Padmaka for Bleeding Disorders: Does It Work?
Does Padmaka help with bleeding disorders? This is one of its main classical uses. Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides), a wild Himalayan cherry with reddish, fragrant heartwood, is described as primarily used in bleeding disorders and as an important ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations for Raktapitta.
Raktapitta means "blood-fire": excess heat (Pitta) drives blood out of its channels. Padmaka is bitter and astringent in taste and cold in potency, the classic profile for cooling heat and holding the vessels. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 1) lists it as controlling bleeding disorders (Raktapitta hara) and relieving burning (Daha Prashamana).
It is almost always used inside a formula rather than alone, and it is a uterine stimulant, so it is not for pregnancy.
How Padmaka Helps with Bleeding Disorders
Classical care for bleeding rests on cooling (Sheetala) and astringent toning of the vessels (Stambhana). Padmaka is built for both.
Cooling the Heat
Its cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and bitter taste (Tikta Rasa) work against the aggravated Pitta behind Raktapitta. Its companion action of relieving burning sensation shows the same heat-clearing character.
Holding the Blood
Its astringent taste (Kashaya Rasa) contracts tissues and checks the escape of blood. It is light (Laghu) and unctuous (Snigdha) with a pungent post-digestive effect (Katu Vipaka); the Sharangadhara Samhita describes it as cooling yet drying.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu also lists it for skin diseases and poisoning, and as complexion-enhancing (Varnya). Our sources hold no clinical research on Padmaka for bleeding.
How to Use Padmaka for Bleeding Disorders
The heartwood and bark are the parts used. In the classical texts, Padmaka is almost always part of a formula rather than taken alone.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raktapitta formulas containing Padmaka | As on the formula or as prescribed | Heat-type bleeding | As directed |
| Heartwood or bark alone | No standard dose in our sources | Practitioner use | As directed |
Our sources give no standalone dose, bleeding-specific vehicle (anupana) or course length, so a qualified practitioner should set these.
For a newcomer, the most practical route is a ready-made classical formula chosen with professional guidance, after a doctor has diagnosed the cause of the bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Padmaka safe in pregnancy?
No. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as a uterine stimulant (Garbhashaya Uttejaka), so avoid it in pregnancy unless a qualified practitioner specifically advises it.
Who else should be careful?
People who already run cold or dry, since it is cooling and astringent. Our sources list no drug interactions, which means thin data, not proven safety.
Why is it usually in formulas?
Classical texts use Padmaka as one of several cooling, astringent ingredients in preparations for Raktapitta rather than as a single remedy.
Recommended: Start Padmaka for Bleeding Disorders
If you want to start using Padmaka for bleeding disorders, the simplest starting point is a classical formula that already contains it, chosen with a practitioner after a doctor has assessed the bleeding.
Best form: a ready-made Raktapitta formula with Padmaka. That is how the classical texts use it, and our sources give no standalone dose.
If you look for the herb itself, check that the label names Prunus cerasoides or Prunus puddum.
Find Padmaka on Amazon ↗ Bhavaprakasha Nighantu ↗
Safety: do not take Padmaka during pregnancy unless a qualified practitioner specifically advises it.
Safety & Precautions
Our sources do not list specific contraindications or drug interactions for Wild Himalayan Cherry. That is not the same as saying it is risk free, so the honest answer is that safety data here is thin.
Pregnancy
The Bhavaprakasha lists one of its actions as a uterine stimulant (Garbhashaya Uttejaka). For that reason it should not be taken during pregnancy unless a qualified practitioner specifically advises it.
Cold and Drying Nature
It has a cold potency and is described as "cooling yet drying" in the Sharangadhara Samhita. In Ayurvedic logic, strongly cooling, astringent herbs are chosen for heat conditions, so it may not suit someone who already runs cold or dry. Ask a practitioner before using it if that describes you.
General Advice
Because it is traditionally used inside multi-herb formulas, follow the dose on a formulated product or your practitioner's guidance. If you have a bleeding disorder, see a doctor first: bleeding needs a proper diagnosis before any herbal support.
Other Herbs for Bleeding Disorders
See all herbs for bleeding disorders on the Bleeding Disorders page.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Visha (poisoning)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
The treatment shall be bathing (washing), pouring with water processed with anti-poisonous drugs, application of paste of Sevya (Ushira), Candana (sandalwood), Padmaka – Wild Himalayan Cherry (heart wood) – Prunus puddum / cerasoides;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi
Sita, Yasthimadhu (licorice), Suvarnatwak, Padmaka, Raktayastika Kustha, tagara and other scents – perfumeries.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
Varsha (Rainy season) – काल यक तलोशीरमांसीतगरप कम ् Kaliyaka, Tila, Usira, Mamsi, Tagara and Padmaka.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Gandushadi Vidhi Gargles
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi; Dhumpana Medicated Smoking; Gandushadi Vidhi Gargles
Take kuṣṭha, aguru, devadāru, kaunti, cinnamon, padmaka, cardamom, sugandhabālā, palāśa, mustaka, priyangu, thauneyaka, nāgakeśara, jatāmāmsi, tālisapatra, plava, tejapatra, coriander, sriveshtaka, dhyāmaka, piper longum, sprikkā and nakha.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Prepare medicated oil from vetasa, manjiṣhthā, mrināla, sandal, padmaka and khasha and bark of latex-exuding plants.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Thereafter, bathing with medicated water prepared with sandal, khaśa and padmaka and heated by sun rays or with water prepared with latex-exuding plants or water mixed with milk is beneficial.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
The patient should be given warm water sitz bath with the decoction of madhuka, nifnala, padmaka, chandana (Santalum album), kusha (Desmospachya bipinnata) and kasha (Saccharum spontaneum) in cases suffering from bleeding, burning sensation and stickiness.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
Take two pala (96 gm) each of chandana, padmaka, usheera, patha, murva, kuthannatha (kaivarta musta), shadhgrantha (vacha), sariva, asphota (aspurmallika), saptaparna, aṭarushakana (vasa), patola, udumbara, ashvattha, vata, plaksa, kapeetana (gandha musta), kathuki, musta and nimba and prepare decoction by adding one drona (12.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Amritottara Kvatha: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Nimba bark (Azadirachta indica), Bilva bark (Aegle marmelos), Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides), and Raktachandana (red sandalwood — Pterocarpus santalinus) — this decoction should be consumed.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
The Kalka (paste) ingredients are: Mridvika/Draksha (Vitis vinifera — raisins), Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Pippali (Piper longum), Raktachandana (Pterocarpus santalinus — red sandalwood), Patraka (Cinnamomum tamala), Nagapushpa (Mesua ferrea), and Atmagupta/Kapikacchu fruits (Mucuna pruriens).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 9: Snehakalpana (Oleaginous Preparations - Ghrita and Taila)
A paste of Triphala, Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides, wild Himalayan cherry), Ushira (vetiver), Samanga (Manjishtha, Rubia cordifolia), Karavira (Nerium oleander), Nala Mula (root of Arundo donax/giant reed), and Ananta (Sariva/Hemidesmus indicus) -- this paste destroys Kapha-type Visarpa.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The astringent Triphala and Manjishtha dry the oozing, Padmaka and vetiver are cooling yet drying, and Karavira (oleander) is a potent anti-inflammatory applied externally.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
For Rakta Pitta (bleeding disorders): a paste made from Dhatri (Amalaki/Emblica officinalis), Kaseru (Scirpus kysoor), Hrivera (Pavonia odorata), Padma (lotus, Nelumbo nucifera), Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides), Chandana (sandalwood, Santalum album), Durva (Cynodon dactylon), Ushira (vetiver), and the roots of Nala (Arundo donax) should be applied.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 9: Snehakalpana (Oleaginous Preparations - Ghrita and Taila); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Gundra, rice, shaivala (aquatic moss), shailabheda, daruharidra (tree turmeric), ela (cardamom), utpala (blue lotus), rodhra, abhra (mica), lotus petal, sugar, darbha (sacred grass), tala (palmyra), rodhra, vetasa (cane), and padmaka.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
or one prepared similarly with daru (devadaru), padmaka, and shunthi (dry ginger).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
Ghee cooked with shatavari, prithakparni, musta, amalaka, padmaka, and sariva — this destroys burning sensation and pain.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
Oil prepared with astringent and sweet herbs -- Madhuka (licorice), Ushira (vetiver), Hribera, Sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), Utpala (blue lotus), and Padmaka -- should be used for massaging the child.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha
PARISARPA-JVARA GHRITA: Prepared with Triphala, Ushira, Shampaka, Katuka, Ativisha, Ghana, Shatavari, Saptaparni, Guduchi, Neem, Chitraka, Trivrit, Murva, Patola, Arishta, Balaka, Kirata-tikta, Vacha, Vishala, Padmaka, Utpala, Sariva, Yashtya-hvva, Vikara, Raktachandana, Duralabha, Parpataka, Trayamana, Aturushaka, Rasna, Kudu, Kumanjishtha, Pippali, Nagara, and Dhatri-phala juice -- this ghee eliminates spreading fever, dyspnea, tumors, and skin diseases.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
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.