Lodhra (Symplocos Racemosa) Herb: Ayurvedic Benefits & Uses

Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) is a time-honored herb in Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its powerful astringent, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. The name “Lodhra” literally means “that which makes the body firm,” reflecting its ability to tone and strengthen bodily tissues (dhatus), especially the rakta (blood) and shukra (reproductive) dhatus.Revered in classical texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Lodhra is extensively used in the management of yoni vyapad (gynecological disorders), rakta pitta (bleeding disorders), prameha (urinary issues), and various skin diseases.

Its Kashaya rasa (astringent taste), shita virya (cooling potency), and laghu (light) and ruksha (dry) qualities make it especially effective in pacifying aggravated Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Traditionally, the bark of the Lodhra tree is used in powdered form, decoctions, or combined with other herbs like Ashoka, Daruharidra, and Amalaki to enhance its therapeutic potential.

It is commonly prescribed in formulations for leucorrhea, menorrhagia, acne, inflammation, and oral health problems. Modern research has also validated its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

Note: As with any Ayurvedic herb, the use of Lodhra should be guided by proper diagnosis and understanding of the individual’s constitution (prakriti), imbalances (vikriti), and the herb’s action on the doshas.

Vernacular Name

Lodhra is known by various vernacular names across different regions of India, reflecting its widespread traditional use.

Botanical Name:

Sanskrit Names:

• Lodhra
• Tilvaka
• Rodhra
• Samanga

Vernacular Names (Regional Names):

• Hindi & Bengali: Lodhra, Lodha, Lodh
• English: Symplocos tree, Lodh tree, Symplocos bark
• Telugu: Lodhuga
• Tamil: Belli lotai, Velli leti, Vellilathi, Vellilothram
• Gujarati: Lodhara, Lodhar
• Malayalam: Pachotti
• Kannada: Pachettu, Lodhra
• Oriya (Odia): Lodho
• Assamese: Mugam
• Marathi: Lodha, Lodhra
• Punjabi: Lodhar
• Urdu: Lodh, Lodh Pattani

Ayurvedic Properties of Lodhra

Rasa (Taste):

• Kashaya (Astringent)
• Tikta (Bitter)

Guna (Qualities):

• Laghu (Lightness)
• Rooksha (Dryness)

Veerya (Potency):

Vipaka (Post-digestive effect):

• Katu (Pungent) — undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion

Effect on Tridosha

Pharmacological Actions

• Haemostatic (Stops bleeding)
• Coagulant (Promotes blood clotting)
• Astringent
• Anti-inflammatory

Part Used & Dosage

Parts Used: Stem bark, flower

Dosage:

• Stem bark powder: 1–3 grams per day in divided doses
• Water decoction (kashayam): 50–100 ml per day in divided doses
• Seed powder: 1–5 grams

Varieties of Lodhra and Their Uses

Bhāvaprakāśa Nighantu (Bh. P. Ni):

• Lodra: The commonly referred variety of Lodhra is used primarily for its astringent and hemostatic properties in Ayurveda. It is effective in treating bleeding disorders, diarrhea, and inflammation.
• Pattika Lodra: Considered a variant with similar therapeutic properties but often specified for particular formulations or regional usage. It may differ slightly in potency or preferred application depending on classical texts.

Dhanvantari Nighantu (Dh. Ni):

• Lodhra: Generally synonymous with the above, representing the standard medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic practice.
• Kramuka: Sometimes identified as a different variety or species closely related to Lodhra, it might possess subtle differences in chemical composition or medicinal effects. Used similarly but could be preferred for specific dosages or formulations based on classical guidelines.

Sanskrit Synonyms of Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa)

Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) in Samhitas

Charaka Samhita

• Mentions Lodhra as a key ingredient in Sonitasthapana (hemostatic), Puriṣa-saṅgrahaṇīya (anti-diarrheal), Sandhanīya mahākāśayas (wound healing decoctions), and Kaṣāya-skandha groups.
• Used in formulations for treating raktapitta (bleeding disorders), kustha (skin diseases), vrana (wounds), kāsa (cough), amatisāra (diarrhea), svetapradara (leucorrhea), and netraroga (eye disorders).

Sushruta Samhita

• Highlights Lodhra’s effectiveness in raktapitta, prameha (urinary disorders), and atisāra (diarrhea).
• Includes Lodhra in formulations used for sannipāta-svāyathu (complex systemic disorders).
• Mentions two varieties of Rodhra: Rodhra-yugma (pair) — the red variety (Rodhra) and white variety (Rodhraka/Svetarodhra).

Ashtanga Hridaya (Vāgbhaṭa)

• Lists Lodhra as effective for prameha, raktapitta, netravikāras (eye diseases), and atisāra.
• Uses Lodhra in formulations to treat ekānga-sopha (localized inflammation or swelling).
• Specifically indicates the white variety (Svetarodhra) for the treatment of eye diseases.

Key Textual References for Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa)

Summary of Historical References

• Charaka emphasized its hemostatic, wound-healing, antidiarrheal, and astringent roles.
• Sushruta and Vāgbhaṭa recognized two main types—Rodhraka (red) and Śuṭa Rodhra (white)—with the latter used for eye afflictions.
• Bhāvaprakāśa highlights its thick bark (sthūla-valkala) and its actions against bleeding, fever, diarrhea, and inflammation.
• Various Nighantus across eras maintained these uses, listing multiple Sanskrit synonyms and properties.
• Contemporary analysis upholds its efficacy in bleeding, gastrointestinal, ocular, gynecological, and inflammatory conditions.

Major Chemical Constituents of Lodhra

• Lodhra contains important bioactive compounds including symposide and (-) epifzelechin.
• Other constituents are loturine, loturidine, and colloturine.
• The bark specifically yields colloturine, harman, and loturidine.
• The stem bark contains proanthocyanidin-3-monoglucofuranosides of 7-O-methyl and 4-O-methyl-leucopelargonidin.
• The whole plant contains various glycosides.
• These compounds contribute to Lodhra’s therapeutic properties.

(Reference: Illustrated Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II, by Dr JLN Shastry)

Lodhra Health Benefits and Uses

Topical application:

• Paste of the bark is applied to localized swelling and wounds to promote healing.
• Paste applied on eyelids to treat conjunctivitis (eye inflammation).
• Paste is applied to relieve itching, rashes, and insect bites.

Internal use:

• Decoction of bark (50-60 ml in divided doses) is used to treat diarrhea and bleeding piles by constricting small blood vessels and controlling bleeding.
• Cold infusion or decoction (50-60 ml) is given to manage uterine bleeding disorders.
• Cold infusion from flowers (30-40 ml) is administered to treat cough and fever.

Ear conditions:

• Powdered bark sprinkled or gently blown into the ear to control discharge and infections.

External Application of Lodhra

1. Bleeding Disorders

• External application of lodhra powder acts as a haemostatic, helping stop bleeding.
  (Reference: Sushruta Samhita 14/36)

2. Acne, Blemishes, White and Blackheads

• Paste of lodhra and sphatika applied on acne reduces inflammation.
• For pimples, a paste of lodhra, dhanyaka, and vaca is effective.
• Its astringent properties help clear blemishes and dry up acne quickly.
  (References: Ashtanga Samgraha U 37/5; Vagbhata 57/34)

3. Ulcers and Wounds

• Powder of dhataki and lodhra promotes wound healing.
• Paste made of lodhra, nyagrodha bud, khadira, triphala, and ghrta softens wounds.
• The application of fine powder of lodhra bark also aids wound healing.
  (References: Charaka Chi 25/67-68, 25/110, 13/111)

4. Oral Disorders

• In dantavesta (bleeding gums), after bleeding stops, apply a paste of lodhra, pattanga, madhuka, and laksa mixed with honey.
• For dental caries (Saushira), apply paste of lodhra, musta, and rasanjana with honey post-bleeding.
  (References: Charaka Danta)

5. Eye Disorders

• Varthmaroga: Apply white lodhra paste after anointing with butter.
• Sudhasukra: Seka (eye wash) with lodhra potali dipped in tepid water.
• Abhisyanda (conjunctivitis): Apply white lodhra and madhuka fried in ghee, softened with breast milk.
• Sushkakshipaka (dry eyes): Use white lodhra fried in ghee for eye wash.
• Daha, Kandu, Sula (burning, itching, pain): Eye drops with lodhra fried in ghee and mixed with rock salt.
• Sarvakshiroga: Apply sabara lodhra fried in ghee as a paste on eyelids.
• Netrarogas: Eye drops made from putapakwa lodhra wrapped in nimba leaves and mixed with a woman’s milk.

(References: Ashtanga Hridaya U 9/11, 11/39, 16/16, 16/32; Vagbhata 61/26; Charaka Ci 26/233; Charaka Danta 59/11)

6. Vaginal Infection, Injury, Postpartum Infection

• Powdered tumbi leaves and lodhra bark paste are applied vaginally for infections and injuries.
  (Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

7. Skin Disorders

• Paste of lodhra, dhataki, indrayava, karanja, and jati is useful as a scrub in Kustha (skin diseases).
  (Reference: Charaka Ci 7/95)

8. Facial Care

• Lodhra kwatha (decoction) is used as a face wash to remove discoloration (nilika), dryness (mukhasosha), pimples (pidaka), freckles (vyanga), and facial bleeding disorders (raktapitta).
  (Reference: Sushruta Samhita)

Internal Usage of Lodhra (Abhyantara Prayoga)

1. Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)

• Lodhra is effective in checking hemorrhage and controlling bleeding. (Reference: Charaka Samhita Ci 4/73-77)

2. Pravahika (Dysentery)

• Lodhra, combined with curd, is useful in treating dysentery. (Reference: Bhavaprakasha Ci 2/120)

3. Svetapradara (Leucorrhea)

• Lodhra kalka (paste) taken with Nyagrodha kwatha (decoction) helps in managing leucorrhea. (Reference: Charaka Samhita Ci 30/115)

4. Chalita Garbha (Threatened miscarriage)

• Lodhra powder, honey, and pippali powder, along with milk, administered during the 7th-8th month of pregnancy, alleviate abortive tendencies. (Reference: Harita Samhita)

5. Jwara (Fever)

• Decoction of lodhra, utpala, guduchi, kamala, and sariva or parpata mixed with sugar helps relieve pittaja jwara (fever caused by Pitta imbalance). (Reference: Classical texts)

Ayurvedic Medicines with Lodhra Ingredient

1. Lodhrasavam

• Ingredients: Lodhra bark, sugar, water, and fermenting agents along with other supporting herbs like Haritaki, Amalaki, and Bibhitaki (commonly found in asava preparations).
• Form: Fermented herbal wine (Asava).
• Use: Helps in treating anemia, bleeding disorders, and improves blood quality and digestion.

2. Arimedadi Tailam

• Ingredients: Herbal oils including Lodhra, Arimedadi herbs, sesame oil base, and other oral health-promoting herbs.
• Form: Medicinal oil for oil pulling (Gandusha).
• Use: Strengthens gums, relieves bleeding, and oral infections.

3. Dasamoolarishtam

• Ingredients: Dasamoola group of ten roots, Lodhra, sugar, water, and fermentation media.
• Form: Fermented decoction (Arishta).
• Use: Anti-inflammatory, used for fever, post-delivery care, and respiratory conditions.

4. Ashotone Tablet

• Ingredients: Proprietary mix of herbs including Lodhra, Ashoka, Shatavari, and other uterine tonics.
• Form: Oral tablets.
• Use: Regulates menstrual cycle, reduces heavy bleeding.

5. Lodhra Sevyadi Kashaya Choornam

• Ingredients: Fine powders of Lodhra bark combined with other herbs like Sevyadi (used for skin conditions).
• Form: Microfine powder for decoction or topical use.
• Use: Treats insect bites, allergic skin reactions.

6. Brahamdine Tablet

• Ingredients: Herbal blend containing Lodhra, Brahmi, Ashoka, and others targeting menstrual irregularities.
• Form: Oral tablets.
• Use: Astringent tonic for dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and leucorrhea.

7. Lucap Capsule

• Ingredients: Proprietary herbal mix including Lodhra, herbs for uterine health and postpartum recovery.
• Form: Oral capsules.
• Use: Manages dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and supports postpartum recovery.

8. Mensocare Tablet

• Ingredients: Blend of herbs including Lodhra, Shatavari, Ashoka, and mood stabilizing herbs.
• Form: Oral tablets.
• Use: Manages PMS, mood swings, anxiety, and menstrual irregularities.

FAQ’s

1. What is Lodhra in Ayurveda?

Lodhra is a medicinal tree known for its bark, which has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is mentioned in classical texts for its Stambhana (astringent), Ropana (wound-healing), and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) properties.

2. What are the main uses of Lodhra?

3. Which doshas does Lodhra help balance?

Lodhra is especially effective in pacifying Pitta and Kapha doshas due to its astringent taste (Kashaya Rasa) and cooling nature (Shita Virya).

4. What part of the Lodhra plant is used medicinally?

Primarily, the bark of the Lodhra tree is used in Ayurvedic formulations. It may be administered as a powder (churna), decoction (kwatha), or in compound formulations.

5. Can Lodhra be used for skin problems?

Yes, Lodhra is widely used in treating skin ailments like acne, wounds, boils, and inflammation due to its Ropana (healing) and Shodhana (cleansing) properties. It is often applied externally as a paste or used internally in formulations.

6. Is Lodhra safe during menstruation?

Lodhra is traditionally used to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding and white discharge. However, its use should be personalized, and one should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using it, especially during active menstruation.

7. What is the recommended dosage of Lodhra?

The typical dosage for Lodhra churna (powder) is 1–3 grams, once or twice daily with water or as directed by an Ayurvedic physician. For decoctions, the dose may vary depending on the condition.

8. Are there any side effects of Lodhra?

When used in appropriate doses, Lodhra is generally safe. However, overuse or unsupervised use may lead to excessive dryness or constipation. Individuals with Vata aggravation or chronic dryness should use it cautiously.

9. Can Lodhra be used with other herbs?

Yes, Lodhra is commonly combined with herbs like Ashoka, Daruharidra, Amalaki, and Shatavari to enhance its action, especially in gynecological or skin conditions.

10. Is Lodhra supported by modern research?

Yes, modern studies have confirmed Lodhra’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, aligning with its traditional Ayurvedic uses.

Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) is a time-tested Ayurvedic herb known for its healing, astringent, and Pitta-Kapha balancing properties. When used mindfully, it supports reproductive, skin, and overall health.

References:

• REVIEW OF LODHRA (SYMPLOCOS RACEMOSA ROXB.) -ITS OTHER TYPES AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL(1)
• A comprehensive analysis on Symplocos racemosa Roxb.: Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities(2)
• Unlocking Antioxidant Potential in Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (Lodhra): A Phytochemical Exploration via High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry(3)
• Phytopharmacological Profile of Symplocos racemosa: A Review(4)