Abhayarisht – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali Arshorogadhikara 175–180

Abstract

In the traditional system of Ayurveda, Arishtas and Asavas represent a unique class of liquid formulations prepared through the process of natural fermentation. These preparations are distinguished by their content of self-generated alcohol, which typically ranges between 5 and 12%. The presence of natural alcohol facilitates faster absorption and systemic action, offering a faster onset of relief in comparison to non-fermented preparations. Arishtas are typically decoction-based and are fermented with the addition of sugars and fermentative agents such as Dhataki flowers (Woodfordia fruticosa), making them more palatable, shelf-stable, and therapeutically effective. Among the various Arishtas described in classical Ayurvedic texts, Abhayarisht holds a prominent place in the treatment of gastrointestinal and anorectal disorders. The formulation derives its name from “Abhaya,” a Sanskrit term referring to the primary ingredient traditionally used in its preparation.

Introduction

Abhayarisht is a classical Ayurvedic fermented polyherbal formulation extensively utilized in the management of Arsha (piles), Vibandha (constipation), and various gastrointestinal disorders. The formulation is primarily indicated for vata-dominant conditions, owing to its ability to balance the Vata dosha and stimulate Agni (digestive fire). Abhayarisht acts as a mild laxative and digestive stimulant, facilitating the regulation of bowel movements and promoting gastrointestinal motility. Its carminative and detoxifying effects help alleviate symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and abdominal heaviness. The formulation is particularly beneficial in conditions associated with impaired digestion and vata-predominant pathologies, where it supports the restoration of normal digestive function and elimination.

Ingredients

1. Kwath Dravya

• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Munakka (Vitis vinifera)
• Vaividanga (Embelia ribes)
• Mahua Pushpa (Madhuca indica)
• Water

2. Fermentation Agent

• Gud (Jaggery)

3. Prakshep Dravya

• Trivrit (Operculina turpethum)
• Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
• Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum)
• Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa)
• Indravaruni (Citrullus colocynthis)
• Chavya (Piper retrofractum)
• Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
• Danti (Baliospermum montanum)
• Mochras (Bombax malabaricum)

Description of Ingredients

1. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Haritaki is known as a powerful Vata-balancing agent. It acts as a Rechana (mild laxative) and helps relieve chronic constipation. It also has Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Raktashodhaka (blood-purifying) properties. Modern studies highlight its richness in tannins, chebulagic acid, and anthraquinones, which offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild laxative actions. This makes it highly beneficial in reducing swelling, improving gut motility, and preventing the recurrence of piles.

2. Munakka (Vitis vinifera)

Munakka, or dried grapes, is considered a Brimhana (nourishing) and mildly purgative ingredient. Its natural sweetness and moisture content help soften the stool, facilitating smooth evacuation. Ayurvedically, it pacifies Vata and Pitta, thus preventing straining during defecation. It is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which possess antioxidant and tissue-soothing properties. Munakka supports Agni (digestive fire) without aggravating dryness, making it useful for individuals with hard stools and inflamed hemorrhoids.

3. Vaividanga (Embelia ribes)

Vaividanga is renowned in Ayurveda for its Krimighna (antiparasitic) and Deepana (digestive stimulant) properties. It is especially effective when piles are associated with intestinal parasites or chronic indigestion. The active compound embelin is a quinone derivative with antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and digestive stimulant effects. Vaividanga helps eliminate Ama (toxins) from the gut and enhances digestion, which indirectly contributes to reducing the burden on the rectal veins and supports the healing of inflamed tissues.

4. Mahua Pushpa (Madhuca indica)

Mahua Pushpa has Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Grahi (absorbent) actions. In piles, they help reduce inflammation in the anal region. They are rich in flavonoids and saponins, and have mild astringent and demulcent effects, which help soothe the inflamed mucosa of the rectum and prevent bleeding. It also promotes a balanced gut environment and aids in tissue repair.

5. Trivrit (Operculina turpethum)

Trivrit is one of the most potent purgative (Tikshna Rechana) herbs in Ayurveda. It clears the bowel by expelling hardened or impacted stool, thus relieving pressure in the hemorrhoidal veins. Its action is especially beneficial in constipation-associated bleeding piles. The active compound turpethin, a glycoside, promotes intestinal clearance. Trivrit also has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce anal discomfort and promote healing by preventing fecal stagnation.

6. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)

Gokshura is primarily known for its Mutrala (diuretic) and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) actions. Its anti-inflammatory effects aid in alleviating anal swelling. It contains saponins like protodioscin and alkaloids, which contribute to vascular strengthening and tissue protection. It also supports urinary tract function, which indirectly improves elimination and reduces intra-abdominal pressure.

7. Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum)

Dhanyaka is widely used in Ayurveda as a Deepana (digestive stimulant) and Pachana (digesting) herb. It is especially helpful in relieving flatulence, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Its major volatile oil component, linalool, has proven carminative and antispasmodic effects. Dhanyaka calms the digestive tract, stimulates Agni without increasing heat, and promotes a smooth passage of stool, thus preventing straining.

8. Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa)

Dhataki is essential in many fermented Ayurvedic formulations like arishtas, due to its natural yeast content. Besides acting as a fermentation catalyst, it possesses Raktastambhaka (anti-bleeding) and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) properties. Its rich content of tannins and flavonoids helps reduce rectal bleeding, tones blood vessels, and supports mucosal healing in the anal canal.

9. Indravaruni (Citrullus colocynthis)

Indravaruni is a powerful purgative used to remove deeply impacted fecal matter and Ama (toxins) from the intestines. Its major phytochemicals, cucurbitacins and colocynthis, are highly bitter triterpenoids with strong laxative and detoxifying actions. In treating chronic constipation, it gently eases bowel pressure and helps prevent inflammation caused by waste buildup.

10. Chavya (Piper retrofractum)

Chavya is a Vata-reducing and Agni Vardhak (digestive fire stimulant) herb that enhances the secretion of digestive enzymes. It is useful in poor digestion, gas formation, and abdominal heaviness. The main bioactive compound, piperine, improves gut motility, reduces bloating, and enhances nutrient absorption.

11. Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare)

Saunf or fennel seeds are known for their carminative, antispasmodic, and digestive actions. It is used to pacify Vata, relieve flatulence, and stimulate digestion gently. The phytochemical anethole has been shown to relax intestinal muscles, which helps reduce cramping and promotes smoother bowel movements.

12. Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)

Shunthi is one of the most effective Vatanulomana (promotes natural downward movement of Vata) and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) herbs. It reduces gas, pain, nausea, and improves digestion through its Pachana (digestive) action. The active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In piles, Shunthi soothes the gut, reduces swelling in the anal area, and enhances peristalsis, thereby preventing further worsening of the condition.

13. Danti (Baliospermum montanum)

Danti works remarkably well in treating constipation due to its potent Bhedana (forceful purgative) action, which helps to break down and eliminate hardened stools. This effect supports the regularization of bowel movements and relieves abdominal bloating and straining. It is beneficial in the treatment of Arsha (piles/hemorrhoids).

14. Mochras (Bombax malabaricum)

Mochras is known for its astringent, cooling, and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes the inflamed rectal mucosa, helps control bleeding, and supports tissue repair. Rich in tannins and flavonoids, Mochras has a mild laxative action as well, which aids in soft stool formation and prevents further irritation during defecation.

Method of Preparation

1. Coarsely powder the four main decoction herbs. Boil them in 52 liters of water in a stainless steel vessel. Reduce the liquid to one-fourth of the original volume.
2. Once reduced, filter the decoction through a clean cloth. Pour the filtered decoction into a new earthen pot.
3. Add jaggery, Dhataki flowers, and the 9 coarse powdered herbs (e.g., Gokshura, Trivrit, etc.) into the same pot. Then mix them thoroughly with clean hands.
4. Seal the mouth of the pot with a Sharava (lid), cover it using a Kapadamitti (cloth and clay mixture), and place the sealed pot in a stable position within a fermentation room.
5. Place a cushion of husk or straw beneath the pot. This prevents cracking of the pot due to internal pressure.
6. Allow the mixture to ferment undisturbed for 21 days.
7. After 21 days, open the pot, check the fermentation, stir the liquid thoroughly, and filter it through a clean cloth.
8. Clean and dry the same pot, pour the filtered liquid back into it, and allow it to settle undisturbed for 8–10 more days.
9. Fill the clear liquid (Abhayarisht) into sterilized bottles. Seal with corks and label properly for identification.
10. Store the bottles in a cool, dry place, and use the Abhayarisht only after 1 year for best results.

Medicinal Properties

• Deepana (Appetizer) – Stimulates the Agni (digestive fire) and enhances appetite.
• Pachana (Digestive) – Aids digestion and reduces the formation of Ama (toxins).
• Anulomana (Carminative & Mild Laxative) – Regulates bowel movement and relieves constipation gently.
• Vatanulomaka (Vata-Balancing) – Normalizes the flow of Vata in the lower abdomen.
• Bhedana (Purgative) – Helps in clearing bowel obstructions and relieves hard stools.
• Mutrala (Diuretic) – Promotes urine flow and helps in urinary retention.
• Raktashodhaka (Blood Purifier) – Supports natural detoxification and liver function.

Indications

• Arsha (Piles)
• Anaha (Constipation)
• Udara Roga (Abdominal distension)
• Agnimandya (Poor digestion)
• Mutravibandha (Urinary retention)

Dosage

1 tola – 2 tola (12 ml to 24 ml), diluted with an equal quantity of lukewarm water.

To buy Abhayarisht by Planet Ayurveda, please visit store.PlanetAyurveda.com/products/abhayarisht

Contraindication

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• This herbal formulation is generally safe and free from side effects.
• Not recommended for diabetic patients (due to jaggery content), pregnant women (unless under medical supervision), children below 5 years (unless prescribed), and alcohol-sensitive individuals (use with caution).

Conclusion

Abhayarisht is a time-tested classical Ayurvedic formulation widely used for its therapeutic benefits in managing digestive and excretory system disorders. Formulated primarily with Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), and other potent herbs, it plays a crucial role in stimulating digestive fire (Agni), relieving constipation, regulating bowel movements, and treating piles (both bleeding and non-bleeding types). Moreover, its formulation supports the proper elimination of waste and toxins (Ama), balances Vata dosha in the lower abdomen, and promotes overall gut health.