Ayurvedic preparations of arishta asava lehya and bhasma

 In Ayurveda, various preparations are made to deliver medicinal properties of herbs and minerals in forms that enhance their effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of Arishta, Asava, Lehya, and Bhasma:

1. Arishta

• Description: Arishtas are liquid preparations created through the fermentation of herbal decoctions. This process generates a small amount of natural alcohol, which acts as a preservative and enhances the bioavailability of the herbs.

• Preparation Process:

• Herbal decoctions are prepared by boiling the main ingredient with water until reduced to a specific volume.

• These decoctions are then mixed with jaggery, honey, or sugar, and spices.

• The mixture is transferred to large earthen pots, and fermentation is allowed to take place for approximately one month.

• This process results in a naturally self-preserving, mildly alcoholic solution.

• Pharmaceutical Importance:

• Enhanced Absorption: The mild alcohol content aids in faster and more efficient absorption of the herbs in the body.

• Long Shelf Life: The alcohol acts as a natural preservative, which allows Arishtas to remain effective for long periods without artificial preservatives.

• Digestive Benefits: Arishtas often target digestive health, enhancing appetite, reducing bloating, and aiding in metabolic processes.

2. Asava

• Description: Asavas are similar to Arishtas but differ in that raw herbs (usually in powdered form) are directly fermented without preparing a decoction.

• Preparation Process:

• Ingredients are blended in powdered form and mixed with water, sweeteners like jaggery, honey, or sugar, and placed in large earthenware containers.

• The mixture is allowed to ferment naturally for several weeks, producing an alcohol content that preserves the preparation and helps deliver the active compounds.

• Pharmaceutical Importance:

• Retention of Raw Properties: Since Asavas use raw herbs, they retain more of volatile compounds, providing enhanced medicinal properties.

• Quick Absorption and Potency: The alcohol content helps in quick absorption, often leading to rapid onset of effects, especially useful for improving digestive and respiratory functions.

• Broad Application: Asavas are used for digestive, respiratory, and metabolic issues and to balance doshas, with targeted effects based on the specific herbs used in the preparation.

3. Lehya (Avaleha)

• Description: Lehya, or Avaleha, is a semi-solid, jam-like formulation, commonly used in rejuvenation therapies (Rasayana). It is created by concentrating herbal extracts into a thick paste with sweeteners and sometimes additional medicated ingredients like ghee or honey.

• Preparation Process:

• Herbal decoctions are simmered with jaggery or honey until a dense consistency is achieved.

• Additional medicated herbs and sometimes ghee are incorporated to enhance bioavailability and effectiveness.

• The paste is cooled and often stored in containers where it remains stable for extended periods.

• Pharmaceutical Importance:

• Nourishment and Longevity: Lehya preparations are commonly used for strengthening and tonifying the body, often in anti-aging therapies.

• Respiratory Health: Many Lehya formulations target respiratory and digestive health, as the thicker consistency allows the medicine to coat and soothe the digestive and respiratory tracts.

• Potent Energy and Immunity Booster: Being rich in nutrients, Lehya is widely used for boosting immunity, energy, and endurance and is often recommended for people with weakened constitutions.

4. Bhasma

• Description: Bhasmas are calcined ash preparations of metals, minerals, or gems. They are created through a specialized process called Shodhana (purification) and Marana (calcination) which enhances the medicinal properties and safety of the metals used.

• Preparation Process:

• Metals or minerals (such as gold, silver, mercury, or copper) undergo a purification process using herbal decoctions.

• The purified material is then calcined through repeated heating and cooling cycles, which removes toxic impurities and converts it into an easily absorbable ash.

• The fine ash is carefully sieved and stored in airtight containers.

• Pharmaceutical Importance:

• Highly Potent in Minute Doses: Bhasmas are concentrated, so only small doses are needed for effective treatment, often targeting chronic or severe ailments.

• Enhanced Bioavailability: The calcination process transforms metals and minerals into bioavailable forms that are safe for ingestion in specified doses.

• Effectiveness in Chronic Conditions: Bhasmas are used for chronic conditions, especially those involving metabolic or neurological issues, and are believed to offer cellular rejuvenation and strengthening of the immune system.

These Ayurvedic preparations have unique pharmaceutical properties due to their preparation methods, which utilize fermentation, concentration, and calcination to increase the bioavailability and potency of the active compounds.