Drakshasava

Drakshasava (Sanskrit: द्राक्षासव) is a traditional Ayurvedic tonic made from grapes.^[1] Drakshasava is a weak wine because the grape juice is usually only partially fermented.^[2] It is also sometimes prepared by using raisin concentrate.^[3] The tonic is claimed to be beneficial for maladies such as lethargy, weakness and heat exhaustion.^[3] Drakshasava is believed to address health imbalances arising from an excess of the Vata-Vayu Dosha in the Ayurvedic system.^[4]

Etymology

Draksha is the Sanskrit word for grape.^[1]

Historical references

Drakshasava found mention in the Sushruta Samhita, a book of remedies dating to the 3rd-4th century CE.^[5]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Chandrashekhar Gopalji Thakkur (1974), Introduction to Ayurveda, the science of life, ASI Publishers, http://books.google.com/books?id=nydrAAAAMAAJ, retrieved 2010-05-03, "... the Asava which has draksha (grapes) as the main ingredient is known as ' Drakshasava ' ..." 
2. ^ Lala Sukh Dyal (1942), Tropical Fruits, Chemical Publishing Company, Inc, http://books.google.com/books?id=07_VAAAAMAAJ, retrieved 2010-05-04, "...Partially fermented juices like drakshasava prepared from grapes are very popular with Indians and are said to be a great tonic ..." 
3. ^ ^{a b} Linda Bladholm (2000), The Indian grocery store demystified, Macmillan, ISBN 1580631436, http://books.google.com/books?id=DDqLUxX1_bEC, retrieved 2010-05-04, "... You may also find Drakshasava, an Ayurvedic tonic made from raisin concentrate. It is taken for heat exhaustion and weakness. ..." 
4. ^ Prakash Paranjpe, Smita Paranjpe (2001), Herbs for beauty: revealing ayurvedic treasures, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan, ISBN 8170841496, http://books.google.com/books?id=WWVFAAAAYAAJ, retrieved 2010-05-04, "... The use of grapewine (Drakshasava) is beneficial to reduce Vata ..." 
5. ^ Suśruta, Yādavaśarmā Trivikrama Ācārya, Narayan Ram Acharya, Ḍalhaṇa, Gayādāsācārya (1998), Suśrutasaṃhitā, Kr̥ṣṇadāsa Akādamī, http://books.google.com/books?cd=2&id=4hXbAAAAMAAJ, retrieved 2010-05-04, "... द्राक्षासव ..." 

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