Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Dhataki धातकी
Woodfordia fruticosa · Lythraceae
Also known as: Dhai Phool, Fire Flame Bush, Dhay Phool, Dhay Ke Phool
Part used: Flower
Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) is a shrub whose red flowers serve a unique role in Ayurveda: they supply the natural yeasts that ferment Asavas and Arishtas. Beyond that manufacturing role, the flowers are astringent and are used for diarrhoea, bleeding and menstrual disorders.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Woodfordia fruticosa
- Part used: Flower
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Flower powder 1–3 g or decoction; primarily used as the fermentation starter in Arishta/Asava preparation.
Dhataki in other languages
Introduction
Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) is a flower with a special place in Ayurvedic pharmacy — it is the natural fermentation agent (Sandhana dravya) that drives the making of Arishtas and Asavas, and an astringent herb for bleeding and diarrhoea.
Classification
Of the Lythraceae family, Dhataki is grouped among the Grahi (absorbent) and Stambhaka (styptic) dravyas. Its astringent taste and cooling potency check bleeding and loose stools; its natural yeasts power classical fermentation.
Uses & benefits
Dhataki flowers are the fermenting agent of Ayurveda: they carry the wild yeasts that drive the fermentation of every classical asava and arishta, which is why the flower appears in almost all of them. Used as a drug in its own right it is Grahi and Stambhana, given in diarrhoea and in bleeding disorders.
Dhataki as a fermenting agent
Its defining role. The flowers carry the wild yeasts that drive the fermentation of every classical Asava and Arishta — no substitute is recognised.
Dhataki for diarrhoea
Strongly astringent, used to check chronic loose stool and dysentery.
Dhataki for heavy menstrual bleeding
A Raktastambhaka drug used in Asrigdara, often alongside Ashoka and Lodhra.
Dhataki for leucorrhoea
Used for white vaginal discharge, on the same astringent principle.
Dhataki for bleeding piles
Named in Arshas where bleeding is the dominant feature.
Dhataki for wounds
The flower powder is applied to wounds and ulcers to check discharge and support healing.
Dhataki for mouth ulcers
Used as a gargle in stomatitis and spongy bleeding gums.
Dhataki for fever
A secondary classical indication, used in fevers with burning.
Dhataki for excessive thirst
Named among the Trishnanigrahana drugs.
Dhataki in every Arishta
Present in Ashokarishta, Dashamularishta, Ashwagandharishta and the rest — it is what makes them Arishtas.
Dosage — how much to take
Flower powder 1–3 g or decoction; primarily used as the fermentation starter in Arishta/Asava preparation. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Dhataki?
The citations held for Dhataki in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Pushpavarga); Sharangdhara Samhita (Sandhana Kalpana).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Dhataki?
Described as Grahi and Stambhaka. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Pushpavarga.
What does the Sharangdhara Samhita record about Dhataki?
Described as the fermentation agent for Asava-Arishta. Reference: Sharangdhara Samhita — Sandhana Kalpana.
What is Dhataki traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Dhataki flowers are the fermenting agent of Ayurveda: they carry the wild yeasts that drive the fermentation of every classical asava and arishta, which is why the flower appears in almost all of them. Used as a drug in its own right it is Grahi and Stambhana, given in diarrhoea and in bleeding disorders.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Dhataki?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Dhataki classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Dhataki carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Dhataki is used medicinally?
The part used is Flower.
How much Dhataki is taken, and how?
Flower powder 1–3 g or decoction; primarily used as the fermentation starter in Arishta/Asava preparation. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Dhataki be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Dhataki grow?
Dhataki is a shrub of dry hill slopes and open forests across India, its bright red flowers collected in the dry season.
Classical references
- Sharangdhara Samhita — Sandhana Kalpana
Described as the fermentation agent for Asava-Arishta. - Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Pushpavarga
Described as Grahi and Stambhaka.
Modern research
-
Fermentation in traditional medicine: the impact of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers on the immunomodulatory activity and the alcohol and sugar contents of Nimba arishta
(see source). Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1994)
A study showing Woodfordia fruticosa (Dhataki) flowers drive the fermentation of arishta preparations and enhance their immunomodulatory activity.
View study doi:10.1016/0378-8741(93)90056-b
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Dhataki is a shrub of dry hill slopes and open forests across India, its bright red flowers collected in the dry season.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Dhataki in every Arishta?
Its flowers carry the wild yeasts that ferment the preparation. Classical Asavas and Arishtas generate their own alcohol through this fermentation rather than having spirit added, and Dhataki is the recognised source of that starter culture.
What is Dhataki used for medicinally?
Beyond fermentation, the flowers are strongly astringent and are used for chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, heavy menstrual bleeding, leucorrhoea, bleeding piles and as a wound application.
What is the dose of Dhataki?
Flower powder 1–3 g per day, or decoction 40–80 ml. In manufacture it is used at a set proportion of the batch rather than as a therapeutic dose.
What is Dhataki called in Hindi?
Dhai or Dhawai ke phool. In English it is called fire-flame bush, for the mass of red flowers it carries in spring.
Are there side effects of Dhataki?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Strongly astringent, so prolonged heavy use may cause constipation. Consult a physician in pregnancy. Within an Arishta the quantity is small and the safety profile is that of the finished preparation.
Can Arishtas be made without Dhataki?
Not traditionally. Some modern manufacturers use cultured yeasts, but classical pharmacopoeial method specifies Dhataki flowers, and preparations made otherwise are not strictly classical Arishtas.
Does Dhataki stop bleeding?
It is a Raktastambhaka drug used for heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding piles, usually within a compound. Persistent or unexplained bleeding always needs medical investigation rather than self-treatment.
