Lodhra

Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) is an evergreen tree. It is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, especially North and East India, Bengal, Assam, and Chota Nagpur. It also thrives in the Himalayan regions, up to elevations of 1,400 metres. Lodhra has been widely used in ethnomedicine to manage many ailments. They include dysentery, bowel disorders, inflammations, and miscarriages. Also, it can help control excess vaginal discharges and for snake bites. Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa roxb) is a crucial herb in the Symplocaceae family. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic effects. It is widely used to manage many illnesses, including Alzheimer's, PCOS, and leprosy.

Source of Lodhra

Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) mainly grows in tropical and subtropical areas, especially the Indian subcontinent. It is a native plant found in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. The tree typically grows in the Himalayan forests. It also grows in the plains and lower hills of India, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and the southern Western Ghats.

The bark of the Lodhra tree is its most valuable part. It is harvested for medicine. The bark has bioactive compounds. It's used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicine for its health benefits.

Lodhra, or the Lodh tree in English, is known by many names across regions. In the Indian subcontinent, it's known as Lodh, Bodhra, or Lodha in Hindi; Pachotti in Malayalam; Lodhra, Lodha, or Lodh in Bengali; and Vellilathi, Vellilothram, Velli, or Velli lothi in Tamil and Marathi. It's Lodhuga in Telugu. Other regional names include Lodhra in Kannada, Lodhar in Punjabi, and Lodhaz in Gujarati.

In Ayurveda, Lodhra has many Sanskrit names, including:

• Paittki Lodhra
• Tirita
• Balabadhra
• Bhillataru
• Balipriya
• Bhilli
• Rodhra
• Sabara Lodhra
• Hastilodhraka
• Galava
• Laktakarma
• Lodhraka
• Mahalodhra
• Lodhravriksha
• Marjana
• Shahara
• Hemapushpak
• Kandanila
• Kandakilaka
• Shaharalodhra
• Tilaka
• Tritaka
• Vanarajhata
• Shavaraka
• Shambara
• Shukla
• Tririta.

In Siddha medicine, it is Velli-lethi. In Unani practice, it is Lodh Pathaani or Lodapathani.

Lodhra contains various bioactive compounds. These include flavonoids, tannins, loturine, loturidine, colloturine, linoleic acid, salireposide, symplocoside, betasitoglycoside, symploveroside, and benzoylsalireposide.

Lodhra has numerous health benefits because bioactive compounds can be found in the bark of trees. Below are the essential health benefits of Lodhra, explained in detail:

1. Improves Women's Health

Menstrual Disorders: 

Lodhra is suitable for women during periods. It is beneficial in the management of menorrhagia (abundant bleeding) and leucorrhoea (discharge). It helps in controlling the amount of blood loss during menstruation. It also has benefits for the uterus.

Postpartum Recovery: 

Lodhra is also used to facilitate the early recovery of mothers after childbirth. It helps the pelvic muscles to contract, especially the uterine muscles, acts as an anti-inflammatory substance, and can control infections.

2. Enhances Digestive Health

Manages Diarrhoea and Dysentery: 

The parts and seeds of Lodhra can be used to stop diarrhoea and dysentery. It has astringent properties. It strengthens the stool and minimises inflammation of the intestine. 

Promotes Digestion: 

Lodhra is a stomachic herb. It helps in digestion and increases appetite. It is also effective for problems such as indigestion, flatulence, and other digestive troubles.

3. Supports Skin Health

Acne and Pimples: 

Lodhra is more beneficial for acne and other skin problems. It also has effects such as it reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling since it is an astringent. They also reduce blemishes.

Wound Healing:

Lodhra has the therapeutic property of increasing the rate of wound healing. This is through the skin’s tissue regeneration ability to help reduce the damage to the skin. It also manages ulcers, belly aches, boils, and other skin diseases.

4. Aids in Weight Management

Controls Obesity: 

Lodhra is helpful in weight loss. It enhances the metabolism process and helps manage fat. It regulates body weight and assists in controlling weight problems.

5. Reduces Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory Effects: 

Lodhra has anti-inflammatory properties that effectively eliminate inflammation in any body part. It also provides relief from arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation.

Fever Reduction: 

Lodhra acts as a febrifuge, meaning it helps in reducing fever. It also helps to reduce temperature in conditions such as infections-related fevers.

Lodhra, Symplocos racemosa is an important herb in Ayurveda. It has a lot of positive effects on individual health. For medicine, most people consider the plant's bark to be favoured. Its bark is also loaded with flavonoids, tannins, and glycoside phytochemicals, making it very medicinal. Here are the common uses of Lodhra in various categories:

1. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Dyspepsia and Flatulence: Lodhra has an intense digestive and astringent action on the body and thus is used for managing indigestion, flatulence, and abdominal distension. It is vital in curing digestion and managing gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion.

• Diarrhoea and Dysentery: The bark of Lodhra, which has constipating properties, is used for managing diarrhea and dysentery. It also assists in cases of severe dysentery due to its hemostatic nature and cuts the duration of the behavioural change in prazosin.
• Hepatic Disorders: Lodhra is particularly useful for all hepatic diseases, helps to improve liver health, and assists in detoxification.

2. Gynaecological Health

Menorrhagia and Leucorrhoea: Lodhra is mainly used in Ayurveda for managing disorders related to menstruation. It is also used as hemostyptic where there is heavy menstruation (menorrhagia) and a cure for leucorrhoea, which is an infection or a hormonal problem of the female reproductive tract.

• Postpartum Care: Being an astringent and imparting healing quality, the Lodhra has been used to help females regain their reproductive health and avoid infections after delivery.

3. Respiratory Disorders

Asthma and Bronchitis: Lodhra bark is good for manageing respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis because of its expectorant and anti-inflammatory actions. It proved to reduce congestion in the respiratory system, foster easier breathing, and lessen swelling of respiratory tracts and edging out sputum.

• Cough and Cold: Lodhra is also employed for management for cough, cold, and other respiratory disorders because it calms inflammation in the respiratory tracts.

Skin and Hair Care

Acne, Pimples, and Skin Diseases: Lodhra can control excessive secretion and is thereby helpful in curing skin diseases like acne, pimples, ulcers, and other skin diseases. It aids the skin to be less inflamed, puffed up, or red – thus improving the general skin tone.

• Leprosy and Scrofula: In folk medicine, the Lodhra herb has been used to cure skin-related diseases such as leprosy and scrofula, skin tuberculosis.
• Baldness: Lodhra is also known to be beneficial in managing baldness as it stimulates hair growth and also gives a healthy scalp.

5. Haemostatic and Wound Healing

• Bleeding Disorders: Lodhra is hemostatic and can help stop bleeding, whether by hemorrhages, bleeding gums, or menorrhagia. It hastens the rate of wound and injury healing.
• Suppurative and Ulcers: It aids in managing suppurative diseases and ulcers, hindering the growth of an infection and encouraging tissue formation.

6. Anti-inflammatory and febrifuge activities

• Arthritis and Joint Pain: Due to its anti-inflammatory content, Lodhra is helpful in arthralgia disorders and joint pain. It contributes to decreasing inflammation and relieves pain and bone swelling in joints and muscles.
• Fever: It helps reduce fever because it has a cooling effect and balances excess heat (Pitta) in the body. This makes it useful for managing fever and symptoms that come with it, like body aches or tiredness.

7. Eye and Ear Health

• Eye Diseases: In ayurvedic science, Lodhra is used in eye disorders because it has cooling and astringent properties to relieve inflammation and eye itching.
• Ear Diseases: It is also used to manage some infections and diseases of the ear, and it gives comfort in ear pain and inflammation.

8. Genitourinary Health

Leucorrhoea and Gonorrhoea: It can ease leucorrhoea or white discharge problems and sexually transmitted diseases like genital diseases and gonorrhea due to the astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of Lodhra.

While Lodhra is a beneficial herb in Ayurveda, it should be used carefully and in the right dosage. Individual health conditions, especially pregnancy or digestive concerns, must be considered before use.

Expert Advice

• Modern Science Perspective: Those with gut issues should avoid excess Lodhra or taking it on an empty stomach. It may cause nausea, stomach pain, or constipation.

During Pregnancy

• Modern Science Perspective: Lodhra is safe when consumed in small amounts. However, it is not recommended for long-term use during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid Lodhra and consult a doctor before using Lodhra supplements in pregnancy.

Lodhra should be taken in the right amount to get its full benefits without side effects. Its dosage may vary based on age, health condition, and purpose of use. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you use it safely.

1. Measure the Lodhra Powder: Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Lodhra powder. It can be adjusted for individual needs and health. But it's best to start with ½ teaspoon.
2. Mix with Water or Milk: Mix the Lodhra powder with a glass of lukewarm water or milk. This will improve absorption and taste.
3. Consume Twice Daily: Take this mixture twice a day, after meals if possible. Once in the morning and once in the evening. This will help avoid stomach upset.
4. Follow Regularly: For best results, take the recommended dose daily. However, always consult a doctor before long-term use. This is vital if you have health issues or are pregnant.

This method ensures you get the correct dose and benefits from Lodhra. It also reduces side effects.

• Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) is an Ayurvedic drug used for many ailments.
• It also aids in managing menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin diseases.
• Lodhra is especially beneficial for women’s health, helping manage conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, leucorrhoea, and digestive issues.
• These include the investment's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, enhancing growth and development.
• Lodhra powder has various benefits. It is utilised to whiten the skin, improve the beauty of the skin, and further manage acne.
• These are best avoided during pregnancy, and long-term use should only be done under close supervision by a physician.

Conclusion

Lodhra is known for its role in supporting women’s health, promoting healthy skin, and aiding wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antioxidant actions make it useful for managing digestive issues, bleeding disorders, and skin concerns. Whether used as a supplement, paste, or decoction, Lodhra offers natural support for overall well-being. However, it should be used in appropriate amounts and preferably under medical supervision, especially during pregnancy or in people with sensitive digestion. With mindful use, Lodhra can be a valuable part of holistic wellness routines.