Unani & Herbal, Decoded

Dashmool Kadha: What Grandmothers Give New Moms (Video)

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Read the full written guide: Dashmool: The Ten Roots, Postpartum Kadha and Real Cautions →

We break down the ten-root dashmool brew that grandmothers serve new mothers, explain what’s actually in it, and point out the safety checks you should make before sipping. The video also clarifies the myths around the fermented arishta version and how to prepare a simple kitchen kadha. If you’re navigating the first weeks after birth, this guide helps you decide whether dashmool fits your routine, and reminds you to talk to a health professional before adding any herbal product.

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Transcript

Forty days of postpartum care, what’s the real role of dashmool?

Forty days of postpartum care, what’s the real role of dashmool?

Discover the real story behind the ten-root brew grandma gives new moms, and why it matters.

The ten roots

Dashmool means ‘ten roots’. Classical texts split them into five big tree roots and five small shrub roots. The bark or stem often replaces the root for sustainability. These roots are traditionally dried and ground into powder.

Postpartum tradition

In many South Asian homes the first forty days after birth, called chilla, are guided by warm foods, oil massages, and a daily cup of dashmool kadha to soothe the body. The kadha is bitter, earthy, and meant to warm the gut.

Myth: arishta is harmless

Dashmoolarishta is a fermented tonic. The sugar from jaggery and dhataki flowers turns into a small amount of alcohol during fermentation, so the label often reads ‘contains self-generated alcohol’. Some families sweeten it with a little jaggery for taste.

Postpartum period

Traditional practice spans forty days, a period believed to let the body settle after delivery. During this time, warm foods and herbal drinks are emphasized. Women often drink it twice a day.

Buy & make kadha

Buy dashmool chips from a reputable maker with a batch number and expiry date. Look for dry, woody pieces free of mold or insects. Rinse quickly, then simmer in a steel pan for twenty minutes, adding a pinch of jaggery if you like. You can store the chips in an airtight jar for months.

Safety checklist

If you’re pregnant, skip dashmool and the arishta unless a doctor says it’s okay. While breastfeeding, avoid the alcoholic arishta and ask a lactation adviser before sipping the kadha. Watch for any rash, sleepiness or poor feeding in the baby. If you notice any stomach upset, stop immediately.

The one tip to remember

The most important step is to ask a qualified health professional before adding any dashmool product to your postpartum routine. That way you stay safe for you and your baby. A quick chat with your midwife can also clear doubts.

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Read the full guide

Read the complete guide on thecareonline.com. This is general information, not medical advice.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.