Key takeaways
- Asava and arishta are classical Ayurvedic liquid medicines made by slow natural fermentation.
- Arishta is usually made from a herbal decoction; asava from fresh juice or an infusion.
- Both contain a small amount of self-generated alcohol, stated on the label.
- Check the licence number, batch, expiry date and composition before you buy.
- Take them only at the dose on the label or as advised by your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.
Walk into any Ayurvedic pharmacy and you will see a shelf of brown bottles with names such as Ashokarishta, Dashmularishta, Abhayarishta, Kumaryasava and Lohasava. These are asava and arishta, some of the oldest and most widely sold classical Ayurvedic medicines in India. This guide explains what they are, how they are made, what to look for on the bottle and how to store them. It does not describe what any individual medicine is used for; that is a question for your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.
What are asava and arishta?
Asavas and arishtas are liquid preparations described in the classical Ayurvedic texts. They belong to a group known as sandhana kalpana, or fermented preparations. Herbal material is mixed with jaggery, sugar or honey and a natural fermenting agent, usually the flowers of dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa), and left to ferment slowly in closed vessels for several weeks.
The fermentation does two things. It draws the active plant constituents into the liquid, and the alcohol it produces naturally helps preserve the medicine, which is why well-made asavas and arishtas have a long shelf life.
Asava vs arishta: what is the difference?
The traditional difference lies in how the herbs are prepared before fermentation:
| Arishta | Asava | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting material | Decoction (herbs boiled in water, kwath) | Fresh juice, cold infusion or powdered herbs, without boiling |
| Examples | Ashokarishta, Dashmularishta, Abhayarishta, Arjunarishta | Kumaryasava, Lohasava, Chandanasava, Usheerasava |
| Alcohol | Both contain self-generated alcohol, within the limit stated on the label | |
In everyday buying the difference matters less than the exact product name your practitioner has written down, because two products with similar names can have very different compositions.
How classical medicines are named
Most asavas and arishtas are classical medicines: they follow a formula given in an authoritative text, so many manufacturers make the same medicine under the same name. Ashokarishta from Baidyanath, Dabur or Dhootapapeshwar follows the same classical recipe, although raw material quality and processing can vary between makers. You can compare brands side by side in our asava and arishta range.
What to check on the label
- Manufacturer and licence number: every Ayurvedic medicine made in India must show the maker's name, address and drug manufacturing licence number.
- Batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date: check these before opening the seal.
- Composition: the herbs used and their quantities per bottle or per dose.
- Self-generated alcohol: the label states the alcohol content or limit.
- Dose and directions: follow the label or your practitioner's advice, not general information online.
- Seal: the cap seal should be intact when the bottle reaches you.
Our step-by-step guide on how to read an Ayurvedic medicine label explains each of these in more detail.
How to store asava and arishta
Keep the bottle tightly closed, upright and away from direct sunlight and heat. You do not usually need to refrigerate it unless the label says so. A little sediment at the bottom is common in fermented preparations; shake the bottle if the label tells you to. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date, and do not pour it into another container. More tips are in our guide to storing Ayurvedic medicines at home.
Who should take extra care
Because of the natural alcohol and sugar content, ask your doctor before using an asava or arishta if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- want to give it to a child
- have diabetes, as these preparations contain jaggery or sugar
- avoid alcohol for medical, personal or religious reasons
- take other medicines, including allopathic medicines
Our recommendation
Buy the exact medicine and pack size your practitioner has named, from a licensed manufacturer, in a sealed bottle with at least several months left before expiry. If you take an arishta regularly, choose a pack size you will finish well before the expiry date, and store it in a cool cupboard. If you are unsure which brand to choose, send us the name on WhatsApp and we will tell you which makers we stock.
Buying asava and arishta online
We stock asavas and arishtas from manufacturers including Baidyanath, Dabur, Zandu and Dhootapapeshwar, sold in sealed original packs with the batch number and expiry date printed. Browse the full asava and arishta collection, or explore other classical Ayurvedic medicines such as churna and vati. Pharmacies and clinics can ask for wholesale rates.
