Usheerasava

Usheerasava is recorded in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali in the chapter on Raktapitta, the classical term for bleeding caused by aggravated Pitta (heat) in the blood. It is built on Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides, khus), one of the most cooling herbs in Ayurveda. What it contains: Ushira with Hrivera, blue and white lotus, Gambhari, Lodhra, Manjishtha, Chirayata, Patola, Jamun and Vata bark, Jatamansi, Musta, sandalwood, Padmaka and other cooling herbs, fermented with raisins, sugar and honey with Dhataki flowers. The table below lists all 27 ingredients. How Ayurveda understands it: Raktapitta is described as excess Pitta heating and thinning the blood so that it escapes, from the nose, gums, urine or as heavy periods. Ushira, lotus, sandalwood and Lodhra are Sheeta (cooling), Dahaprashamana (relieving burning) and Raktastambhaka (staunching bleeding). It is also used for burning feet and palms, excessive thirst and the heat of summer. How to take it: adults take 15–20 ml mixed with an equal amount of water, twice a day after meals. Bleeding needs a diagnosis. Nosebleeds that are heavy or frequent, blood in the urine or stool, bleeding gums with bruising, or very heavy periods can signal blood-pressure, clotting, kidney, gut or gynaecological problems. See a doctor first. Usheerasava is traditional supportive care and has not been tested in large trials. It contains alcohol and sugar.

Classical reference: Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Raktapitta Chikitsa Prakarana).

Adults: 15–20 ml mixed with an equal amount of water, twice a day after meals, or as directed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician. Shake well before use.

Contains self-generated alcohol: not for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, alcohol dependence, liver disease, or with medicines that react with alcohol (alcohol can also worsen bleeding). Contains sugar and honey: people with diabetes should consult a doctor. Heavy or frequent bleeding, blood in urine or stool, or unexplained bruising needs a doctor first. Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning or other medicines. Keep out of reach of children.

What is Usheerasava used for?

Usheerasava is traditionally used in Ayurveda as supportive care in Raktapitta, bleeding tendency from excess heat such as nosebleeds or heavy periods, and for burning sensations, excessive thirst and pallor. It is built on Ushira (vetiver), one of the most cooling herbs. It is a fermented Asava and contains self-generated alcohol.

Does Usheerasava contain alcohol?

Yes. It is made by natural fermentation of herbs with raisins, sugar and honey with Dhataki flowers, which produces self-generated alcohol, typically around 5–10%. Alcohol itself can worsen some bleeding, so people with a bleeding tendency should take it only on medical advice. It is not suitable in pregnancy or for children.

Is Usheerasava good for nosebleeds or heavy periods?

Classical texts use it for Raktapitta, which includes nosebleeds and heavy periods from excess heat. These symptoms can also come from high blood pressure, clotting problems, fibroids or thyroid conditions, so see a doctor. See a doctor first, and get heavy periods checked by a gynaecologist. Usheerasava may then be used as supportive care.

Can Usheerasava reduce body heat and burning feet?

It is traditionally used for Daha, a burning sensation of the body, palms and feet, and for the heat and thirst of summer, because its herbs are strongly cooling. Burning feet can also come from diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency or nerve problems, so see a doctor if it persists.

How do I take Usheerasava?

Adults usually take 15–20 ml mixed with an equal amount of water, twice a day after meals, as your physician directs. Shake the bottle and measure the dose. Classical advice during Raktapitta is to avoid spicy, sour, fried and fermented food, alcohol and too much sun.

What are the side effects of Usheerasava?

Most people tolerate it well. It is cooling, so people with a cold, cough or weak digestion may notice heaviness. It contains alcohol and sugar. Do not stop blood-thinning or other prescribed medicines. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, fainting or blood in the urine or stool.

Is Usheerasava a classical formulation?

Yes. Ushirasava is recorded in the Bhaishajya Ratnavali in the Raktapitta chapter and is included in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. The classical recipe ferments Ushira and about 25 cooling herbs with raisins, sugar and honey with Dhataki flowers. Prachyam's pack lists all 27 ingredients.