Drakshasava

Drakshasava (grape wine) is one of the most valued fermented preparations. It is prepared from grapes (Draksha) and is sweet and slightly sour in taste, cold in potency (unlike most other alcoholic preparations), and sweet in post-digestive effect. It is cardiotonic, strengthening, aphrodisiac, relieves thirst, and promotes appetite. Among all wines, Drakshasava is considered the most sattvic (pure) and least harmful. Old grape wine is considered superior to new. It is useful in digestive weakness, debility, cardiac conditions, and as a general tonic. Being cold in potency, it does not aggravate Pitta as much as other alcoholic preparations. Verses: 22-25.

• Hridya (cardiotonic)
• Balya (strengthening)
• Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
• Trishna-nigrahana (thirst-relieving)
• Rochana (relish-promoting)

Verses 28 through 92 describe numerous Asava and Arishta fermented formulations including: Pippalyasava, Kanakasava, Drakshasava/Draksharishta (for debility and Pitta conditions), Abhayarishta (for hemorrhoids and constipation), Dashamularishta (for post-partum care and Vata disorders), Ashokarishta (for gynecological disorders), Jirakadyarishta, Kutajarishta (for diarrhea and dysentery), Sarasvatarishta (for neurological and cognitive disorders), Balarishta, Amritarishta, Chandanasava, Lohasava

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)