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Lodhra लोध्र
Symplocos racemosa · Symplocaceae
Also known as: Lodh
Part used: Bark
Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) is a tree whose bark is Ayurveda's principal astringent for women's health. It is used for heavy menstrual bleeding, leucorrhoea and uterine complaints, and applied externally for acne and skin tone. It is a standard partner to Ashoka in women's formulations.
| 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: Symplocos racemosa
- Part used: Bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Bark powder 1–3 g or decoction; used internally and in gynaecological and eye formulas.
Lodhra in other languages
Introduction
Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) is a cooling, astringent bark prized for women's health and the eyes. It tones the uterus, checks excessive bleeding and is a classical remedy for menstrual and gynaecological complaints.
Classification
Of the Symplocaceae family, Lodhra is grouped among the Stambhaka (styptic) and women's-tonic dravyas. Its astringent taste and cooling potency pacify Kapha-Pitta and tone the tissues.
Uses & benefits
Lodhra is a uterine astringent, used in excessive menstrual bleeding and in leucorrhoea, and is one of the classical Stri-roga drugs. Externally it is applied for acne, pigmentation and for firming the skin, and it appears in complexion pastes and in the cooling asavas.
Lodhra for heavy menstrual bleeding
A principal Raktastambhaka drug in Asrigdara, usually combined with Ashoka and Dhataki.
Lodhra for leucorrhoea
The classical drug for white vaginal discharge, taken internally and used as a douche.
Lodhra as a uterine tonic
Used across menstrual and uterine complaints, toning the tissue rather than acting acutely.
Lodhra for acne
The bark paste applied to the face is a classical remedy for acne and open pores.
Lodhra for skin tone
A Varnya drug applied externally for complexion and pigmentation.
Lodhra for bleeding gums
Used as a gargle and in tooth powders for spongy, bleeding gums.
Lodhra for diarrhoea
Astringent and used in chronic loose stool.
Lodhra for eye complaints
Used in classical eye washes for conjunctivitis and inflamed lids.
Lodhra for wounds
Applied as a powder to slow-healing wounds and ulcers.
Lodhra in Ashokarishta and Lodhrasava
A component of the classical women's formulations, and the lead drug of Lodhrasava.
Dosage — how much to take
Bark powder 1–3 g or decoction; used internally and in gynaecological and eye formulas. 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 Lodhra?
The citations held for Lodhra in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Stri Roga & Vrana context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Vatadi Varga).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Lodhra?
Cited for bleeding and wounds. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Stri Roga & Vrana context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Lodhra?
Described as Stambhaka and women-beneficial. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga.
What is Lodhra traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Lodhra is a uterine astringent, used in excessive menstrual bleeding and in leucorrhoea, and is one of the classical Stri-roga drugs. Externally it is applied for acne, pigmentation and for firming the skin, and it appears in complexion pastes and in the cooling asavas.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Lodhra?
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 Lodhra classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Lodhra carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Lodhra is used medicinally?
The part used is Bark.
How much Lodhra is taken, and how?
Bark powder 1–3 g or decoction; used internally and in gynaecological and eye formulas. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Lodhra be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Lodhra grow?
Lodhra is a small evergreen tree of the hill forests of eastern and southern India, its bark collected for medicine.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Vatadi Varga
Described as Stambhaka and women-beneficial. - Sushruta Samhita — Stri Roga & Vrana context
Cited for bleeding and wounds.
Modern research
-
Bioprospecting the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activity of Symplocos racemosa Roxb. bark phytoconstituents
(see source). BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology (2020)
A study reporting antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activity of Symplocos racemosa (Lodhra) bark constituents.
View study doi:10.1186/s40360-020-00453-y
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Lodhra is a small evergreen tree of the hill forests of eastern and southern India, its bark collected for medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lodhra used for?
Lodhra bark is used for heavy menstrual bleeding, leucorrhoea and uterine complaints, and applied externally for acne and skin tone. It is a standard component of Ayurvedic women's formulations alongside Ashoka.
What is the dose of Lodhra?
Bark powder 3–6 g per day or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. Externally, the powder is made into a paste with water or rose water and applied to the face.
Is Lodhra good for acne?
The bark paste is a classical facial application for acne and enlarged pores, working through its astringent, drying action. It suits oily, inflamed skin better than dry skin, where it may be too drying.
What is the difference between Lodhra and Ashoka?
Both are women's drugs used for heavy bleeding, and they are usually prescribed together. Ashoka acts more specifically on the uterus and menstrual cycle; Lodhra is the stronger general astringent and is also used externally for skin.
What is Lodhra called in Hindi?
Lodh or Lodhra. In English it is lodh tree or California sweetleaf, though the latter refers to a different Symplocos species.
Are there side effects of Lodhra?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Strongly astringent, so prolonged use may cause constipation and dryness. Consult a physician in pregnancy. Persistent heavy bleeding needs medical investigation rather than indefinite self-treatment.
Is Symplocos racemosa endangered?
It is under collection pressure and is listed as vulnerable in parts of its range, since harvesting the bark can kill the tree. Prefer suppliers who name a sustainable source.
