Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Sour (Amla)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Sugars (glucose, fructose), Tartaric acid, Malic acid, Resveratrol, Vitamins, Anthocyanins
- Also Known As
- English: Grapes, Vine
Sanskrit: द्राक्षा, मृद्वीका, गोस्तनी, स्वाद्वी, रसाला
Hindi: अंगूर, दाख
What is Grapes?
If you have ever reached for a handful of raisins when you felt dry, depleted or a little constipated, you were already using one of Ayurveda's most respected foods. The Astanga Hridaya calls grapes (Draksha) the best among fruits, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes them as one of the most valued fruits in the whole tradition.
Grapes are the fruit of the grapevine, Vitis vinifera Linn., known in English simply as grapes or the vine. In Sanskrit they carry several names, including Draksha, Mridvika and Gostani. In Hindi they are Angoor, and the dried fruit is Daakh.
What makes grapes distinctive is their gentle, nourishing character. They are sweet and sour, heavy and moist, cooling in potency, and mildly laxative. Ayurveda prizes the dried forms most: Munakka, the large dried grape with seeds, is considered more potent medicinally than Kishmish, the small seedless raisin.
Grapes are also the base of the classical fermented tonic Draksharishta, and they appear in formulas across the Charaka, Sushruta and Sharangadhara texts, from cooling drinks for thirst to eye remedies and mouth rinses.
Benefits of Grapes
Grapes work mostly through their sweet, cooling and moistening qualities. Classical texts list five core actions: aphrodisiac (Vrishya), good for the eyes (Netrya), heart tonic (Hridya), blood builder (Raktavardhaka) and mild laxative (Virechana). Here is how those play out.
Digestion and Elimination
The Astanga Hridaya says grapes help the elimination of urine and faeces. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls the fruit one of the best natural laxatives, beneficial in constipation, and notes that it improves appetite and aids digestion.
The moist, unctuous quality (Snigdha) is the reason. It softens dry stools gently rather than forcing them.
Blood, Heat and Bleeding
Ayurveda treats grapes as a blood builder and a remedy for Raktapitta, a pattern of bleeding driven by excess heat in the blood. The Astanga Hridaya says grapes cure diseases of Vata, Pitta and the blood (Rakta).
This cooling, nourishing profile is why grapes are used as gentle food support in anemia. Red, purple and black grapes are described as rich in iron. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu also lists grapes for jaundice (Kamala), and they are used as support in liver disorders and spleen enlargement.
Cough, Breathing and Fever
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names grapes as beneficial in cough (Kasa) and fever (Jwara). The Astanga Hridaya adds thirst, breathlessness, hoarseness of voice and nasal congestion to the list.
The Sushruta Samhita (Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39) includes grapes in a decoction with long pepper, Sariva and dill for Vata-type fever. A traditional preparation of seedless grapes, ghee and honey is used for chronic cough, asthma and respiratory allergies.
Urinary Comfort
Because grapes are cooling and support urination, they are used for burning and heat in the urinary tract. A traditional remedy for cystitis, urethritis and burning urination combines a cup of grape juice with a pinch of rock salt and a teaspoon of cumin powder, two or three times a day.
Eyes and Mouth
The Sushruta Samhita (Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10) uses grapes with sandalwood, licorice and ghee in a paste for Pitta-type conjunctivitis. The Sharangadhara Samhita includes grapes in a cooled decoction held in the mouth for oral ulcers.
For the gums, finely ground dry grape seed powder with a pinch of edible camphor is used as a tooth powder for gingivitis, pyorrhea and receding gums.
Heart, Strength and Vitality
Grapes are classed as a heart tonic (Hridya), and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls them excellent for the heart. Traditional grape juice remedies with honey and ginger are used for chest pain, pleurisy and muscle weakness.
As an aphrodisiac, grape juice is combined with a pinch of long pepper, a little natural sugar and a quarter teaspoon of Ashwagandha, taken an hour before bed, for sexual debility and impotence.
How to Use Grapes
Grapes are food first. You can eat them fresh, but Ayurveda leans on the dried forms and on grape juice as a base for simple home remedies. The table covers the forms our sources describe.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh grapes | As food | General nourishment, mild constipation | On their own, away from heavy meals |
| Munakka (large dried grapes with seeds) | 5 to 10 pieces | Constipation, bleeding tendency, dry cough | Daily |
| Raisins | A handful | Anemia, enlarged liver or spleen, constipation | Daily, an hour after meals |
| Grape juice | 1 cup | Burning urination, excess heat, base for remedies | 2 to 3 times a day for urinary burning |
| Draksharishta (fermented grape tonic) | 15 to 30 ml | Classical prepared form | As directed by a practitioner |
| Grape seed powder | About 1 ounce, with a pinch of edible camphor | Gums: gingivitis, pyorrhea, receding gums | Used as a tooth powder for brushing |
What to take it with
Ayurveda uses the word anupana (Anupana) for the vehicle you take a remedy with. With grapes, the vehicle changes the purpose:
- Excess heat or fever: 1 cup grape juice with half a teaspoon each of cumin, fennel and sandalwood powder.
- Urinary burning: 1 cup grape juice with a pinch of rock salt and 1 teaspoon cumin powder.
- Chest pain and muscle weakness: 1 cup grape juice with 1 teaspoon honey and half a teaspoon ginger powder, on an empty stomach twice a day.
- Chronic cough and respiratory allergies: 1 part seedless grapes, 1 part ghee and half a part honey, kept in a warm place for 15 days, strained, then 1 teaspoon twice a day.
Which grapes to choose
Colour matters. Red, purple and black grapes are considered balancing for all three doshas and cooling. Green grapes are sour and heating, so they can aggravate Pitta and Kapha.
Seasonal note
The Astanga Hridaya, in its chapter on seasonal routine, describes spending hot summer days in shaded houses hung with bunches of grapes and flowers. It reflects how naturally this cooling fruit belongs to the hot season.
Safety & Side Effects
Grapes are a food, and for most people they are very safe. The cautions come from their heavy, sweet and laxative nature rather than from any toxicity.
Digestion
The Astanga Hridaya describes grapes as hard to digest (Guru, heavy). If your digestion is sluggish or you tend toward heaviness and swelling, keep portions moderate.
Because grapes are mildly laxative, eating too many can loosen the stools. Reduce the amount if that happens.
Green grapes
Green grapes are sour and heating, with a sour post-digestive effect. They can aggravate Pitta and Kapha and suit Vata only in moderation. Choose red, purple or black grapes if heat is your concern.
Food combinations to avoid
Ayurvedic food-combining guidance lists grapes as a poor match with corn and with radish. Like most fruit, grapes are best eaten on their own rather than with milk, yogurt or heavy meals.
Sugar
Grapes are rich in natural sugars (glucose and fructose), and dried grapes are more concentrated still. If you have diabetes, count them in your daily sugar intake.
Fermented preparations
Draksharishta and grape wine (Mardvika) contain alcohol. The Astanga Hridaya notes that grape wine causes a slight increase of Pitta and Vata. Avoid fermented grape preparations in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Recommended: Start Here
If you want to start using grapes today, the simplest classical path is a daily portion of Munakka, the large dried grape with seeds.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu rates Munakka as more potent medicinally than seedless raisins, and gives a dose of 5 to 10 pieces. Soak them in water overnight and eat them in the morning, chewing slowly. It is an easy, gentle way to support regular bowels, cool excess heat and nourish the blood.
If you cannot find Munakka, a handful of dark raisins or fresh red, purple or black grapes is a good substitute. Avoid green grapes if you run hot.
When you want a prepared form, the classical fermented tonic Draksharishta is taken at 15 to 30 ml.
Find Munakka on Amazon ↗ Draksharishta ↗ Grape Seed Powder ↗
Safety note: grapes are heavy to digest and naturally sugary, so keep portions moderate if your digestion is slow or you have diabetes, and avoid fermented Draksharishta in pregnancy.
Grapes vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Grapes often come up alongside other sweet, nourishing fruits in Ayurveda. Here is how they compare with the ones our sources pair them with.
| Comparison | Grapes | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grapes vs Dates | Cooling, gently laxative blood builder; the Astanga Hridaya calls grapes the best among fruits | Also a classical blood-building fruit, eaten soaked; the Astanga Hridaya rates date wine as inferior to grape wine, Vata-aggravating and hard to digest | Both work for anemia. Choose grapes when heat is part of the picture. |
| Grapes vs Pomegranate | Soaked raisins for nourishing the blood | The third fruit in the classical blood-building trio with grapes and dates | Use them together: pomegranate juice is a classical companion to morning raisins. |
| Grapes vs Amla | A mild source of plant iron | A vitamin C source that helps the body absorb plant iron | Not rivals. Pair Amla with grapes when using them for anemia. |
| Munakka vs Kishmish | Munakka: large dried grapes with seeds | Kishmish: small seedless raisins | The Bhavaprakash Nighantu rates Munakka as more potent medicinally. |
Grapes for Specific Populations
Grapes are an everyday food, so the main questions are about the fermented forms and about portion size. Our sources give limited group-specific guidance, so this section stays brief.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Grapes eaten as food are a normal part of the diet. Fermented grape preparations such as Draksharishta contain self-generated alcohol, so avoid them during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check with your practitioner before using any grape remedy beyond ordinary food amounts.
Children
Our sources give no child-specific doses for grape remedies. Keep to ordinary food portions, and do not give fermented preparations such as Draksharishta to children without a practitioner's advice.
Elderly
Because grapes are heavy to digest, older adults with weak or slow digestion should keep portions moderate. Soaked Munakka is a gentle way to support regular bowels. Account for the natural sugars if you have diabetes.
Athletes
Traditional grape remedies are used for strength. For muscle weakness, 1 cup grape juice with 1 teaspoon honey and half a teaspoon ginger powder is taken on an empty stomach twice a day. For low endurance, grape juice is mixed with a teaspoon of fresh onion juice and a teaspoon of honey, taken once a day an hour before bed for 45 days; Kapha types add a pinch of Trikatu, a blend of dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper.
Grape: Ayurvedic Properties and Uses
Green grapes are sour, sweet and heating with a sour vipak. They stimulate kapha and pitta, and are acceptable for vata only in moderation. Red, purple or black grapes are tridoshic. They are sweet, sour and astringent, with cooling energy and a sweet vipak. They are a gentle laxative and are rich in iron, hence good for iron-deficient anemia.
Healing Uses:
- Low sperm count and endurance: Mix 1 cup grape juice with 1 teaspoon fresh onion juice and 1 teaspoon honey. Take once a day for 45 days, an hour before bed. Kapha individuals should add a pinch of trikatu (equal parts dry ginger, black pepper and pippali).
- Cystitis, urethritis and burning urination: 1 cup grape juice with a pinch of rock salt and 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 2 or 3 times a day.
- Chest pain, pleurisy and muscle weakness: 1 cup grape juice, 1 teaspoon honey and ½ teaspoon ginger powder on an empty stomach twice a day.
- Excess pitta (anger, hate, burning sensation): 1 cup grape juice, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon fennel and ½ teaspoon sandalwood powder.
- Fever: Same mixture as the pitta formula above.
- Sexual debility: 1 cup grape juice, a pinch of pippali, ½ teaspoon rock candy or natural sugar and ¼ teaspoon ashwagandha. Drink 1 hour before bed.
- Gingivitis, pyorrhea and receding gums: 1 ounce finely ground dry grape seed powder with a pinch of edible camphor for brushing teeth.
- Chronic cough, asthma and respiratory allergies: Mix 1 part seedless grapes, 1 part ghee and ½ part honey. Keep in a warm place for 15 days, strain, then take 1 teaspoon twice a day.
- Anemia, enlarged liver or spleen, constipation: Eat a handful of raisins daily, an hour after meals.
Source: Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing, Chapter 8: Foods for Healing — Fruits
Frequently Asked Questions
Are grapes heating or cooling in Ayurveda?
Red, purple and black grapes are cooling, with a sweet post-digestive effect, and are considered balancing for all three doshas. Green grapes are the exception: they are sour and heating and can aggravate Pitta and Kapha.
What is the difference between Munakka and ordinary raisins?
Munakka are large dried grapes with seeds, while Kishmish are small seedless raisins. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu rates Munakka as the more potent medicinal form, at a dose of 5 to 10 pieces.
Do grapes help with constipation?
Yes. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls grapes one of the best natural laxatives, and the Astanga Hridaya says they help elimination of urine and faeces. The effect is mild, so they suit everyday use better than a strong purgative would.
What is Draksharishta?
It is a classical fermented tonic made from grapes, one of the Asava-Arishta preparations, the family of naturally fermented Ayurvedic liquids. The usual dose is 15 to 30 ml. It contains self-generated alcohol, so avoid it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Which foods should I not combine with grapes?
Ayurvedic food-combining guidance lists corn and radish as poor partners for grapes. In general, eat grapes on their own rather than alongside heavy meals.
How to Use Grapes by Condition
Explore how Grapes is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
33-36 अ कषमहाशालताल ो णरि मषु वनेषु माधवीि ल ट ा ा तवकशा लषु सुगि ध हमपानीय स यमानपटा लके कायमाने चते चूत वालफललुि ब भः कदल दलक लारमण ृ ालकमालो पलैः कोमलैः कि पते त पे हस कुसुमप लवे म यं दनेअकतापातः पु त व या ाराग ृहे अथवा ी तनह ता य व ृ तोशीरवा र ण Day time should be spent in forests having tall trees reaching the sky such as shala (Shorea robusta, Tala – Borassus flabellifera etc, which obstruct the hot rays of the sun, or in houses around which bunches of flowers and grapes are hangi
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
Meat of animals of desert-like lands, soup of pulses , wine prepared from grapes and fermented decoctions, which are old or mastu (whey, thin water or curds) processed with more of Sochal salt and powder of panchakola, should be used.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
Mardvika – (wine prepared from grapes) :मा वीकं लेखनं यं ना यु णं मधुरं सरम ् अ प प ता नलं पा डु मेहाशः कृ मनाशनम ् Mardvika (wine prepared from grapes) is scraping, good to the heart, not very hot in potentcy, sweet, Sara – promotes natural movement of body fluids (laxative), causes slight increase of Pitta and Anila (Vata), useful in anaemia, diabetes, hemorrhoids and worms (intestinal parasites).
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
Kharjura – (wine prepared from dates) :अ माद पा तरगुणं खाजूरं वातलं गु is inferior in properties than grapes, aggravates Vata, and hard for digestion.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
Phala vrga- (group of fruits):- Grapes benefits: अथ फलवगः ा ा फलो तमा व ृ या च ु या स ृ टमू व ११५ वाद ुपाकरसा ि न धा सकषाया हमा गु ः नह य नल प ता त ता य वमदा ययान ् ११६ त ृ णकास म वास वरभे द त यान ् Draksa (grapes) is best among fruits, is aphrodisiac, good for the eyes, helps elimination of urine and faeces, sweet in taste and the end of digestion, unctous, slightly astringent, cold potency, hard to digest, cures diseases of vata, pitta and rakta;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal; Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables; Annaswaroopa Food
References in Charaka Samhita
Take 100 pala each of kashmarya, amalaki, black pepper, haritaki, vibhitaki, pippali and grapes, add to it 100 pala of old jaggery and two drona of water, then put the mixture in a vessel lined with honey for 7 days in summer or for 14 days in winter for fermentation.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
The patient of pittaja type of chhardi should be given trivrit (Operculina turpethum) along with the juice of draksha (grapes/Vitis vinifera), vidari (Purera tuberosa) and ikshu (sugar-cane/Saccharaum officinarum) for causing downward movement of the morbid matter (laxation).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 20: Vomiting Treatment (Chhardi Chikitsa / छर्दिचिकित्सा)
In pittaja morbid thirst, water mixed with grapes, sandalwood, dates, vetiveria zizanioidis, honey and cold water in which red shali rice, dates, parushaka, blue water lily, grapes, honey and a baked lump of earth have been kept, may be given or water kept in earthen pot in which 64 tola of red shali rice, pounded with lodhra, liquorice, antimony and blue water lily are put and in which a baked clod of clay, water and honey have been integrated.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
For kapha and pitta predominant person madya prepared by grapes and honey is appropriate (to drink) respectively.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
In pitta dosha dominant madatyaya, cool, well suitable liquor prepared of sharkara, mridvika (dried grapes) added with sugar and juice of cassia fistula, dates, grapes, parushaka or pomegranate and mixed with parched grain flour shall be administered.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 20: Vomiting Treatment (Chhardi Chikitsa / छर्दिचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Give ghee, sugarcane juice, grapes, milk, sugar water, or sweet-sour substances to pacify.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 9: Dhumapana Vidhi (Medicated Smoking Therapy)
A decoction of Darvi (Berberis aristata), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Triphala, Draksha (Vitis vinifera, grapes), Jati Pallava (Jasminum grandiflorum shoots), and Yavasa (Alhagi maurorum), mixed with one-sixth part honey, held cold in the mouth, destroys oral ulceration (Mukha Paka) arising from all three Doshas.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10: Gandusha-Kavala Pratisarana Vidhi (Gargling, Oil Pulling and Oral Paste Application)
Darvi and Guduchi are potent anti-inflammatory herbs, Triphala is astringent, grapes and jasmine are cooling, and Yavasa is a demulcent.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10: Gandusha-Kavala Pratisarana Vidhi (Gargling, Oil Pulling and Oral Paste Application)
Grapes (Vitis vinifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), varied pleasant foods, wine (in moderation), Parushaka (Grewia asiatica), and soup made from quail, partridge, rabbit, goat, etc.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 29: Diet for Burning Sensation (Daha Pathyapathyam)
Red rice, barley, green gram (Vigna radiata), wheat (Triticum aestivum), tortoise meat, soup from arid-land animals, grapes (Vitis vinifera), wood apple (Limonia acidissima), and coconut (Cocos nucifera) are recommended.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 30: Diet for Insanity (Unmada Pathyapathyam)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 9: Dhumapana Vidhi (Medicated Smoking Therapy); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10: Gandusha-Kavala Pratisarana Vidhi (Gargling, Oil Pulling and Oral Paste Application); Parishishtam, Chapter 29: Diet for Burning Sensation (Daha Pathyapathyam); Parishishtam, Chapter 30: Diet for Insanity (Unmada Pathyapathyam)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Draksha (grapes), audra, chandana (sandalwood), yashtimadhu (licorice), yoshit-tira, and rajyanka — ground to a paste with ghee, these are recommended for tarpana (eye nourishment), seka (irrigation), and nasya (nasal therapy).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Or with grapes, madhuka, and kushtha combined with saindhava;
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
or with rodhra, saindhava, mridvika (grapes), madhuka, and goat's milk.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
Or with madhuka, utpala, kushtha, grapes, laksha, and sugar — boiled with saindhava, it destroys pain and redness.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
Decoctions for Vata fever: Pippali (long pepper), Sariva, Draksha (grapes), Shatapushpa (dill), and Harenuka boiled with jaggery destroy Vata-type fever.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.