Texts of Ayurveda recommend Lodhra for PCOS, female infertility, acne, pimple, black heads, wrinkles and blemishes. It is also useful in weight management. It increases fairness and glow of skin.
Table of Content
Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties of Lodhra
Health Benefits and Uses of Lodhra
Lodhra for Acne, Pimple and Blemishes
About Lodhra or Symplocos racemosa
Lodhra is an evergreen medium sized tree. Bark of this tree is light brown in colour and is the main plant part used in preparation of ayurvedic medicines. This tree is generally found in Nagpur, Manipur, Burma and Assam . It can grow in any type of soil and in full sun or shade.
Lodhra in local language
This herb is known by various names in India and has botanical name Symplocos racemosa Roxb.
Hindi – lodhra
Bengali – lodhra
Marathi – lodhra
Gujarati- lodhara
Tamil – belli
Telagu- lodhuga
Kannada – pachettu
Malayalam – pachetti
Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties of Lodhra
Based on principles of Ayurveda this herb has astringent taste (Kashaya rasa). It acts as a body coolant (sheeta veerya). Lodhra is light to digest (laghu) and dries up body fat content (rooksha).
Chemical composition of Lodhra
Alkaloids like Loturine , Colloturine , Loturidine and other glycosides are chemical constituents of Symplocos racemosa Roxb..
Action on Doshas
Bark of this herb balances kapha dosha and pitta dosha. But in higher doses it may vitiate vata dosha.
Health Benefits and Uses of Lodhra
Texts of Ayurveda explain health benefits of this plant as follows.
Lodhra for PCOS
Texts of Ayurveda recommend this herb to reduce inflammation of uterus and regularise menstrual cycle. It improves health of uterus and prevents repeated abortions. Usually Kashaya or decoction of lodhra is given as yoni basthi (Basthi is a panchakarma treatment method) to enhance the health of uterus.
Various researches have shown that this herb plays an important role in regulating FSH and LH hormones. It helps in management of menstrual cycle and also stimulates ovaries to produce eggs.
Increased level of androgens (male hormones) cause PCOS in women. Many studies have shown that lodhra acts against androgens and acts as the best herbal medicine for PCOS. Bark of lodhra balances female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and improves fertility of women. Phytoestrogens present in this herb help to reduce mood swings and reduces stress. Lodhra when used with other herbs like ashoka , bitter gourd, turmeric, cinnamon, shatavari, jamboo, gymnema, neem, garcinia, guduchi, chirata or kirata tikta , yashad bhasma and shilajit helps in female infertility caused due to PCOS
Hence this herb has been added as major ingredient in PCORID ayurvedic capsules for PCOS
Lodhra for weight loss
This herb helps to reduce cholesterol and also shrinks body fat. Hence it is useful in reducing obesity. Women who suffer from PCOS are doubly benefited by this herb as it improves fertility and health of uterus, also reduces body weight.
In Acne, Pimple and Blemishes
This ayurvedic herb has anti-inflammatory (shothahara) properties and controls haemorrhages ( Shonitasthapana) . Hence it is very useful in wounds, acne, pimple and blemishes. It reduces pain and swelling.
In IBS and Colitis
This herb is used in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis to Prevent diarrhoea. Usually decoction of bark is used for this purpose.
In eye and ear infection and inflammation
This herb reduces inflammation, pain and secretions in conjunctivitis of eye and ear infections.
In swelling of gums (gingivitis)
Ayurveda scholars recommend Symplocos racemosa to reduce inflammation of gum in gingivitis.
How to Use Lodhra ?
Only bark of this tree is used for medicinal purpose. It is used in form of powder, decoction (Kashaya) or its extract is used in capsules and tonics.
Lodhra Face pack
Powder of bark can be mixed with other face pack bases like multani mitti, chick pea flour or green gram flour. This can be also mixed with ayurvedic herbal body scrub to exfoliate skin. This face pack heals acne, pimple and reduces blemishes. It improves glow of skin and increases fairness. As it has Kashaya rasa or astringent taste, it helps to reduce wrinkles on skin.
Lodhra mouth wash
Boil barks of this plant in water. The decoction thus obtained can be used as mouth wash to keep gums healthy. It prevents receding of gums and also reduces inflammation and pain in gums.
To accelerate wound healing
Ayurveda acharyas recommend to apply paste of lodhra bark on wounds to accelerate healing process. Bark of this plant is washed and rubbed on grinding stone to get thin smooth paste. This has to be applied on wounds. Precautions have to be taken to prevent contamination of paste. This paste reduces ph level and fastens the wound healing by reducing inflammation.
To stop bleeding
People with high pitta experience frequent nose bleeding. Instilling drops of decoction of this plant’s bark help to relieve this problem.
In skin rashes
Pitta constitution persons experience burning red rashes all over body. Lodhra Kashaya (decoction) can be applied all over body in this condition. It cools the skin and also reduces rashes.
In Fever
Texts of Ayurveda recommend to apply paste of Symplocos racemosa bark on forehead of a person who suffers from fever. Due to its cold potency it reduces body temperature and also relieves headache.
Who should not use Lodhra ?
Men should be very cautious while using lodhra as it may reduce testosterone level due to its anti-androgenic activity. It is very important to consult a qualified ayurvedic physician before using this herb. Self-medication is a strict no.
People who suffer from constipation and sluggish digestion should not use this medicinal plant as it may exaggerate constipation and cause stomach discomfort.
Dosage of Lodhra
Powder of this herb can be used in dose of 2-5 gms. And the dosage for decoction is 50 to 100 ml per day.
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