Arishta And Asavas
Definition
Asavas and Arishtas are meidicinal preparations made by soaking the drugs, either in powder form or in the form of decoction (Kashaya), in a solution of sugar or jaggery, as the case may be, for a specified period of time, during which it undergoes a process of fermentation generating alcohol, thus facilitating the extraction of the active principles contained in the drugs. The alcohol, so generated, also serves as a preservative.
Method of preparation
- Arishta
The drugs mentioned in the texts are coarsely powdered and Kashaya is prepared. The Kashaya is strained and kept in the fermentation pot, vessel or barrel. Sugar, jaggery or honey, according to the formula, is dissolved, boiled, filtered and added.
Drugs mentioned as Prakshepa Dravyas are finely powdered and added. At the end, Dhataki Pushpa is included in the formula, should be properly cleaned and added. The mouth of the pot, vessel or barrel is covered with an earthen lid and the edges sealed with clay-smeared cloth in seven consecutive layers. The container is kept either in a heap of paddy, so as to ensure that for the duration of fermentation, as far as possible, a constant temperature may impede or accelerate the fermentation. After the specified period, the lid is removed, and the contents examined to ascertain whether the process of fermentation (Sandhana) has been completed. The fluid is first decanted and then strained after two or three days. When the fine suspended particles settle down, it is strained again and bottled.
- Asava
The required quantity of water, to which jaggery or sugar as prescribed in the formula is added, is boiled and cooled. This is poured into the fermentation pot, vessel or barrel. Fine powders of the drugs mentioned in the formula are added. The container is covered with a lid and the edges are sealed with clay-smeared cloth in seven consecutive layers. The rest of the process is as in the case of Arishta
General precautions
If the fermentation is to be carried in an earthen vessel, it should not be new.
Water should be boiled first in the vessel.
Absolute cleanliness is required during the process.
Each time, the inner surface of the fermentation vessel should be fumigated with Pippali Choorna and smeared with ghee before the liquids poured into it.
(In large scale manufacture, wooden-vats, porcelain-jars or metal vessels are used in place of earthen vessels).
Characteristics
The filtered Asava or Arishta should be clear without froth at the top. It should not become sour. The preparation has the characteristic of aromatic alcoholic odour.
Preservation
Asavas and Arishtas can be kept indefinitely. They should be kept in well-stoppered bottles or jars.
