Lodhra
Symplocos racemosa · लोध्र
Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda.
Also called Lodh, Lodhra bark, Symplocos bark
Sanskrit: लोध्र (Lodhra)
Do not use in pregnancyBark of a small Indian tree, used in Ayurveda to stop bleeding and for women's health.
Did you know? Lodhra is one of the herbs in lodhrasava, a fermented Ayurvedic tonic that is still sold today.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Women's health. Traditional use for heavy periods and uterine bleeding. Human trials are few.Traditional proof
- Skin. Used as a face and skin herb in Ayurveda. Human evidence is lacking.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Ayurveda uses lodhra bark to stop bleeding, for heavy periods and for swelling. It is also used in lodhrasava.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Astringent, Hemostatic. Energy: cooling.
- Ayurveda
- Calms Pitta and Kapha. Taste (rasa): astringent, bitter. Energy (virya): cooling. After digestion (vipaka): pungent. Raktastambhaka (stops bleeding), Stri-roga-hara (women's disorders).
How people take it
Bark decoction or powder used in tradition. No tested human dose is established.
Decoction, powder and tea.
Where to get it
Grows in the Himalayan foothills and central India. The bark is peeled and dried. Buy bark powder or lodhrasava from Ayurvedic brands, and check the label.
Be careful
Very astringent, so large doses may cause constipation or stomach upset. Avoid in pregnancy, since traditional use targets the uterus. Heavy bleeding needs medical care.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; heavy bleeding without medical check.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are classic Ayurvedic women's herbs, often used in the same traditions.
- Works well together
Both are used as women's health tonics in Ayurveda.
The honest take
Lodhra is a traditional Ayurvedic bark for bleeding and women's health, but very few good human studies exist. Its claims rest on tradition and lab work. Heavy bleeding needs medical care, not a bark tea.