Arishtams: Are These Ayurvedic Tonics With Alcohol Content Harmful For Kidney And Liver? Know What Experts Say

The concentration of alcohol in Arishtams ranges from five to 10 per cent, according to experts, who also say one must not consume these without consulting a trained doctor.

There are two types of fermented liquid formulations in Ayurveda: Asavas and Arishtams. Arishtams are fermented decoctions, which are concentrated liquors made by heating or boiling substances such as medicinal preparations obtained from a plant.

Source : Getty

Did you know that several Ayurvedic tonics contain alcohol? During the pandemic, when liquor stores were closed, there were reports from Kerala that alcoholics had turned to Ayurvedic 'Arishtams and Asavams’, which are fermented liquid formulations, and that these tonics had seen an increase in sales during the lockdown. There have also been reports of Ayurveda practitioners expressing concern over patients taking a special liking for these 'arishtams and asavams’.