Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Ruksha
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Key Constituents
- Loturidine, tannins, and other compounds
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: लोध्र, तिलक, शाबर, गालव, मार्जन
Hindi: लोध
What is Lodhra?
If you have ever looked for an Ayurvedic answer to heavy periods, bleeding gums, or a hot, weeping skin problem, you have probably met Lodhra without realising it. This humble tree bark sits inside some of the best-known classical women's health preparations, and it is the herb Ayurveda reaches for when something is leaking that should not be.
Lodhra is the bark of Symplocos racemosa Roxb., a tree found throughout India. Its Sanskrit name is (Lodhra, लोध्र), and in Hindi it is called Lodh. Classical texts also know it as (Tilaka, Shabara, Galava, Marjana), and the Sahasra Yoga adds (Akshibheshaja), literally "eye medicine", a hint at its long use for eye complaints.
What makes Lodhra distinctive is a simple, focused profile. It is astringent in taste (Kashaya Rasa), meaning it tightens and binds tissue, light and dry in quality (Laghu, Ruksha Guna), and cold in potency (Sheeta Virya). The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it an important drug for gynecological disorders, especially (Raktapradar), heavy menstrual bleeding, and notes its use in the fermented formulas Ashokarishta and Lodhrasava, as well as in cosmetic face packs (Ubtan).
A second variety, Pathani Lodhra, is a smaller tree with different bark characteristics that is used in much the same way. Both contain tannins, the compounds behind that puckering astringent quality.
Benefits of Lodhra
Almost every classical use of Lodhra traces back to one pairing: astringent plus cold. Astringency contracts tissue and slows loss of blood or fluid; cold potency calms excess heat, which Ayurveda links to Pitta, the dosha (body-mind energy) of fire and transformation. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists its actions as hemostatic (Raktastambhana), absorbent (Grahi), anti-swelling (Shotha hara), good for the eyes (Chakshushya), and good for complexion (Varnya).
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Women's Health
This is Lodhra's best-known role. Classical texts treat it as a leading herb for menorrhagia and for the broader category Pradara, which covers both heavy bleeding and chronic white discharge (leucorrhea). The Sahasra Yoga describes the bark as classical for leucorrhea.
The bark tightens tissue and cools heat in the blood, which is why it is a classical ingredient in Ashokarishta and Lodhrasava. It is also used for vaginal disorders, cervicitis, and heavy bleeding during perimenopause.
Bleeding Elsewhere in the Body
The Sharangadhara Samhita puts it plainly:
Lodhra and Samanga are powerful astringent hemostatics.
Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10
That action extends to bleeding disorders in general, rectal bleeding, internal bleeding, and minor external bleeding from cuts and scrapes. Because heavy blood loss drains the body, Lodhra also appears in Charaka's chapter on anemia, as one ingredient of a fermented iron tonic.
Gums and Mouth
The Sharangadhara Samhita describes an oral paste (Pratisarana), a powder rubbed onto the gums, made from Lodhra and seven other herbs. It is said to stop bleeding, tooth pain, swelling, and burning, which makes Lodhra a natural fit for gum disorders.
Digestion: Diarrhea and Dysentery
The absorbent action helps bind loose stools, and the hemostatic action matters when stool carries blood. Lodhra is indicated for diarrhea and dysentery, especially hot, urgent patterns. Charaka includes it in formulas in his chapters on hemorrhoids and digestive disorders.
Skin and Complexion
Lodhra has a long cosmetic history. The Sharangadhara Samhita includes it in a paste with red sandalwood, Manjishtha and red lentils for hyperpigmentation (Vyanga) and facial radiance, and in a paste with coriander and Vacha for youthful acne (Tarunya Pitika). Charaka uses it in cooling pastes for (Visarpa), a hot, spreading skin inflammation similar to erysipelas. It is also linked to skin disorders more broadly and to cosmetic care around benign moles.
Eyes, Swelling, and Inflammation
The Sushruta Samhita uses Lodhra in eye drops (Ashchyotana) for blood-type conjunctivitis and in collyrium (eye paste) preparations for vision disorders. This supports its listing for conjunctivitis and other eye disorders. Its anti-swelling action also connects it to edema and inflammation.
How to Use Lodhra
Lodhra is almost always the bark, used as a powder, a decoction, a paste, or as part of a classical fermented formula. Ayurvedic practitioners typically use it in short, targeted courses rather than as a daily tonic.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark powder (Churna) | 250 to 500 mg, up to 1 to 3 g for short courses | Heavy bleeding, loose stools with blood | Twice daily during the problem days |
| Decoction (Kashaya) | 30 to 50 ml, made from 5 to 10 g bark | Hot, burning bleeding patterns | Twice daily on heavy days |
| Ashokarishta (fermented, contains Lodhra) | 15 to 20 ml with equal water | Cycle-long support for irregular or heavy periods | Twice daily after meals |
| Lodhrasava (fermented, Lodhra-led) | 10 to 15 ml with equal water | Stronger support for significant heavy bleeding | Twice daily after meals |
| Gum paste or tooth powder | 250 to 500 mg powder with a few drops of honey or water | Bleeding, swollen gums | Rubbed on the gum line, once or twice daily |
| Face pack (Ubtan) | A small amount of powder mixed into a paste | Complexion, acne, pigmentation | Applied to skin, then rinsed |
What to Take It With
Ayurveda pays close attention to the vehicle, or (Anupana), a carrier that steers a herb's effect. For hot, bright-red bleeding, Lodhra powder is taken with cool rice water or honey water to reinforce its cooling action. Where there is dryness and cramping, warm milk with a little ghee helps offset Lodhra's drying quality.
Topical Use
For gums, the classical approach is a rubbed paste (Pratisarana) or a tooth powder. For skin, Lodhra goes into face packs with other cooling herbs. In these forms it works by direct contact, so results tend to show quickly.
Safety & Side Effects
Lodhra is generally well tolerated in the short, targeted courses Ayurveda uses it for. Its exceptions follow directly from its strong astringent, drying, cold nature.
- Absent periods: Avoid Lodhra in amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). Its astringent action could further suppress flow.
- Constipation: The binding action can worsen constipation if overused or taken by someone already prone to it.
- Vata imbalance: Lodhra reduces Pitta and Kapha but may increase Vata, the dry, cold, mobile dosha. Dry, cramping, or receding-tissue patterns are a poor fit for it on its own.
- Pregnancy: Avoid internal use in pregnancy unless a qualified practitioner advises otherwise.
- Blood thinners: Because Lodhra is a hemostatic, people on anticoagulants such as warfarin or apixaban should not take it internally without medical supervision.
When Bleeding Needs a Doctor First
Lodhra slows bleeding; it does not diagnose its cause. Rectal bleeding, new heavy periods after age 40, any bleeding after menopause, and unusual vaginal discharge all need a medical workup before you rely on a herb.
Recommended: Start Here
The simplest way to start with Lodhra is plain bark powder, 250 to 500 mg twice daily in cool water or honey water, used for a short course during the days you need it, such as heavy menstrual days. If you prefer a ready-made formula for cycle-long support, Ashokarishta is the classical choice that includes Lodhra.
For bleeding gums, skip the internal route and use the powder topically: mix a pinch with a few drops of honey and rub it gently along the gum line before bed.
Find Lodhra Powder on Amazon ↗ Lodhra Capsules ↗ Ashokarishta ↗
Safety: Avoid Lodhra if your periods are absent, during pregnancy, or if you take blood thinners, and ease off if it makes you constipated. Any unexplained bleeding deserves a medical check first.
Lodhra vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Lodhra | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodhra vs Ashoka | Astringent bark that halts excess flow at the bleeding surface | Ashoka is a uterine tonic that supports uterine muscle tone, pain, and cramping | Lodhra for the heavy bleeding days themselves; Ashoka for pain and tone. Ashokarishta combines both. |
| Lodhra vs Shatavari | Tightens and dries tissue | Shatavari builds and moistens tissue | Lodhra for heavy flow or excess discharge; Shatavari for dryness and depletion. They are often used together. |
| Lodhra vs Kutaja | Cold astringent, best when stool carries blood or burning | Kutaja is the front-line classical herb for diarrhea and dysentery | Kutaja leads for loose stools in general; Lodhra supports when bleeding dominates. |
| Lodhra vs Bilva | Cooling astringent, suits hot, bleeding gums or gut | Bilva is a warming astringent | Lodhra for hot, red, bleeding patterns; Bilva for cooler, swollen, sluggish ones. |
Lodhra for Specific Populations
Our sources say little about population-specific dosing for Lodhra, so this guidance leans on caution and on what is known about its properties.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Avoid internal Lodhra during pregnancy unless a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (Vaidya) advises it. Topical use, such as a tooth powder you spit out, is a gentler option. There is no specific data on nursing, so check with a practitioner before using it internally.
Children
There is no specific pediatric dosing guidance in our sources. Do not give Lodhra internally to children without professional advice.
Elderly
Older adults tend toward dryness and constipation, two things Lodhra's drying, binding nature can worsen. Use short courses at the lower end of the dose range, and get any new bleeding medically assessed before relying on a herb.
Women in Perimenopause
This is the group for whom Lodhra fits best: women with heavy or prolonged bleeding as cycles become irregular. Once periods have stopped for good, its role largely fades, and any bleeding after menopause needs a doctor, not Lodhra.
Athletes
Our sources do not describe Lodhra as a performance or recovery herb. It has no particular role here beyond its general uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lodhra in English?
Lodhra is the bark of Symplocos racemosa, a tree found throughout India, and it is often sold as Symplocos bark or Lodh. A related variety called Pathani Lodhra comes from a smaller tree and is used in much the same way.
Is Lodhra good for the skin?
Yes, in classical use. It has long been used in cosmetic face packs (Ubtan), and the Sharangadhara Samhita includes it in pastes for acne and for hyperpigmentation. The texts describe it as astringent and complexion-enhancing (Varnya).
Which formulations contain Lodhra?
The best known are Ashokarishta and Lodhrasava, both fermented liquids used for heavy menstrual bleeding. Charaka also includes Lodhra in a fermented iron tonic for anemia and in formulas for hemorrhoids and digestive disorders.
Can Lodhra be used for the eyes?
Classically, yes. One of its Sanskrit synonyms, (Akshibheshaja), means "eye medicine", and the Sushruta Samhita uses it in eye drops and collyrium for conjunctivitis and vision disorders. These are traditional, practitioner-prepared remedies; do not put homemade preparations in your eyes.
How to Use Lodhra by Condition
Explore how Lodhra is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Kiratatikta (Swertia chirayita), lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), chandana (Santalum album linn), duralabha (Fagonia cretica), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), padmakinjalka (Prunus cerasoides), utpala (Nymphaea nouchali), bibhitaka (Terminalia bellirica), madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn) and nagapushpa (Mesua ferrea Linn), this formulation physician may administer for the alleviation of visarpa.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
Prapaundrika (Nelumbo nucifera), madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn), padmakinjalka (Prunus cerasoides), utpala (Nymphaea nouchali), nagapuspa (Mesua ferrea Linn), and lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), should be taken by the above method.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), padmakinjalka (Prunas cerasoides), ushira (Vetiveria zizanioidis), nila utpala (Nymphaea caerulea), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), chandana (Santalum album Linn), lodhra (symplocos racemosa) and abhaya (Terminalia chebula) should be applied externally as pralepa.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
Nalada (Vetiveria zizanioidis), harenu (Vitex negundo Linn), lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn), padmaka (Prunas cerasoides), durva (Cynodon dactylon) and sarjarasa (Shorea robusta) should be mixed with ghee and used externally as a pralepa.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
When external application of paste prepared from pomegranate, wood apple, lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), white yam and citron or of whitish emblica myrobalans mixed with ghee and sour wheat porridge is done over head area it proves useful.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
References in Charaka Samhita
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) (1 prastha), amalaki (Embilica officinalis) (one prastha), kapittha (10 pala), indrayan (5 pala) vidanga (Embilia ribes) (two pala), pippali (Piper longum) (two pala), lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) (two pala), maricha (Piper nigrum) (two pala) and elavaluka (two pala) should be added with eight dronas of water and boiled till two dronas remained.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
Powder of nilotpala (Nelumbo nucifera), samanga, mocharasa, chandan (Santalum album),, tila (Sesamum indicum) and lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) should be taken along with goat-milk.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
The paste of ingredients like hribera, utpala, lodhra, majitha, chavya chandana, patha, atisa, bilva, dhataki, devadaru, bark of daruharidra, nagaramotha, jatamamsi, musta, yavakshara and chitraka should be made then added 4 times juice of changeri and cooked with ghee as per ghrita siddha.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
to this add two hundred pala (9600 gm) of jaggery and half kudava (96 gm) of honey as well as powders of priyangu, musta, manjishtha, vidanga, madhuka, plava, and sabaraka lodhra and fermented for a fortnight.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Manjishtha, rajani, draksha, bala moola (roots), lauha bhasma, and lodhra should be added to jaggery and processed according to the method prescribed for arishta.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 16: Anemia Treatment (Pandu Chikitsa / पाण्डुचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 16: Anemia Treatment (Pandu Chikitsa / पाण्डुचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Also: Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa — dill), Hingupatri (Ferula foetida leaf), Akallaka (a type of aromatic), Utingana, the two Punarnavas — Rakta and Shveta (Boerhaavia diffusa), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), and Dhataki flowers (Woodfordia fruticosa) for fermentation.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)
A Pratisarana powder made from Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Darvi (Berberis aristata), Samanga (Rubia cordifolia/Manjishtha), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Tiktaka/Pitika (Picrorhiza kurroa), Tejani (Zanthoxylum armatum), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), and Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) -- this powder, applied as oral paste, destroys bleeding (Rakta Sruti), tooth pain (Danta Pida), swelling (Shotha), and burning (Daha).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10: Gandusha-Kavala Pratisarana Vidhi (Gargling, Oil Pulling and Oral Paste Application)
A paste of Rakta Chandana (red sandalwood, Pterocarpus santalinus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla), Vata Ankura (banyan sprouts, Ficus benghalensis), and Masura (red lentils, Lens culinaris) destroys Vyanga (hyperpigmentation/melasma) and bestows facial radiance (Mukha Kanti).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Dhanya (coriander, Coriandrum sativum), and Vacha (Acorus calamus) removes Tarunya Pitika (youthful acne).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Kaliyaka (Berberis aristata heartwood), and Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) should be applied.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10: Gandusha-Kavala Pratisarana Vidhi (Gargling, Oil Pulling and Oral Paste Application); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Also: Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa — dill), Hingupatri (Ferula foetida leaf), Akallaka (a type of aromatic), Utingana, the two Punarnavas — Rakta and Shveta (Boerhaavia diffusa), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), and Dhataki flowers (Woodfordia fruticosa) for fermentation.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)
A Pratisarana powder made from Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Darvi (Berberis aristata), Samanga (Rubia cordifolia/Manjishtha), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Tiktaka/Pitika (Picrorhiza kurroa), Tejani (Zanthoxylum armatum), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), and Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) -- this powder, applied as oral paste, destroys bleeding (Rakta Sruti), tooth pain (Danta Pida), swelling (Shotha), and burning (Daha).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10: Gandusha-Kavala Pratisarana Vidhi (Gargling, Oil Pulling and Oral Paste Application)
Lodhra and Samanga are powerful astringent hemostatics;
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10: Gandusha-Kavala Pratisarana Vidhi (Gargling, Oil Pulling and Oral Paste Application)
A paste of Rakta Chandana (red sandalwood, Pterocarpus santalinus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla), Vata Ankura (banyan sprouts, Ficus benghalensis), and Masura (red lentils, Lens culinaris) destroys Vyanga (hyperpigmentation/melasma) and bestows facial radiance (Mukha Kanti).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Red sandalwood and Manjishtha are Rakta Prasadaka (blood purifiers), Lodhra is astringent and skin-lightening, and lentils provide gentle exfoliation.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 10: Gandusha-Kavala Pratisarana Vidhi (Gargling, Oil Pulling and Oral Paste Application); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sushruta Samhita
With musta, haridra (turmeric), madhuka (licorice), priyangu, white mustard, lodhra, utpala (blue lotus), and sariva — ashchyotana (eye drops) should be prepared, and the anjana should be clay-based.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 12: Raktabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Blood-type Conjunctivitis)
With kashmari (Gmelina) flowers, madhuka (licorice), daruharidra (tree turmeric), lodhra, and rasanjana (Berberis extract).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
or neem leaves, madhuka, daruharidra (Berberis), with copper and lodhra — physicians recommend these as collyrium in equal parts.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Tinduka, haritaki, lodhra, manjishtha, amalaki, and honey combined with kapittha juice serve as a wholesome ear-filling.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Also priyangu, madhuka, ambashtha, dhataki, shilaparni, manjishtha, lodhra, and lac with kapittha juice.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 12: Raktabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Blood-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 19: Chapter 19; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.