I want to use an Ayurvedic medicine (syrup) for which I need guidance. It is called Bhringrajasav (for healthy hair). It contains the ingredients as shown in the below image. But this medicine is an “Asav / Asava”, a type/form of Ayurvedic medicine.
Asavas are prepared by fermentation of fresh herbal juices. Asavas are self-generated herbal fermentation of traditional Ayurvedic system. They are alcoholic medicament prepared by allowing the herbal juices or their decoctions to undergo fermentation with added sugars.
More information in the below link about Asava.
https://rjppd.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2022-14-4-13
This Asava medicine which I want to use has “self generated alcohol not more than 12% v/v”.
[[Each 10 ml Contains:
Beringaraj Kadha (Eclipta alba, Pl.) – 8.1 ml, Harad (Terminalia chebula Pl-127 mg Piper longum, Fr.), Jaiphala Myristica fragrans, Sd.), Lavang (5/27m naticum, Fl. Bd.), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Bk.), Elaichi badi (Amomum tum, Sd.), Tejpatra (Cinnamomum tamala, Lf.), Nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea, -32mg each; Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa, Fl.) – 253 mg, Asav Base-Q.S., Permitted Preservatives & Excipients – Q.S. ]]
Please let me know if this is Halal or not?
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah,
Asavas are traditional Ayurvedic medicinal preparations that are produced through a natural fermentation process. They are made by fermenting fresh herbal juices or their decoctions with added sugars, such as jaggery or honey. This fermentation is self-generated, meaning that it occurs naturally without the addition of external yeast or artificial agents.
During this process, the natural microbes present in the ingredients convert the sugars into mild alcohol, which acts as a preservative and enhances the medicinal properties of the herbs. This alcohol content helps in better absorption of the herbal compounds in the body. Asavas are considered potent formulations in Ayurveda, used to treat various ailments while maintaining their effectiveness over a long period.
This means that the source of sugars for the alcohol present in the final concoction is from honey or sugercane. Such alcohol, for the purpose of Halal Suitability is categorized as non-khamr and has its own rules. (See: https://ilmhub.com/alcohol-in-consumer-products-when-present-as-an-inactive-ingredient/)
The remaining ingredients in this particular ayurvedic medicine seem fine.
Here are the ingredients in English:
Bhringraj Decoction (Eclipta alba, Plant) – 8.1 ml
Harad (Terminalia chebula, Fruit) – 127 mg
Long Pepper (Piper longum, Fruit)
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans, Seed)
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum, Flower Bud)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Bark)
Greater Cardamom (Amomum subulatum, Seed)
Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala, Leaf)
Ceylon Ironwood (Mesua ferrea) – 32 mg
Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa, Flower) – 253 mg
Asava Base – Q.S.
Permitted Preservatives & Excipients – Q.S.
It seems that Dhataki is being used as a natural source of yeast for the fermentation in the Asava base. Another ingredient Nutmeg is mentioned which can contribute to the intoxicating nature of the final concoction as well.
Under normal circumstances such elements which will have high percentages of non-khamr alcohol will only be permissible when taken in very low %age. SANHA’s threshold for this in the final product of consumption is 0.5% (See : https://ilmhub.com/sanha-on-thresh-hold-of-alcohol-content-in-consumer-products/)
In this particular medicine, the 12% v/v is being diluted with equal part water, which would render final % of alcohol in each dosage to be at 6% v/v. This is very high.
Hence, consumption of this syrup in itself would be impermissible without genuine need. However, since it is being used as medication at the dosages of 3 tsp. or 6 tsp., the actual non-khamr alcohol intake from a dosage will be about 1.8ml of alcohol which is about 1/10th the level of a regular haram alcohol drink. At this level, there is no expectation of any intoxication.
Since, it is non-khamr alcohol, and since it is being used as genuine medication, it will be permissible without karahiya to take this syrup. Make sure to follow the guidelines to dilute it and drink. Moreover, if you perceive that no results are forthcoming from the medicine for the intended purpose, abstain from it altogether and adopt taqwa and tawakkul upon Allah.
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi