Want to Slow Down Ageing? – Use Draksa
Draksa (Common Grape Vine) is one of the best herbs mentioned in all the ayurvedic scriptures. It is considered as a best tonic and anabolic agent in Ayurveda. Draksa is widely used in digestive disorders. It contains flavonoids that are very powerful antioxidants,which can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and slow down ageing. It is sweet and sour in taste,with cold potency. Mainly pacifies the vata pitta dosas.
Botanical Name – Vitis vinifera
Family – Vitaceae
Classical References
Caraka Samhita – Sramahara (relieves fatigue), snehopaga(oleation), virechanopaga (purgative), kanthya (beneficial to throat), brmhaniya(nourishing).
Susruta Samhita – Hrdya (beneficial to heart)
Therapeutic Uses
- Anaemia – For the patients with anaemia and jaundice,water processed with juice of grapes and amalaki is useful. It helps in boosting iron level and balancing mineral levels in the body.
- Constipation –
- Intake of juice of Wine grape with water during night before sleeping.
- Intake of black raisins (dried fruits) of 15 – 20 gm are recommended orally to relieve headache as a result of constipation(due to vitiation of pitta).
- Alcoholism – Cold juice of grape should be given as drink. It act as carminative or intake of raisins(5- 10) at night to reduce the effect of alcohol on body.
- Excessive Thirst – Cold grape juice should be given.(To pacify vata pitta)
- Migraine – Intake of ripe grape juice(without adding water) early in the morning is an important herbal remedy for curing migraines. Grapes contain many antioxidants which can cure migraines.
- Cyst – Intake of haritaki powder mixed with juice of grapes is taken.
- Pain during pregnancy – Intake of draksa taken with honey removes pain.
- Ear Ache – Breast milk boiled with draksa and madhuyasti should be used for ear filling cures earache.
- Tuberculosis – Draksasava is recommended in tuberculosis to regain the weight loss (ie.the raisins as a tonic). It is also effective in bronchitis, bronchial asthma and is commonly used as a general tonic.
- Skin care – Grape seed oil is very effective in the rejuvenation of skin. Apply grape seed oil over the face and wash it after 1 hour provides healthy glow to the skin. This oil has got anti ageing properties.
Ayuvedic Formulations
Drakshasava – Given in injuries, wounds, tuberculosis, intestinal worm infestations.
Draksharista – Used in cough, asthma, bronchitis, colon cleansing.
Drakshadi Vati – Used in burning sensation, dizziness, indigestion.