Rohi (Rohitaka (Rohi, Dadimpushpaka))
Rohi (Tecomella undulata) is a deciduous tree traditionally used in Ayurveda for liver disorders, inflammation, and pain relief. Modern research supports its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Botanical name: Tecomella undulata. Also known as: Rohitaka, Dadima pushpa, Lohita, Raktapushpa, Rugtrora, Rohida, Rohira, Desert Teak, Marwar Teak, White Cedar, Honey tree, Rohido, Mullumuntala, Dodda mathi, Cemmaram, Laberra, Malampuluvan, Marungulum, Harinahada, Rodarayana.
Properties
Hepatoprotection, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant
Dosage
Powder (bark): 1 to 3 grams, or 3-5 g per day, mixed with warm water, honey, or milk. Some sources suggest 2-3 grams of powdered bark once or twice daily. Decoction: 50 to 100 ml. Alternatively, boil 10-15 g bark in 200-300 ml water until reduced to half, and sip twice daily. Another preparation suggests boiling 1 tsp of bark powder in 2 cups of water until reduced to half. Standardized Extract Capsules: 250-500 mg twice daily.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Yakritvikara (liver tonic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Traditional uses
- Yakrit Roga (liver disorders)
- Pliha Vriddhi (splenomegaly)
- Shotha (inflammation)
- Krimi Roga (worm infestation)
- Raktavikara (blood disorders)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder (Churna): The bark is dried and powdered.
- Decoction (Kwath or Kadha): The bark or powder is boiled in water and reduced to the desired concentration.
- Paste/Poultice: Powdered bark can be mixed with water or sesame oil for topical application.
- Arishta: It is also used in the preparation of Rohitakarishta, a fermented formulation.
- Lauha: It is also used in the preparation of Rohitaka Lauha in tablet or powder form.
Contraindications
- High Doses: May cause nausea, stomach cramps, or mild diarrhea if taken internally in high doses (over 10 g/day of bark powder).
- Topical Overuse: May lead to skin dryness or mild dermatitis, especially in individuals prone to Pitta imbalances.
- Anticoagulant Therapy: Rohitukine, a constituent of *Tecomella undulata*, might affect platelet aggregation, so caution is advised for those on anticoagulant medications.
- It is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using *Tecomella undulata*, especially for pregnant women or those on blood thinners.
Side effects
- High doses may cause nausea, stomach cramps, or mild diarrhea. Overuse may cause digestive discomfort.
- Topical Use may lead to skin dryness or mild dermatitis in individuals with pitta constitution.
Interactions
- Rohitukine may affect platelet aggregation, so caution is advised for those on anticoagulant medications.
- It is advisable to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.
Clinical evidence
A 2021 randomized, double-blind pilot trial suggests that Rohida extract may modestly reduce liver-fat scores in patients with mild NAFLD. More clinical trials are needed to validate the traditional uses and therapeutic potential of Tecomella undulata.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Yakritvikara (liver tonic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Classical clinical indications
- Yakrit Roga (liver disorders)
- Pliha Vriddhi (splenomegaly)
- Shotha (inflammation)
- Krimi Roga (worm infestation)
- Raktavikara (blood disorders)