Dhataki
Dhataki or Dhawai is also known as Bahupuspika in Ayurveda.Dhataki is the backbone herb of almost all Asava and Arishta preparations. (Alcoholic liquid Ayurveda medicines). It is used as an ingredient in many products for its medicinal values. At the same time, it is also used as a fermenting agent in Asava and Arishta.
Dhataki is a deciduous shrub with numerous fluted branches. This shrub has spreading branches reaching height upto 5-12 mt. Bark of the shrub is smooth and reddish brown in color. It’s botanical name is Woodfordia fruticosa and belongs to Lytheraceae family. It’s is also called as Dhaaya/Dhaay ke Phool in hindi and Fire Flame Bush in English.
Chemical Constituents –
The plant contains phytoconstituents like becogenin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, B sitosterol, tannin, ursolic acid, kaempferol, lawson.
Properties –
• Astringent
• Healing
• Cold
• Stimulant
• Carminative
• Antihelminthic
• Antiulcer
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Hepatoprotective
Part used –
Flower is the main part of this plant which is popularly used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage & How to use –
1. Dhataki Powder
a. Take dried flowers of Dhataki.
b. Grind them and make powder.
c. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this Dhataki powder.
d. Mix with honey or water.
e. Have it twice a day after taking
Benefits –
• Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Dhataki balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia.
• Leucorrhoea
Leucorrhea is a thick, white discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Dhataki is useful in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
• Diarrhea
Aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Dhataki helps to control diarrhea. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent). It helps to thicken loose stool and control the frequency of loose motion or diarrhea.
• Asthma
According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. Taking Dhataki powder helps to balance Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
• Wound healing
It helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Dhataki flower powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing of wound and reduces inflammation.
• Sunburn
Dhataki is useful for fighting against sunburn. According to Ayurveda, sunburn is due to an aggravation of Pitta dosha. This is because of continuous exposure to the sun. Applying Dhataki flower paste gives a cooling effect and reduces burning sensation.
• Acne & Pimples
According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Dhataki powder helps to control acne and pimples. It prevents excess sebum production, removes clogging of pores and reduces inflammation.
• Abdominal Worms
Dhataki might be used for Abdominal worms as it contains certain constituent(tannins) which has anthelmintic property. It helps to inhibit the growth and expels the parasites and worms from the body.
• Ulcer
Dhataki can be used for ulcers due to its antiulcer property. It contains certain constituent(ellagic acid) which protects the gastric cells against cell damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant and gastroprotective properties.
Side Effects –
For pregnant and lactating mothers dhataki powder should be taken under medical supervision.
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