Dhataki
Dhataki
Dhataki or Dhawai is also known as Bahupuspika in Ayurveda. It is the flower of Dhataki that has significant importance in the traditional Indian medicine.
According to Ayurveda, Dhataki is considered beneficial for female disorders such as menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) and leucorrhea (white discharge from the vagina) due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. Taking 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder along with honey twice a day helps to manage these problems as well as diarrhea. Dhataki powder also balances Kapha and might be beneficial for managing asthma as it promotes the removal of excess mucus from the respiratory tract which eases breathing.
Dhataki is beneficial for skin problems (such as acne, pimples etc.) and might assist in wound healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a paste of Dhataki powder along with honey or water on the skin helps in reducing swelling and steps up wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties. This paste can also be applied on the skin to get relief from sun burns, acne and pimples[2][3].
According to Ayurveda, Dhataki is considered beneficial for female disorders such as menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) and leucorrhea (white discharge from the vagina) due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. Taking 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder along with honey twice a day helps to manage these problems as well as diarrhea. Dhataki powder also balances Kapha and might be beneficial for managing asthma as it promotes the removal of excess mucus from the respiratory tract which eases breathing.
Dhataki is beneficial for skin problems (such as acne, pimples etc.) and might assist in wound healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a paste of Dhataki powder along with honey or water on the skin helps in reducing swelling and steps up wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties. This paste can also be applied on the skin to get relief from sun burns, acne and pimples[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Dhataki?
Woodfordia fruticosa, Bahupuspi, Tamrapuspi, Vahnijvata, Dhaiphool, Fire flame bush, Dhavadi, Dhavani, Dhai, Dhava, Tamrapushpi, Tattiripuvu, Tatire, Dhayati, Dhavati, Dhaiphula, Dhatuki, Davi, Phul Dhava, Kattati, Kattathi, Kattattipoo, Aarl Puruvu, Parvati, Bahupuspika[1].
What is the source of Dhataki?
Plant Based
Benefits of Dhataki
1. Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Dhataki balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it twice a day after taking light food.
d. Repeat daily to manage the symptoms of Menorrhagia.
2. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, white discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Dhataki is useful in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it twice a day after taking light food to control leucorrhea.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Dhataki helps to control diarrhea. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent). It helps to thicken loose stool and control the frequency of loose motion or diarrhea.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it twice a day after taking light food to control diarrhea.
4. Asthma
Dhataki helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Taking Dhataki powder helps to balance Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it twice a day after taking light food to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Dhataki balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it twice a day after taking light food.
d. Repeat daily to manage the symptoms of Menorrhagia.
2. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, white discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Dhataki is useful in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it twice a day after taking light food to control leucorrhea.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Dhataki helps to control diarrhea. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent). It helps to thicken loose stool and control the frequency of loose motion or diarrhea.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it twice a day after taking light food to control diarrhea.
4. Asthma
Dhataki helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Taking Dhataki powder helps to balance Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Have it twice a day after taking light food to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Precautions when using Dhataki
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Dhataki during breastfeeding. So it is advisable to avoid Dhataki or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Dhataki if you are on any anti-diabetic drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Dhataki or use only under medical supervision in such a case.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Dhataki if you are on any anti-hypertensive drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Dhataki or use only under medical supervision in such a case.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Dhataki during pregnancy. So it is advisable to avoid Dhataki or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Dhataki
- Dhataki Flower - ¼-½ teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Dhataki
1. Dhataki Powder
a. Take dried flowers of Dhataki.
b. Grind them and make powder.
c. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this Dhataki powder.
d. Mix with honey or water.
e. Have it twice a day after taking light food.
a. Take dried flowers of Dhataki.
b. Grind them and make powder.
c. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this Dhataki powder.
d. Mix with honey or water.
e. Have it twice a day after taking light food.
Benefits of Dhataki
1. Wound healing
Dhataki helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Dhataki flower powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing of wound and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Dhataki powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for at least 1 hour and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat this for fast healing of wound.
2. Sunburn
Dhataki is useful for fighting against sunburn. According to Ayurveda, sunburn is due to an aggravation of Pitta dosha. This is because of continuous exposure to the sun. Applying Dhataki flower paste gives a cooling effect and reduces burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) nature.
Tips
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Dhataki powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for at least 1 hour and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat this to control the symptoms of sunburn.
3. Acne and Pimples
A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Dhataki powder helps to control acne and pimples. It prevents excess sebum production, removes clogging of pores and reduces inflammation. This is because of its Kapha and Pitta balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for at least 1 hour and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat this to control acne and pimples.
Dhataki helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Dhataki flower powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing of wound and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Dhataki powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for at least 1 hour and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat this for fast healing of wound.
2. Sunburn
Dhataki is useful for fighting against sunburn. According to Ayurveda, sunburn is due to an aggravation of Pitta dosha. This is because of continuous exposure to the sun. Applying Dhataki flower paste gives a cooling effect and reduces burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) nature.
Tips
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Dhataki powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for at least 1 hour and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat this to control the symptoms of sunburn.
3. Acne and Pimples
A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Dhataki powder helps to control acne and pimples. It prevents excess sebum production, removes clogging of pores and reduces inflammation. This is because of its Kapha and Pitta balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement of Dhataki powder.
b. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for at least 1 hour and wash with plain water.
e. Repeat this to control acne and pimples.
Recommended Dosage of Dhataki
- Dhataki Flower - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Dhataki
1. Dhataki Powder
a. Take dried flowers of Dhataki.
b. Grind them and make powder.
c. Take ½-1 teaspoon of this Dhataki powder or as per your requirement.
d. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
e. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
f. Leave it for at least 1 hour.
g. Wash with plain water
a. Take dried flowers of Dhataki.
b. Grind them and make powder.
c. Take ½-1 teaspoon of this Dhataki powder or as per your requirement.
d. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
e. Apply it on the affected area once a day.
f. Leave it for at least 1 hour.
g. Wash with plain water
Frequently asked questions
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Dhataki is good for female disorders because it helps to reduce the symptoms of heavy and painful menstruation. It also corrects the symptoms of leucorrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Modern Science View
Dhataki has various pharmacological and medicinal properties. Dried flowers of Dhataki helps to manage liver disorders due to its antioxidant and liver protective properties. It contains certain constituents(woodfordins) which helps to relieve pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is useful in ulcers and infections due to its anti-ulcer, immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Dhataki might be used for Abdominal worms as it contains certain constituent(tannins) which has anthelmintic property. It helps to inhibit the growth and expels the parasites and worms from the body[4].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Dhataki can be used to control the growth of worms in the digestive tract because it has Krimighna( Anti Worms) property. It helps to inhibit the growth and removes worms from abdomen.
Modern Science View
Yes, Dhataki might be beneficial in managing dysentery and diarrhea. It inhibits the growth of bacteria causing dysentery and diarrhea due to its antibacterial property. It also decreases the intestinal motility and secretions by contracting the mucus membrane due to its astringent property[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Dhataki is an effective herb to control the symptoms of diarrhea and dysentery because of its Kashaya(astringent) property. It lowers the frequency of watery stools and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and dysentery.
Modern Science View
Yes, Dhataki can be used for ulcers due to its antiulcer property. It contains certain constituent(ellagic acid) which protects the gastric cells against cell damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant and gastroprotective properties[6].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Dhataki can be used for reducing the symptoms of ulcer due to its Pitta balancing property. It prevents the excessive secretion of gastric acid and reduces the symptoms of ulcers. It also gives cooling effects due to its Sita(cold) nature.
Modern Science View
Dhataki is beneficial for dental problems such as toothache due to its analgesic or pain relieving properties. It reduces the pain and inflammation on the affected area and provides relief from toothache[2].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Dhataki in eye problems.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Muvel U, Devre K, Raghuvanshi A.A Pharmacognostic and pharmacological overview on Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz.Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2014; 3(5): 418-422.
- Das PK, Banerjee SG, Chinniah A,et.al.Woodfordia fruticosa: Traditional uses and recent findings.J Ethnopharmacol.2007;110(2):189-99.
- Rupa S. Comparative in vitro Anthelmintic and Phytochemical evaluation of methanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Woodferdia Fruticosa (l). flower. International Research Journal Of Pharmacy.2013; 4(7):159-161.
- Kumar D, Sharma M, Sorout A et al. Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz.: A Review on its Botany, Chemistry and Biological activities. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2016; 5(3): 293-298
- Syed YH, Khan M. Chromatographic Profiling of Ellagic Acid in Woodfordia fruticosa Flowers and their Gastroprotective Potential in Ethanol-induced Ulcers in Rats. Pharmacognosy Res. 2016;8(Suppl 1):S5-S11.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.