Lodhra

Lodhra takes its name from the Sanskrit name for the tree, and is described in Ayurvedic surgical texts attributed to Sushruta, where its bark is noted for its astringent properties and traditional use in supporting bleeding control. It is prepared from the bark of Symplocos racemosa, an evergreen tree of the Symplocaceae family that grows across the Indian subcontinent, including North and East India, and in the lower Himalayan forests up to around 1,400 metres.

In Ayurveda, Lodhra is classified as Kashaya rasa (astringent taste), Sheeta virya (cooling potency), and is traditionally believed to help balance aggravated Pitta and Kapha doshas. It is grouped among the Kashaya (astringent) and Stambhana (binding or bleeding-control) class of herbs.

Lodhra is known by its botanical name and by several regional Indian and classical Sanskrit names. Here are the ways it is commonly referred to.

• Hindi: Lodha, Lodhra
• English: Symplocos tree, Lodh tree
• Bengali: Lodha, Lodhra
• Sanskrit: Rodhra, Savara Lodhra, Pattika Lodhra
• Marathi: Lodha, Lodhra
• Gujarati: Lodhaz
• Telugu: Lodhuga
• Tamil: Vellilathi, Vellilothram
• Malayalam: Pachotti
• Kannada: Lodhra
• Punjabi: Lodhar
• Assamese: Mugam
• Urdu: Lodh, Lodhpathani
• Kashmiri: Kath
• Oriya: Lodho

The bark of Lodhra contains a range of bioactive plant compounds. These include the following (Bhusnar et al., 2014):

• Flavonoids: Plant compounds with antioxidant activity that may help protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Tannins: Astringent compounds that are associated with the traditional use of Lodhra bark.
• Loturine and loturidine: Alkaloid compounds identified in Lodhra bark.
• Salireposide and benzoylsalireposide: Phenolic glycosides found in the bark and studied for their biological activity.
• Symplocoside and symploveroside: Glycoside compounds identified in Lodhra and studied for their potential biological effects.

Lodhra is traditionally understood, and in some cases has been studied, to have the following actions on the body.

• Astringent, traditionally associated with helping to reduce bleeding and discharge
• Anti-inflammatory, associated with helping reduce swelling and irritation
• Antioxidant, associated with helping the body manage oxidative stress
• Antimicrobial, associated with inhibiting the growth of certain microorganisms (Sood et al., 2020)
• Wound-healing, associated with supporting natural skin tissue repair

These properties come from a mix of traditional Ayurvedic use and early-stage laboratory research, and should not be read as proof of clinical effectiveness in humans.

Lodhra is often combined with other herbs in classical Ayurvedic formulations for women's health. Here are some it is traditionally paired with.

Lodhra may support women’s reproductive health, postpartum recovery, digestion and skin health based on its traditional Ayurvedic properties. It may also help with mild digestive upset and inflammation-related discomfort. However, these potential benefits are mainly based on traditional use, and Lodhra should not replace medical care for diagnosed conditions.

1. May Support Women's Reproductive Health

Lodhra is traditionally believed to have an astringent action that may help reduce heavy menstrual flow and vaginal discharge. It is not a treatment for a diagnosed menstrual or hormonal disorder, which needs assessment by a doctor or gynaecologist.

2. May Support Postpartum Recovery

Lodhra is traditionally used after childbirth to support postpartum recovery and uterine health. It is a traditional supportive measure only and does not replace medical postnatal care.

3. May Help Firm Up Loose Stools

Lodhra's traditional astringent action is associated with firming up loose stools in mild, short-term digestive upset. Persistent or severe diarrhoea needs medical assessment rather than self-treatment.

4. May Support Digestion and Appetite

Lodhra is traditionally used to support digestive function and appetite. It may help with mild bloating and indigestion, though persistent digestive symptoms need medical assessment.

5. May Support Skin Healing

Lodhra's traditional astringent and anti-inflammatory action is associated with supporting minor wound healing and calming mild skin irritation such as occasional breakouts. It provides supportive care only; ongoing skin conditions need assessment from a dermatologist.

6. May Ease Mild Inflammation

Lodhra is traditionally believed to have a mild anti-inflammatory action, which is why it is sometimes used for general joint stiffness and mild discomfort. It is not a substitute for prescribed treatment in diagnosed inflammatory or joint conditions.

Beyond its general health benefits, Lodhra is traditionally used in these specific situations.

In Classical Gynaecological Formulations

Lodhra bark is a traditional ingredient in classical Ayurvedic formulations aimed at supporting the female reproductive system, taken as part of an Ayurvedic practitioner's care plan rather than as a self-directed treatment.

As a Postpartum Support Herb

Lodhra is traditionally given to women in the weeks after childbirth, as part of Ayurvedic postnatal care practices alongside, not instead of, routine medical postnatal follow-up.

In Topical Skin Preparations

Lodhra bark powder is traditionally made into a paste and applied to the skin as part of Ayurvedic skincare routines, used for general skin support rather than to treat a diagnosed skin disease.

As a Traditional Digestive Aid

Lodhra powder is traditionally taken to support mild, short-term digestive upset, used occasionally rather than as an ongoing treatment for a diagnosed digestive condition.

• If you have digestive sensitivity, avoid taking Lodhra on an empty stomach, as it may cause nausea or stomach discomfort.
• Do not take Lodhra during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless a doctor advises it, and avoid use during pregnancy unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
• If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar and speak to your doctor before use, as laboratory research suggests Lodhra-based preparations may lower blood sugar (Butala et al., 2017).
• If you have persistent or unexplained vaginal discharge, bleeding or a skin condition, see a doctor for proper diagnosis before self-treating with Lodhra.
• Higher than advised doses may cause constipation or dry mouth.

Note: This is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or a registered Ayurvedic practitioner.

Lodhra is available in several forms. Here is how each is generally taken.

Powder

Mix the powder with lukewarm water or milk and drink, generally after a meal, or as advised by your doctor.

Tablets and Capsules

Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with water, at the time and frequency advised by your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.

Bark Paste, for Topical Use

Mix the powdered bark with water to form a paste, apply to the affected area of skin, and rinse off after it dries. Do not apply to broken or infected skin without a doctor's advice.

Dosage should always be personalised by a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner. The following is general guidance only.

• Children: Lodhra is not generally recommended for children without a doctor's supervision. Any use in children should be only on medical advice.
• Teenagers: Dosage should be set individually by a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner, taking age and body weight into account.
• Adults: A commonly advised amount is half to 1 teaspoon of powder, or 1 to 2 tablets or capsules, as directed by a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Elderly: Older adults may need a lower dose, particularly where digestion is sensitive. Dosage should be confirmed by a doctor.

Disclaimer: Do not self-medicate. Do not exceed the advised dose or duration, as overuse may cause side effects such as constipation. Always follow your doctor's instructions, and consult a doctor before use in pregnancy.

Lodhra is generally well tolerated when taken as advised. Some people may notice the following.

Constipation

Taking more than the advised amount may cause constipation, due to Lodhra's astringent action. Stop use and speak with your doctor if this happens.

Dry Mouth

A dry or puckering sensation in the mouth can occur at higher doses. This usually settles when the dose is reduced or use is stopped.

Lodhra may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your doctor about everything you are taking.

Diabetes Medicines

Laboratory research suggests Lodhra-based preparations may lower blood sugar by inhibiting digestive enzymes (Butala et al., 2017). Taking Lodhra alongside diabetes medicines may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Blood sugar should be monitored closely, and any change should be discussed with your doctor.

Other Astringent or Constipating Medicines

Taking Lodhra alongside other medicines that can cause constipation may increase that risk. Speak to your doctor if you are taking such medicines regularly.

Storage of Lodhra

Store Lodhra powder, tablets or capsules in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed after use, and keep it out of reach of children. Do not use the product after the expiry date printed on the pack.

• Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) is a classical Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support women's reproductive health, skin health and digestion.
• It is traditionally believed to have astringent, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
• It is traditionally used to help ease heavy menstrual flow and vaginal discharge, and to support minor wound care and skin health.
• It is not a treatment for a diagnosed hormonal, infectious or serious medical condition, and should not be used in place of medical care for these.
• Avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical advice, and speak to your doctor before use if you have diabetes, particularly if you take blood sugar-lowering medicines. Take it only in the dose advised by your doctor.