Auddalaka (Udakiryaka)

About

Auddalaka (Cordia dichotoma) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for its palatable properties and potential benefits in improving voice quality and alleviating skin diseases. Modern research explores its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.

Properties

Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Neuroprotective

Dosage

Fruit Powder (Churna): 3–6 g, twice daily with warm water or honey. Children (6–12 years) can take half the adult dosage under supervision. Decoction (Kashaya): 10–15 g dried bark or leaves boiled in 200 ml water down to 50–60 ml, sipped 2-3 times a day. A dose of 40-50 ml of the bark decoction is used to treat diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and intestinal worms. Seed Kernel Oil: 5–10 ml for topical massage nightly. Fruit Syrup (Arishtam-like): 30–60 ml after meals. Fruit juice: 15-20 ml

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (sweet)
• Virya: ["Sheetala (cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (sweet)"]

Benefits

• Varnya (improves complexion)
• Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
• Shukrala (increases sperm count)

Traditional uses

• Kasa (cough)
• Shwasa (asthma)
• Jwara (fever)
• Twak roga (skin diseases)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Fruit Powder (Churna): The fruit is dried and powdered. It can be taken with warm water or honey.
• Decoction (Kashaya): Dried bark or leaves are boiled in water until the liquid is reduced.
• Seed Kernel Oil: Oil is extracted from the seed kernels. It is used for topical application.
• Fruit Syrup (Arishtam-like): Ripe fruits are fermented with jaggery and herbal adjuncts over 7–10 days.
• Pickle: Immature fruits are used to make pickles.

Contraindications

• Excessive consumption of fruit powder may erode tooth enamel or irritate the stomach lining.
• High doses (>10 g fruit powder daily) should be avoided in people with sensitive teeth enamel due to acidity.
• Rare reports of contact dermatitis with seed oil, so a patch test is recommended.
• May have an additive anticoagulant effect, especially due to β-sitosterol potentially lowering platelet aggregation. Consult a physician if you are on blood thinners.
• Limited data is available for pregnancy and lactation; use fruit syrup sparingly and avoid high-dose bark decoctions during pregnancy; consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner; lactating mothers can use fruit syrup in moderation (<30 ml/day).
• Children between 6–12 years can take half the adult dosage under supervision.
• Uraga of Sleshmataka is prohibited for rituals.

Side effects

• Gastric Irritation: Excessive consumption of fruit powder may erode tooth enamel or irritate the stomach lining in acid-sensitive individuals. Avoid high doses (>10 g fruit powder daily) in individuals with sensitive teeth enamel due to acidity.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare reports of contact dermatitis with seed oil; a patch test is recommended.

Interactions

• Medication Interactions: Potential additive effect with anticoagulants (β-sitosterol may lower platelet aggregation); consult a physician when on blood thinners.
• If taking with allopathic medicines, it is advised to take the allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Clinical evidence

Animal studies suggest potential antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer and cognitive-enhancing properties of Cordia dichotoma. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Varnya (improves complexion)
• Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
• Shukrala (increases sperm count)

Classical clinical indications

• Kasa (cough)
• Shwasa (asthma)
• Jwara (fever)
• Twak roga (skin diseases)

Frequently asked questions