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Raisins Benefits (Ayurveda Insights)
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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CONSTITUTIONAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS

Recipes with Raisins: Roasted Pears & Raisins
Recipes with Raisins: Roasted Pears & Raisins
Raisins offer a warm, nourishing boost that's both grounding and easy on the stomach. Their natural sweetness delivers quick energy without overwhelming digestion, making them a smart choice during times of fatigue or recovery.

Packed with iron and antioxidants, raisins help build and replenish the blood.

Their high fiber supports regular elimination. As a dried fruit however, drink plenty of liquids when you eat them.

Read about grapes

About Raisins

Grapes are considered a superior fruit to all others in Ayurvedic. They are an important tonic (rasayana) for late summer. Grapes have been a sign of abundance since Greek times. The Greek God or agriculture, Dionysus, is often portrayed with a crown of grape leaves and wine, "the fruit of the vine". Grapes play an important role in many religions as well, especially Christianity, where wine is used in the Last Supper and also symbolizes the blood of Christ. Cultivation of grapes began in the near east aroudn 6-8,000 B.C.

Buying & Preparation

Look for raisins that are moist, not dried out.

Cooking Raisins

Throw them in a soup. Chop and add to a salad. This versatile ingredient tastes great in every situation.

Whether eaten alone or added to meals, they bring gentle strength and steady nourishment to the body.

Learn about the health benefits of raisins for FREE

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Are Raisins a Good Match for My Body?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Raisins' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

Constitutional nutrition is tailored to the individual. In the kitchen, especially during your family’s formative years, you shape your family's lifelong health.

Understanding your child's constitution is key to raising resilience, instead of wiring in disease. Study constitutional medicine to discover the keys to personalized nourishment.

Rooted in the insights curated from Ayurveda and Greek medicine, constitutional medicine teaches you which foods match your body, so you and your family have true vitality, strength, and balance. See How it Works.

Medicinal Effects of Raisins

Constitutional nutrition systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, hebs, lifestyle choices, your body, and disease.

METABOLIC NATURE / BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (vital qualtiies). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

HEAVY

ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

SOUR

ABOUT SOUR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUR

AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

Other Health Virtues

Tissue (dhatu):
Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

SEE ALL 'RED-BLOOD' FOODS / HERBS

Family:
Vitaceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Raisins
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Bowel Health:
High Fiber Laxative

HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVE

A class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools. The large size of the stool stimulates peristalsis so the stool can pass more easily through the colon. It is important to drink plenty of water when using high fiber laxatives, as they can be dehydr

SEE ALL 'HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:
Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Tonic

TONIC

A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.

SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antioxidant

ANTIOXIDANT

An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.

SEE ALL 'ANTIOXIDANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Blood Tonic

BLOOD-TONIC

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Liver & Gallbladder:
Livotonic

LIVOTONIC

An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.

SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:

Foods with a Similar Nature to Raisins

  • Carrot

    Carrot has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Nutritive, Alterative, High-fiber-laxative, Tonic, Antioxidant, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Grape

    Grape has these Actions in Common

    Livotonic, Blood-tonic, Nutritive, Alterative, High-fiber-laxative, Tonic, Antioxidant

    LEARN MORE

  • Dates (dried)

    Dates (dried) has these Actions in Common

    High-fiber-laxative, Tonic, Alterative, Livotonic, Blood-tonic, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Currants (dried)

    Currants (dried) has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Livotonic, Antioxidant, Nutritive, Blood-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Goji Berry

    Goji Berry has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Blood-tonic, Stimulates-energy, Livotonic, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Prunes (dried)

    Prunes (dried) has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, High-fiber-laxative, Antioxidant, Nutritive, Blood-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Watermelon

    Watermelon has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Livotonic, Antioxidant, Nutritive, Blood-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Yam

    Yam has these Actions in Common

    Blood-tonic, Nutritive, High-fiber-laxative, Alterative, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Coconut Flakes

    Coconut Flakes has these Actions in Common

    Livotonic, Tonic, Nutritive, Blood-tonic, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Coconut Cream

    Coconut Cream has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Blood-tonic, Stimulates-energy, Livotonic, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Raisins

  • Amalaki

    Amalaki has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Antioxidant, Blood-tonic, Nutritive, Stimulates-energy, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam

    Chyavanprash Nutritive Jam has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Blood-tonic, Nutritive, Stimulates-energy, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Tonic, Alterative, Antioxidant, Blood-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Ashwagandha

    Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

    Antioxidant, Blood-tonic, Nutritive, Tonic, Alterative

    LEARN MORE

  • Anantamul

    Anantamul has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Blood-tonic, Livotonic, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Vidari

    Vidari has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Tonic, Alterative, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic

    Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Livotonic, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Pitta Massage Oil

    Pitta Massage Oil has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Blood-tonic, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Bala Taila

    Bala Taila has these Actions in Common

    Antioxidant, Nutritive, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Maca

    Maca has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Stimulates-energy, Tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Guduchi

    Guduchi has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Livotonic, Tonic

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

how to use Raisins Ayurvedically

A typical daily serving of raisins for general health is 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 grams)) per day. This amount provides beneficial nutrients and gentle energy without overloading digestion or blood sugar levels. Adjust based on individual needs and tolerance.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Raisins may temper these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Raisins may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Diabetes or blood sugar issues: Raisins are high in natural sugars and can raise blood glucose levels, so consumption should be monitored.

Gastrointestinal sensitivity: High fiber content may cause digestive discomfort, gas, or diarrhea in sensitive individuals if eaten in excess.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Raisins. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Autumn-Winter

Raisins is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
VIEW ALL AUTUMN-WINTER FOODS MORE FOODS FOR VATA / PITTA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

Constitutional Nutrition: Strengthen Your Health Naturally

When your dietary choices align with your individual nature (constitution), it supports your metabolism, energy, and health naturally. A personalized diet, fitting to your constitution, leverages your natural strengths while gently supporting your body where it's vulnerable.

Constitutional nutrition is especially beneficial for digestion, a foundational pillar of health influencing your entire well-being. Balanced digestion fortifies your body's natural defenses against illness and enhances your resilience when illness does arise. A healthy digestive fire (*agni*) eases discomfort, speeds recovery, and naturally uplifts your mood.

By embracing constitutional nutrition, you will soon experience a profound sense of renewal, vitality, and inner strength.

CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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Comments & Impressions of 'Raisins'

Do you like 'raisins'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'raisins'?

(4.50 out of 5 stars) 2 ratings, 296 likes
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Jan Willem Sturgeon, PD
2018-12-22
“Should the raisins be soaked in water?"
Like Reply
Jan Willem Sturgeon, PD
2018-12-22
“I am still vata and I sometimes crave raisins after eating chicken. Usually, my lips are very dry after chicken for a day or 2. But lately, I take pink salt and some apple cider Vinegar with my meal I feel better.Then I crave lots of raisins and salt after the meal. After eating it I don't seem to get that thirsty or dry lips for the next 2 days as I used to..."
Like Reply
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2018-12-28
“It's generally a good idea for Vata types to soak dried fruit for a few hours before eating."
Like Reply
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