Lodhra (Sanskrit Name) or Symplocos Racemosa (Scientific/Latin Name), is a tree found in the northeastern hilly areas of the Indian subcontinent (Nagpur, Manipur) and Burma, whose bark is highly regarded is an ancient healing herb in Ayurvedic system. Lodhra is also known as Lodh, Shavara and Tilva.
The bark of the Lodh tree is considered to have medicinal properties and is used mainly in treating women health-related and liver-related issues. Its bark is also used to make a yellow natural dye. The word “Lodhra” in Sanskrit means “that which makes the body firmer and stronger”.
Lodhra is considered a divyaushadhi which means a “divine herb” or “heavenly medical plant” in Sanskrit. According to Ayurveda, the herbs that belong to the class of herbs called divyaushadhi, contain “a” healing vibration of the divine consciousness. This vibration is primarily responsible for the amazing healing quality of these herbs. It is sheeta (cool) and laghu (light) in nature, which contribute to its pitta pacifying properties. It also balances vata dosha.
Lodhra Properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-androgenic
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-fibrinolytic
- Anti-ulcer
- Astringent
- Expectorant
- Hypolipidemic
- Refrigent
- Stomachic
- Hepatoprotective
- Wound healing
Lodhra Composition
- Colloturine
- Loturidine
- Betulinic Acid
- Symposide
- Oleanolic Acid
- Flavinoids
- Acetyl Oleanolic Acid
- Ellagic Acid
- Loturineetc
Lodhra Benefits and Uses
Lodhra Benefits For Women Health
Lodhra is considered one of the best herbs for healing all kinds of female health-related issues. It is prescribed as a uterine tonic as it relaxes the uterus wall and tissues. It is the It alleviates gynaecological problems like frequent abortions, menorrhagia(excessive bleeding during menstruation) and Leucorrhoea (white discharge) and other uterine bleeding disorders. Lodhra bark decoction is prepared and given with milk for menstrual disorders.
It is especially helpful for postpartum recovery. The powder of Lodhra can be applied in the vaginal area for recovery from vaginal infections and injury after delivery. It provides strength and vigour to the female body.
For curing frequent abortions, Lodhra churna is given with honey, pippali churna and milk in the 7th to 8th month of pregnancy. It normalises and regularises the hormones FSH and LH which regulates the development of reproductive processes of the body. The water content in Lodhra stimulates the female reproductive cycle.
Lodhra has anti-androgenic properties which prevent ovarian cell dysfunction in PCOS and improves fertility. It reduces the testosterone levels which are found on the higher side in PCOS patients. It regulates hormones and restores oestrogen, progesterone and cholesterol levels.
Lodhra Benefits For Beautiful Skin and Skin Disorders
Lodh is an important ingredient in all Ayurvedic skin related products, the reason being its amazing ability to heal bad skin. Aggravated pitta is considered the main reason for tenacious skin disorders like acne, eczema and poor complexion. Due to its pitta balancing properties and sheeta nature, it improves complexion and makes the skin healthier. It enhances the inner glow of the face and makes it more attractive.
Lodhra powder paste, when applied on the skin, clears blemishes, pimples, marks and black and white heads and acne due to its astringent properties. Lepa made from the bark is also very beneficial in curing skin diseases like Leprosy and Eczema.
Lodhra Benefits For Eye Disorders
Lodhra is also very effective in curing eye diseases like conjunctivitis, itching, oedema, and eye burning and pain. The paste of the bark of Lodh is applied over the eyelids to relieve conjunctivitis.
Lodhra Benefits For Healing Wounds and Inflammation
Lepa made from the bark powder, when applied to the injured and inflamed area, decreases the pH of the body leading to faster healing of the wounds. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties also known as ‘Shothahara’, it alleviates pain, swelling and all inflammatory conditions.
Lodhra Benefits For Digestion
Lodhra is considered to have grahi property. Grahi means “enhancing absorption”. The herbs which are grahi, help absorption in the colon as well as other parts of the body. Excess fluids are absorbed, making the body firm and strong. It improves the digestion and its grahi property is helpful in problems like diarrhoea, abdominal inflammation, intestinal paralysis, oedema and bowel complaints.
Lodhra Benefits For Dental Health
The decoction of the bark of Lodhra herb can be used as a mouthwash to stop pyria, bleeding of gums. It makes the gums firm and maintains overall dental health.
Lodhra Benefits For Haemorrhages
It is considered the best herb for raktapitta. Raktapitta including all kinds of bleeding disorders like epistaxis (nasal haemorrhaging), vaginal, anal bleeding, and piles. The reason for raktapitta is high or aggravated pitta in the blood which happens to people with dominant pitta dosha or people who eat too much acidic food resulting in acidic pH of the body. The cool and light nature of Lodhra pacifies raktapitta and alleviates haemorrhaging and all kinds of bleeding disorders. It constricts the smaller blood vessels, controlling bleeding. It is also a great medicine for anaemia.
Lodhra Benefits As A Liver Tonic
Lodhra herb is also considered great for the liver. It clears the toxins from the liver and purifies the blood. Its bark mixed with other herbal decoctions and infusions is also helpful in treating diseases like liver cirrhosis and fatty liver as well as fevers and persistent dysentery.
Lodhra Benefits For Body Strength
Lodhra herb is a Sheet Virya. Sheet means cool and Virya means energy or potency of a herb. It pacifies pitta and vata doshas and increases kapha dosha resulting in providing strength and nourishment to the cells and tissues of the body. It supports the building of bodily fluids and increases the firmness of the body and makes it more appealing.
Lodhra Side Effects
There are very minor side effects of Lodhra if not taken in the correct manner or dosage.
- Consuming lodhra on empty stomach can cause nausea, abdominal heaviness and constipation in people with gastrointestinal issues.
- Since it a herb which is great for balancing female hormones, it reduces testosterone levels so it should be taken by male patients only on the advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner.
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