Lodhra- A Single Remedy For Different Ailments

In Ayurveda, Symplocos racemosa is known As Lodhra, Tirita, Kaaneen / Kanina, Tilvaka and Santarodbhava. It is also known as Tilak as it is used for applying Tilak / Teeka mark on the forehead.It is mainly used in bleeding disorders, diarrhoea and eye disorders. Its reference in Ayurveda are found since the time of Sushruta. Lodhra is an important medicinal tree of India. It is used in Ayurveda, since ancient times for treatment of variety of disorders. Lodhra was given by Charak and Sushruta both internally and externally, for bleeding disorders, persistent dysentery, menstrual and urinary disorders, obstinate skin diseases, acute constipation, piles, abdominal inflammation, intestinal paralysis, dropsy etc.

Lodhra is described in classical Ayurvedic texts as absorbent, stomachic, refrigerant, astringent, expectorant and hemostatic. It is used as ingredient into the composition of various pastes which are applied to inflamed skin conditions as it promote the maturation and resolution of stagnant humors.

In fevers, dysentery and liver complaints compound decoctions and infusions of Lodhra along with other ingredients are used. For dysentery a compound powder containing Liquorice root, Katphala / Kaiphal / Myrica Nagi bark, and pomegranate rind in equal proportions to the Lodhra bark is made and given.

Benefits :

• Lodhra Tree bark has been traditionally used as an uterine tonic.
• Numerous references attest to its value in maintaining optimum health in women. Additionally, the tree and its formulations have been effective in controlling bleeding and digestive disorders.
• It is said to have anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant properties.
• May support healthy uterine health.
• May support healthy digestion.

According to Ayurvedic texts the main indication of lodhra is to maintain the pitta (Agni) and the kapha (phelgum) in the body. Lodhra contains khashay ras (Astringent) due to this it's formulations made from the bark are generally used to soothe the pitta and its ill effects in our body.

• Lodhra is especially used to improve the women's health.
• In diseases like Menorraghia (excessive bleeding during menstrual cycle), it is highly effective as it relaxes the uterine tissues and acts on the relaxed mucus membranes.
• Lodhra has proved to be very useful in disease like leucorrhoea (white discharge).
• Lodhra is even prescribed to the women's after their delivery.
• Lodhra helps to detoxify the blood.
• Lodhra is indicated in eye disease, powder formation of its bark along with ghee is used in eyes.
• Lodhra helps in maintain the shape of the body.
• It is clearly referred in Ayurvedic texts that Lodhra helps in making the body attractive and skin glow.
• Due to its Grahi (absorption enhancing) property it is used in clotting and in diseases like diarrhoea.
• Lodhra is Grahi ( absorption enhancing) Sheeta ( cooling ) and Laghu ( light ) which itself is a unique combination, which makes it very useful in reducing inflammation and heaviness in the body.
• Lodhra is used in epistaxis (raktpitta ), the people who have high pitta generally experiences nose bleeding, the Grahi (absorbing ) quality of lodhra helps in thickening of blood to stop haemorrhaging (bleeding).
• Lodhra lepa (paste) form is used to treat the skin diseases like leprosy.
• Combination of sugar, ghee and a paste of lodhra leaves are used to treat cough.
• Powdered formation of the bark lodhra is used to heal wounds. Lodhra actually lowers the PH of the body; due to which inflammation process is fasten which gradually leads to increased wound healing process.

Direction for use :
Powder : Take 3 gms powder, 1 to 2 times a day or as advised by the physician.