Symplocos Cortex, Lodhra

Sapphireberry, Sweetleaf
Lodhra (Ayurveda)
Velli-lethi (Siddha)
Lodh Pathani (Unani)
Satrak (Arabic)
Hua Shan Fan (S. chinensis) (TCM)

Symplocos racemosa
Engler, H.G.A., Das Pflanzenreich, Symplocaceae, 1901

Symplocos racemosa bark
(Photo by Miansari66) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:

Symplocos racemosa (syn. S. beddomei, S. candolleana)
In some parts of India other species are used: S. laurina, S. spicata, S. ramosissima, S. sumuntia, S. cochinchinensis
S. chinensis is also used in Unani medicine in some parts.
Note this is a large family with many similar species spread across the areas where it has been used medicinally with a number of species appearing to be used indiscriminately according to location.

Parts used:

Bark

Temperature & Taste:

Cool, dry. Bitter

Uses:

1. Moves the Blood, Stops Bleeding: (Ayurveda, TCM)
-various types of Bleeding from Heat
-Wounds, Trauma
-Pain of the Sinews and Bones

2. Regulates Menstruation, Benefits Uterus:
-Menorrhagia, Uterine diseases (Charaka)
-reagrded as strengthening to the Uterus (Siddha)
-regulates ovarian hormones, promotes Fertility
-reduces frequency and intensity of uterine contractions

3. Astringes to Stop Leakage: (Ayurveda, Unani, TCM)
-Leukorrhea, Spermatorrhea
-Viscous Aphrodisiac (ie. thickens Semen)

4. Clears Damp-Heat:
-Biliousness; Fever
-Diarrhea, Dysentery
-Urinary disorders; Edema,
-Gonorrhea

5. Clears Heat, Resists Poison: (Unani, TCM)
-Cold or Flu with Fever
-Skin diseases including Acne, Sores, Boils, Eczema
-Leprosy, Elephantiasis (Charaka)
-Tumors, Malignant Growths
-Snake Bites

6. Heals Fractures:
-it is one of the Sandhaniya group pf Ayurveda, used for Fractures

7. Clears Heat, Benefits the Eyes:
-mixed with Ghee and taken for “all diseases of the Eyes” (The Bower Manuscript, Ayurveda)

8. Externally:
-bark powder is applied to heal Wounds (Sushruta)
-Vaginal Ulcers
-Heat, Pain and Inflammation of the Eyes; Ophthalmia (paste around the eyes)
-Spongy and Bleeding Gums; relaxed Ovula (decoction as a gargle)
-Discharge of the Ears, powdered bark is applied
-paste for skin spots, freckles
-Boils, local Swellings
-Malignant Growths
-ashes have been used as a caustic (Ayurveda)

Dose:

Powder: 1–2 grams (to 5 grams)
Decoction: 3–9 grams

Comment:

A number of different species have been used as a source of Lodhra in Ayurveda, including S. paniculata. The latter is used in Tibetan Medicine for different uses, and it is the leaves that are most commonly used in that system. We have separated the Leaf and Bark into separate entries. However, both species may be used as a source for the bark, and most likely, for the leaf as well.

Correctives:

1. Black Nightshade
2. Chicory

Substitute:

Yellow Myrobalan (Unani)

Main Combinations:

1. Bleeding, Symplocos racemosa, Costus, Aegle marmelos (Ayurveda)
2. Female diseases, Symplocos racemosa with Safflower, Triphala, Red Sandalwood, Madder, Lacca (as in Nembo 18)
3. Menorrhagia, Symplocos racemosa with Saraca indica, Licorice (Siddha)
4. Leukorrhea, Symplocos racemosa with Ficus benghalensis bark in decoction (Ayurveda)
5. Lower Back Pain, Symplocos racemosa with Shilajit, Triphala, Safflower, Costus, Madder, Caesalpinia (as in Nembo 18)
6. Urinary Infections, Hematuria, Lumbar strain, Kidney diseases, Symplocos racemosa with Chebula, Safflower, Lesser Cardamon, Shilajit, Lacca, Madder, Mango kernel, Caesalpinia (as in Chebula 18)
7. Kidney disease, Kidney or Bladder pain, difficult or frequent urination, Incontinence, Symplocos racemosa with Emblic Myrobalan, Safflower, Green Cardamon, Lacca, Madder, Tribulus (as in Possessor of Ruby Color)
8. Acne and to improve complexion, Symplocos racemosa with Coriander and Calamus mixed with water and applied as a paste. (Lodhradi Churna, Vrindamadhava)
9. Ophthalmia, Symplocos racemosa with Licorice, burnt Alum (Unani)
10. Bleeding Gums, Symplocos racemosa with Cyperus rotundus with honey applied topically (Unani)
11. As an Emetic, Symplocos racemosa with Mustard seed, Calamus, Rock Salt (equal parts as a powder)
12. To tone and tighten the Vagina, Symplocos racemosa with Lagenaria leaves (equal parts) are applied as a paste. (Bhaavaprakaasha)
13. To tone and firm the breasts, Symplocos racemosa with Withania, Iron sulphate, decocted in Sesame oil and applied
14. As a paste for skin spots, freckles and discolorations, Symplocos racemosa with Red Sandalwood, Madder, Costus and roasted Lentils. (Ayurveda)

Major Formulas:

Pushyanuga Churna (Ayurevda)
Nembo 18
Chebula 18 (A Ru 18) (Tibetan Medicine)
Possessor of Ruby Color (Pad rag mdog ldan) (Tibetan Medicine)

Cautions:

Not used in Constipation