- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe (South), Asia (West)
- Sanskrit
- Draksha
- Other names
- Druivenpitolie, Rozijn
Europe · Food · № 245
Vitis vinifera
Food · Europe
Grape
Vitis vinifera
Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, laxative, cooling, stomachic, diuretic; for bilious indigestion, bleeding, painful urination, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, gout; juice for constipation in children.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
According to digestive capacity; grape juice; raisins; seed oil or seed powder.
Use in traditions
The grapevine has been grown for 8,000 years in the Caucasus and the Middle East. In the Egyptian papyri wine is the vehicle for many medicines. In Ayurveda (draksha) and Unani medicine (munaqqa) raisins are a cooling, mildly laxative remedy for thirst and cough. Grape seed extract is now being studied for vein problems. Sanskrit name: Draksha. In herbal magic associated with prosperity and fertility.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Soothing, laxative, cooling, stomachic, diuretic; for bilious indigestion, bleeding, painful urination, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, gout; juice for constipation in children; raisins for thirst in fever, cough, jaundice; leaf and seed for diarrhoea.
Preparation and amount
According to digestive capacity; grape juice; raisins; seed oil or seed powder.
Everyday Ayurveda
Attributed effects
Mildly laxative (in constipation), especially black raisins; promote healthy hair.
Preparation and amount
10–15 soaked raisins (or 5–8 large black ones) with a pinch of rock salt before bed; as a snack.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Light carrier oil that does not feel greasy.
Preparation and amount
External: oil in patchouli cleanser, acne oil, massage oil for couples and for sore muscles.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Prosperity, fertility.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Fruit bowl, fruit salad; white grape juice for smoothies.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Herbal oil (oil infusion)Powder and kitchen