Dhava (Dhata, Nanditaru, Sthira, Gaura, Dhurandhara)

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

Frequently asked questions