Dhava (Dhava (Dhata, Nanditaru, Sthira, Gaura, Dhurandhara))
Dhava (Anogeissus latifolia) is an Ayurvedic herb known for its astringent and antimicrobial properties. It is traditionally used for wound healing, inflammation, and gastrointestinal support.
Botanical name: Anogeissus latifolia. Also known as: Axlewood tree, Button tree, Ghatti tree, Dhava, Dhaura, Bakali, Dhon, Dhawra, Dhawda, Dhaora, Daoya, Dhawa, Dhavado, Dinduga, Dindal, Bejjalu, Marukum Chiram, Chiru Manu, Dhurandhara, Nandi Taru, Sthira, Shukla Vruksha, Pandutaru, Dhavala, Pandura, Nava.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Astringent action
Dosage
Bark/Heartwood Decoction (Kashaya): 50-100 ml in divided doses per day. Powder (Churna): 1-3 g. Exudate (Gum): 1-2 g
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Astringent
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
- Stambhana (Styptic/astringent)
- Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
- Pittahara (Reduces Pitta)
- Madhumehahara (Anti-diabetic)
Traditional uses
- Wounds
- Diarrhea
- Skin disorders
- Diabetes
- Hemorrhoids
- Anemia
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kwath): Simmer 5-10 g of dried bark in 200-250 ml water until it reduces to half. Strain and use.
- Paste: The bark powder can be mixed with water or honey to make a paste for topical application on wounds. It can also be mixed with turmeric and neem powder for wound healing.
- Infusion: Boiling the bark in water, letting it cool, and applying it to affected areas.
Contraindications
- Not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterine effects; professional supervision is needed.
- Use during lactation should be supervised.
- Pediatric use should be under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
- Individuals with liver or kidney conditions should seek professional advice from an Ayurvedic expert before using Dhava internally.
- Overdosing on bark decoction may cause nausea or mild stomach cramps due to the high tannin content.
- Rare reports of contact dermatitis with topical use suggest patch-testing before full application.
- Tannins might bind to certain medications (e.g., iron supplements, anticoagulants), potentially reducing their absorption. Consult a practitioner before combining Dhava with other medications.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Overdosing on bark decoction may lead to nausea or mild stomach cramps due to high tannin content.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare reports of contact dermatitis with topical use; a patch test is recommended before full application.
- Not advised during pregnancy (possible uterine contractility) or lactation without supervision.
- Pediatric use should be under practitioner guidance.
- Exercise caution in patients with constipation.
Interactions
- Tannins may bind certain medications (e.g., iron supplements, anticoagulants), reducing absorption. It's best to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- If you have liver or kidney conditions, consult an Ayurvedic expert before internal use.
Clinical evidence
Studies show Dhava-treated excision wounds had faster epithelialization compared to controls. Dhava extract reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dhava bark extract inhibits the growth of clinical isolates of S. aureus and E. coli.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
- Stambhana (Styptic/astringent)
- Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
- Pittahara (Reduces Pitta)
- Madhumehahara (Anti-diabetic)
Classical clinical indications
- Wounds
- Diarrhea
- Skin disorders
- Diabetes
- Hemorrhoids
- Anemia