Lodhra
lodhra
Lodhra is a traditional medicine used by Ayurvedic practitioners. Roots, bark, leaves of this plant are used for medicinal purposes. But it is the stem that has properties like anti-inflammatory, astringent and cooling. It also has anti-oxidant, wound healing and anti-diabetic effects. It helps to manage diseases like menorrhagia, leucorrhea, diarrhea and dysentery[2].
What are the synonyms of Lodhra?
Symplocos racemosa, Rodhra, Paittka lodhra, Sabara Lodhra, Tirita, Mugam, Symplocos bark, Lodhar, Lodha, Pachotti, Vellilathi, Vellilothram, Lodhuga, Lodh, Lodhpathani[1].
What is the source of Lodhra?
Plant Based
Benefits of Lodhra
FAQs about Lodhra benefits
1. Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Lodhra balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day.
b. Repeat daily to control the symptoms of menorrhagia.
2. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Lodhra is useful in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day.
b. Repeat daily to control the symptoms of leucorrhea.
3. Epistaxis
Hemorrhage or bleeding from the nose is called epistaxis. According to Ayurveda, nasal bleeding indicates aggravation of Pitta dosha. Lodhra is a useful herb which helps to control epistaxis. This is because of its Grahi (absorbent) property that helps in thickening of blood to stop hemorrhage (bleeding). It also helps reduce inflammation due to its Sita (cold) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day.
b. Repeat daily to control the symptoms of epistaxis.
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Lodhra balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day.
b. Repeat daily to control the symptoms of menorrhagia.
2. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Lodhra is useful in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day.
b. Repeat daily to control the symptoms of leucorrhea.
3. Epistaxis
Hemorrhage or bleeding from the nose is called epistaxis. According to Ayurveda, nasal bleeding indicates aggravation of Pitta dosha. Lodhra is a useful herb which helps to control epistaxis. This is because of its Grahi (absorbent) property that helps in thickening of blood to stop hemorrhage (bleeding). It also helps reduce inflammation due to its Sita (cold) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day.
b. Repeat daily to control the symptoms of epistaxis.
Precautions when using Lodhra
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
People prone to gastrointestinal problems should avoid the consumption of Lodhra in excess or on an empty stomach. It may cause nausea, abdominal heaviness, constipation[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Although taking Lodhra in food amounts is safe, it should not be consumed for a long duration during pregnancy. So, it is generally advised to avoid Lodhra consumption or to consult your doctor before taking Lodhra or its supplements during pregnancy[3].
Recommended Dosage of Lodhra
- Lodhra Powder - ½-1 teaspoon twice a day.
How to use Lodhra
1. Lodhra Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day.
b. Take it after meals.
2. Lodhra water decoction
Take 10-20 teaspoons (about 50-100 ml) Lodhra water decoction in divided doses during the day.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day.
b. Take it after meals.
2. Lodhra water decoction
Take 10-20 teaspoons (about 50-100 ml) Lodhra water decoction in divided doses during the day.
Benefits of Lodhra
1. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Lodhra is useful in leucorrhea when used as a vaginal wash. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 cups of water in a pot.
b. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
c. Boil until less than half the water remains in the pot.
d. Filter the decoction using a strainer.
e. Cool to lukewarm and wash the genital area once or twice a day.
2. Wound healing
Lodhra helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also reduces the inflammation and gives a cooling effect due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
b. Add some rose water to it.
c. Apply on the skin and let it to dry.
d. Once dried, wash with lukewarm water.
e. Repeat daily for quick healing of the wound.
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Lodhra is useful in leucorrhea when used as a vaginal wash. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 cups of water in a pot.
b. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
c. Boil until less than half the water remains in the pot.
d. Filter the decoction using a strainer.
e. Cool to lukewarm and wash the genital area once or twice a day.
2. Wound healing
Lodhra helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also reduces the inflammation and gives a cooling effect due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
b. Add some rose water to it.
c. Apply on the skin and let it to dry.
d. Once dried, wash with lukewarm water.
e. Repeat daily for quick healing of the wound.
Recommended Dosage of Lodhra
- Lodhra Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per requirement.
How to use Lodhra
1. Lodhra Paste
A. For skin problems
i. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some rose water to it.
iii. Apply on the skin and leave it to dry.
iv. Once dried, wash with lukewarm water.
v. Repeat this to manage skin problems.
B. For eye problems
i. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some butter or ghee to it and make a smooth paste.
iii. Apply the paste on the eyelid or waterline for some time to get rid of itching and pain in the eyes.
C. Oral disorders
i. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some honey to make a paste.
iii. Apply on gums or ulcers and keep it for some time.
2. Lodhra Decoction
A. For vaginal discharge
i. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add 1-2 cup of water to it.
iii. Boil till less than half water remains.
iv. Filter the decoction using a strainer.
v. Let it cool a bit and apply on the vagina.
vi. Prepare fresh decoction for every application.
A. For skin problems
i. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some rose water to it.
iii. Apply on the skin and leave it to dry.
iv. Once dried, wash with lukewarm water.
v. Repeat this to manage skin problems.
B. For eye problems
i. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some butter or ghee to it and make a smooth paste.
iii. Apply the paste on the eyelid or waterline for some time to get rid of itching and pain in the eyes.
C. Oral disorders
i. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some honey to make a paste.
iii. Apply on gums or ulcers and keep it for some time.
2. Lodhra Decoction
A. For vaginal discharge
i. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add 1-2 cup of water to it.
iii. Boil till less than half water remains.
iv. Filter the decoction using a strainer.
v. Let it cool a bit and apply on the vagina.
vi. Prepare fresh decoction for every application.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Lodhra is mainly found in the north-east India - Assam and Pegu regions.
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra can be used to manage PCOS. PCOS is a condition where the eggs do not mature and release from the ovary. There is an increase in testosterone level. It decreases the level of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Lodhra has anti-androgenic effect that helps to reduce the level of testosterone in these patients. It helps to restore the level of female hormones that lead to maturation and release of eggs from the ovary[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra can be used in the management of leucorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge). Lodhra has antimicrobial activity. It inhibits the growth of micro-organisms involved in the vaginal infection. Lodhra also has anti-inflammatory, astringent and cooling properties[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra can be used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding. It has astringent and hemostatic properties. It constricts the blood vessels and controls bleeding[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra can be used in case of bleeding piles. It has astringent and hemostatic properties. It helps in thickening of blood to control bleeding. It also constricts the blood vessels and reduces bleeding[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra can be used to manage diarrhea. It has antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal and astringent properties. Lodhra bark promotes digestion and controls intestinal secretions[3][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra helps to control epistaxis (nose bleeding). It has astringent and hemostatic properties. It helps in thickening of the blood to control hemorrhage or bleeding. It also reduces inflammation and bleeding by constricting the blood vessels[5].
Ayurvedic View
Sometimes Lodhra powder can cause constipation because of its Grahi (absorbent) and Kashaya (astringent) properties. It makes the stool little hard and leads to constipation.
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra can be used in the management of leucorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge). Lodhra has antimicrobial activity. It inhibits the growth of micro-organisms involved in the vaginal infection. Lodhra also has anti-inflammatory, astringent and cooling properties. Thus, it provides a soothing effect when applied in the form of vaginal wash[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra is useful in cleaning the wound as well as in wound healing. It has antimicrobial activity that prevents infection of the wound. Lodhra has anti-inflammatory, astringent and cooling properties. It controls bleeding and produces a soothing effect[3][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Lodhra can be used to treat swollen, spongy and bleeding gums. It has anti-inflammatory property that reduces swelling. The astringent property helps to control bleeding. It also produces a cooling and soothing effect on the gums[4].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Johnson T, Krishnakumar K, Dineshkumar B.Phyto-pharmacological review of Symplocos racemosa bark.J.Bio.Innov.2018;7(4):611-617.
- WHO. Lodhra powder for leucorrhoea.Traditional Herbal Remedies for Primary Health Care.2010.
- Bhusnar HU, Nagore DH, Nipanikar SU. Phytopharmacological profile of Symplocos racemosa: A review. Pharmacologia.2014;5(2):76-83.
- Mishra N, Rajput PS, Mishra RC. Evaluation of shonitsthapan mahakashaya. WJPR.2017;6(3):334-341.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.