Lodhra (Lodhra)

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa (Taste)

Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)

Virya (Energy) & Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect)

Virya: Sheeta (Cooling) | Vipaka: Katu (Pungent)

Dosha Effect

Vata: Mildly Increases Pitta: Strongly Reduces Kapha: Reduces

Taste Profile

Bitter

6/10

Astringent

9/10

Botanical Description

Family

Symplocaceae

Plant Type

Small evergreen tree

Parts Used

Bark, Leaves

Habitat

Eastern and Southern India, Burma, Sri Lanka

Origin & Discovery

First Documented

Sushruta Samhita (~300 BCE)

Lodhra has been the cornerstone female herb in classical gynecology — Sushruta details its use in heavy menstrual bleeding (raktapradara), leucorrhea (shvetapradara), threatened miscarriage and pregnancy support. Its powerful astringent action consolidates tissues throughout the reproductive tract.

Historical Timeline

~300 BCE

Sushruta classifies as chief stree-roga herb

~700 CE

Vagbhata expands gynecological indications

20th century

Loturine and colloturine alkaloids characterized

Classical Reference

Sushruta Samhita Uttara Tantra — chief herb in stree-roga (gynecological) chapter. Component of Pushyanuga Churna and Lodhrasava.

Health Benefits of Lodhra

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Astringent and uterine-tonifying action — first-line classical treatment for raktapradara (menorrhagia).

Leucorrhea

Reduces vaginal discharge and supports vaginal tissue tone in shvetapradara.

Pregnancy Support

Used in threatened miscarriage and early pregnancy complications under supervision.

Acne & Skin Health

External application reduces acne, oiliness and inflammation. Component of varnya (complexion-enhancing) preparations.

Diarrhea & Dysentery

Powerful astringent action consolidates loose stools.

Bleeding Disorders

Adjunct in nasal bleeding, gum bleeding and other hemorrhagic conditions.

Key Compounds & Phytochemistry

Loturine

Primary alkaloid — uterine tonifying and astringent

Colloturine

Secondary alkaloid

Tannins (high content)

Astringent action on mucous membranes

Beta-sitosterol

Phytosterol with hormonal-modulatory action

Nutritional Highlights

High tannin content
Loturine alkaloid
Phytosterols
Flavonoids

Traditional Preparations

Bark powder mixed with honey for heavy menstrual bleeding. Decoction for leucorrhea. External paste for skin conditions and acne.

Pushyanuga Churna

Method: Compound powder with multiple female-tonic herbs

Used for: Menorrhagia, leucorrhea

Lodhrasava

Method: Fermented preparation

Used for: Chronic gynecological disorders

External paste

Method: Bark powder + rose water or milk

Used for: Acne, hyperpigmentation

Dosage Guidelines

Form	Amount	Timing
Bark Powder	3-6 g	Twice daily with honey or warm water
Decoction	40-60 ml	Twice daily
External Paste	As needed	Apply to face / affected skin, leave 15 min

Contraindications

Severe constipation (high astringent action)
Vata-dominant constitutional types use cautiously

Drug Interactions

Hormonal medications (consult)
Iron supplements (tannins reduce absorption — space by 2 hrs)

Did You Know?

The tree bark contains the alkaloid loturine which has documented uterine-tonifying action.
Pushyanuga Churna — built around lodhra — has been the most prescribed Ayurvedic medicine for heavy menstrual bleeding for over 2,000 years.
External lodhra paste is a classical Ayurvedic acne treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lodhra for heavy periods — does it work?

Yes — lodhra (especially as Pushyanuga Churna) has been the classical first-line for menorrhagia for over 2 millennia. Modern small studies confirm reduction in bleeding volume. For very heavy bleeding, always rule out fibroids and other organic causes with your gynecologist.

Lodhra for acne?

Yes — both internal use and external paste help acne. The tannins reduce inflammation and oiliness while alkaloids modulate hormonal acne. Combine with manjistha and neem for best results.

Safe in pregnancy?

Used classically in pregnancy complications (threatened miscarriage) under supervision. Self-supplementation in pregnancy is not recommended — consult an Ayurvedic obstetrician.