Dasamoolarishta is a unique combination of ten herbs that if consumed on a regular basis, acts as a wonderful tonic for the body. It can be taken to cure a number of diseases, especially those affecting the vata and kapha. Sarngadhara Samhita, an ancient document on Ayurvedic principles, refers to Dasamoolarishta as a tonic that “nourishes the lean, stimulates the production of Ojas and gives progeny to the childless”.

It is a strong stimulant for the nervous system and can be taken for general weakness and convalescence, fever, arthritis, vomiting and respiratory disorders. It can be also taken in case of loss of appetite and for enhancing the digestive system. It gets rid of the toxins present in the body. It is also advised in case of cardiac ailments, asthma and breathing troubles, cough, pneumonia and anaemia.

‘Dasa’ means ten and ‘moola’ means root. The ten unique roots used to prepare Dasamoolarishta are:

1.    White Moneywort or Chauli (Alysicarpus Vaginalis)

2.    Yellow-berried Nightshade or Kantkari (Solanum Xanthocarpum)

3.    Mountain Knot Grass or Gorakhbuti (Aerva Lanata)

4.    Wood apple or Bel (Aegle Marmelos)

5.    Beechwood or Gamhar (Gmelina Arborea)

6.    Arani (Premna Serratifolia)

7.    Trumpet or Padal (Stereospermum Suaveolens)

8.    Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris)

9.    Indian Trumpet Tree or Shallaka (Oroxylum Indicum )

10. Kantikari (Solanum surratense)

‘Arishta’ means that the herbs are fermented to prepare the medicine. A decoction or fresh juice is extracted out of the herbs and then sweeteners (for example, honey, jaggery, sugar, etc.) are added. Apart from this, fermenting aids such as Dhataki Pushpa, etc. and Prakshepa Churna are mixed with this. This mixture is then left to ferment for 30-60 days. This is then filtered and kept for settling. Dasamoolarishta is also mixed with other arishtas and used for certain diseases.