Lodhra

Lodhra is a traditional medicine used by Ayurvedic practitioners. All parts like roots, bark as well as leaves of this plant are used for medicinal purposes but most useful is its stem.
Lodhra is considered useful in managing female disorders such as leucorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge) which is caused by vaginal infections as it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to manage excessive menstrual bleeding by promoting blood thickening due to its astringent and hemostatic (process which stops bleeding) properties. This hemostatic property is also useful in managing nose bleeding.
For females suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), Lodhra is quite useful as it increases the levels of female hormones and reduces the levels of male hormones in the female body. This helps in the maturation and release of eggs which otherwise gets compromised due to hormonal imbalance and reduces the symptoms of PCOS.
Ayurveda recommends taking Lodhra powder with plain water or rice water twice a day to get relief from leucorrhea and other menstrual problems.
Applying Lodhra powder along with rose water on your wounds might help in faster wound healing due to its anti inflammatory, antimicrobial and astringent properties. Lodhra powder can also be applied on your gums along with honey to get relief from swelling and pain[2][3][6].

What are the synonyms of Lodhra?

Symplocos racemosa, Rodhra, Paittka lodhra, Sabara Lodhra, Tirita, Mugam, Symplocos bark, Lodhar, Lodha, Pachotti, Vellilathi, Vellilothram, Lodhuga, Lodh, Lodhpathani[1].

What is the source of Lodhra?

Plant Based

Benefits of Lodhra

1. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Lodhra is useful in leucorrhea when used as a vaginal wash. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 cups of water in a pot.
b. Add 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
c. Boil until less than half the water remains in the pot.
d. Filter the decoction using a strainer.
e. Cool to lukewarm and wash the genital area once or twice a day.

2. Wound healing
Lodhra helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also reduces the inflammation and gives a cooling effect due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
b. Add some rose water to it.
c. Apply on the skin and let it to dry.
d. Once dried, wash with lukewarm water.
e. Repeat daily for quick healing of the wound.

Recommended Dosage of Lodhra

Lodhra Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per requirement.

How to use Lodhra

1. Lodhra Paste
A. For skin problems
i. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some rose water to it.
iii. Apply on the skin and leave it to dry.
iv. Once dried, wash with lukewarm water.
v. Repeat this to manage skin problems.

B. For eye problems
i. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some butter or ghee to it and make a smooth paste.
iii. Apply the paste on the eyelid or waterline for some time to get rid of itching and pain in the eyes.

C. Oral disorders
i. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add some honey to make a paste.
iii. Apply on gums or ulcers and keep it for some time.

2. Lodhra Decoction
A. For vaginal discharge
i. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
ii. Add 1-2 cup of water to it.
iii. Boil till less than half water remains.
iv. Filter the decoction using a strainer.
v. Let it cool a bit and apply on the vagina.
vi. Prepare fresh decoction for every application.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Where can you find Lodhra in India?

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW

Lodhra is mainly found in the north-east India - Assam and Pegu regions.

Q. What are the medicinal uses of Lodhra powder?

MODERN SCIENCE VIEW

Lodhra powder has various impressive medicinal benefits. It is a rich source of antioxidants which prevents the cell damage caused by free radicals and manages skin problems like wrinkles. It is useful in acne and pimples due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also helps in managing fever due to its antipyretic activity[2][8].

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Lodhra powder is generally used in the management of conditions which occur due to an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha such as acne, pimples, inflammation. Lodhra powder helps to manage these conditions due to its Pitta-Kapha balancing, Sita(cold) and Sothhar (anti-inflammatory) properties. It also helps in quick wound healing, improves stamina and maintains good health due to its Ropan (healing) and Balya (strength provider) properties.
Tips
1. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Lodhra powder.
2. Add some rose water to make a paste.
3. Apply this paste on the skin and leave it to dry.
4. Once dried, wash with lukewarm water.
5. Repeat this to manage skin problems.

References

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
Johnson T, Krishnakumar K, Dineshkumar B.Phyto-pharmacological review of Symplocos racemosa bark.J.Bio.Innov.2018;7(4):611-617.
WHO. Lodhra powder for leucorrhoea.Traditional Herbal Remedies for Primary Health Care.2010.
Bhusnar HU, Nagore DH, Nipanikar SU. Phytopharmacological profile of Symplocos racemosa: A review. Pharmacologia.2014;5(2):76-83.
Mishra N, Rajput PS, Mishra RC. Evaluation of shonitsthapan mahakashaya. WJPR.2017;6(3):334-341.
Ravichandran, G., V.S. Bharadwaj and S.A. Kolhapure, 2005. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of "Anti-Wrinkle cream" in the treatment of facial skin wrinkles: A prospective, open, phase III clinical trial. The Antiseptic.2005;102(2): 65-70.
Singh V.K, Reddy K.R. Management of Diabetes mellitus and its complications by Lodhra: A review Review Article. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine. 2015, 6(4), 305-309
Bhusnar UH, Nagore HD, Nipanikar S.U. Phytopharmacological Profile of Symplocos racemosa: A Review. Pharmacologia.2014;5(2):76-83.
Ravichandran, G., V.S. Bharadwaj and S.A. Kolhapure, 2005. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of "Anti-Wrinkle cream" in the treatment of facial skin wrinkles: A prospective, open, phase III clinical trial. Antiseptic, 2005;102(2): 65-70.
Bhusnar UH, Nagore HD, Nipanikar S.U. Phytopharmacological Profile of Symplocos racemosa: A Review. Pharmacologia.2014;5(2):76-83.

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.

Author Details