be used for 2 weeks to 4 months.
Safe for kids?
It is safe to use this medicine in lower dose, in children above 5 years of age.
Pregnancy and lactation –
During pregnancy, it is best to avoid this / take this only under medical supervision.
During lactation period, it can be taken in lower doses, based on doctor’s advice.

Ingredients

Dry grapes – 2.4 kg
water for Kashayam – 49.152 liters
Boiled and reduced to 12.288 liters, filtered.
Jaggery – 9.6 kg
Prakshepa –
Twak – Cinnamon – Stem bark – 48 g
Ela – cardamom – seeds – 48 g
Patra –  (Cinnamomum tamala) – leaf – 48 g
Nagakeshara (Mesua ferrea) – Stamen – 48 g

Shloka- Sanskrit verse

draksharishtam

Method of manufacturing:
Raisin decoction is prepared with water, filtered and taken in a clean vessel.
To it, the jaggery is added and dissolved, filtered.
Rest of the ingredients are added and kept closed till fermentation is completed.
Filtered and preserved hygienically.

Manufacturers

The Arya Vaidya Nilayam, Ashoka pharmaceuticals, Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal, SNA Oushadhasala Pvt Ltd, Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy, Dabur, Baidyanath, Divya pharmacy, Sandu pharmaceuticals ltd, Alva Pharmacy Mijar, Doothpapeshwar, Vaidyaratnam, Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Group – Draakshaarishtam

Expiry date: 10 years from the date of manufacture.

Storage: Store in a cool place in tightly closed amber coloured bottle, protect from light and moisture.

My experience with this formulation – Dr MS Krishnamurthy:
Draksharishta is a good rejuvenator. I recommend this formulation to the non diabetic debilitated and anemic patients. In dry cough this is having good benefit when administered along with Sitopaladi choorna.

In the anemic patients who are having severe exertional dyspnoea if this arishta is administered along with Dhatri loha or Punarnava mandoora within 14-21 days good benefits are observed.

In children who are not willing to have the food due to anorexia or tastelessness if this is administered in the dose of 10-15 ml twice or thrice a day preferably 15-20 minutes before the food, with equal water their hunger and thirst is improved and start getting interest in the food.

In post jaundice period (after pacification of the major symptoms), this can be administered along with Dhatri loha or Navayasa loha by that there will be significant improvement in the overall health of the individuals. In eye diseases and menopausal syndrome also same combination holds good.

In throat irriataion and mild pharyngitis Draksharishtha is administered and there after Lavanagadi vati or Khadiradi vati is adviced to chew. If burning sensation is associated along with laryngitis or pharyngitis Eladi vati holds good.

To improve the stamina and musculature Draksharishtha is advised followed with Drakshavaleha or Kooshmanda avaleha.
In chronic pin worm cases of children, Draksharishtha is advised followed with Krimimudgara rasa orArogyavardhani vati.

Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This article is written by Dr. Janardhana V Hebbar BAMS, MD (Ayu), PGDPSM, Managing Director, Easy Ayurveda Hospital.
It is reviewed by Dr. Shilpa Ramdas BAMS, MD (Ayu), Chief Ayurvedic Physician, Easy Ayurveda Hospital

68 thoughts on “Draksharishtam – Uses, Dose, Side effects and Ingredients”

      • Hi,

        Does draksharishtam gives heat to the body? Does this can be suggested to persons with heat body? How about the usage of this medicine for children below 5yrs?

        Thanks

        Kishore Murikipudi

        Reply
    • It improves hemoglobin content in the body. In a very high dose for a very long period of time (more than 2 – 3 months of time), might cause some weight gain, but not in all.

      Reply
  1. Is this good to take when someone is feeling constriction in the chest? Difficulty breathing. More COPD related problem. No kapha or phlegm. Maybe a bit of Vayu/gas related issue.

    Reply
  2. My child is taking Amritarishtam for fever. But he has cold n wet cough too. Can he take draksharishtam also? How much to take?

    Reply
  3. Hi doc
    Draksha asava vs Draksha rishta
    1 which is best for weight gain.
    2 which is best to cleanse intestine
    even though they look similar some ingredients differ in both
    Best Regards

    Reply
  4. I am diabetic, hy b.p patient. I have had stroke (brain) in past.
    Is this medicine well suited to treat phlegm, cough, cold & throat infection ?

    Manik Mahesh

    Reply
  5. Rheumatoid arthritis disease patients face lot of problems in allopathic medicine..Is this Ayurvedic medicine is correct to rheumatoid arthritis….?

    Reply
  6. I have severe insomnia
    One doctor prescribed draksharistham and
    Ashwagandharishtham
    I have been taking twice daily 12 ml
    But no sound sleep even for a day
    Pl advice

    Reply
  7. Hello Dr
    I am talking ashwangangaristam and draksharistam.mean while shall I eat non veg?I am a pure non vegetarian.give me your suggestions.

    Reply
  8. Sir mt son is a class 12 science student. He will appear for his joint exams soon. So he has to study V hard. Can u suggest something which will boost his memory as well as energy.

    Reply
  9. my dr have prescribed me this few month ago when i was dealing with period problem bt i am 1 month pregnant and now again he have prescribed it with other medication i was confused thats why i searched hear i am confuse

    Reply

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