Dhatri Loha – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference : Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Shoolrogadhikar, Chapter 30 Verse 142-147.
A.F.I.- Part 1 – 21:2

Abstract

Digestive impairment (Agnimandya), vitiation of Pitta Dosha (Pitta Dushti), and contamination of Rakta Dhatu (Rakta Dushti) manifest as abdominal colic (Shoola), Anemia (Pandu), Jaundice (Kamala), Hyperacidity (Amlapitta), Eye disorders (Netra Roga), Premature greying of hair (Palita), Constipation with bloating (Vishthambha, Anaha), and bleeding disorders (Raktapitta). These pathological states lead to fatigue, pallor, abdominal pain, burning sensations (Daha), heaviness in the liver–spleen region, impaired digestion, and inadequate nourishment of Rasa–Rakta Dhatus. According to Ayurveda, such conditions are managed through Deepana–Pachana (correction of digestive fire and metabolism), blood-enriching (Raktavardhaka), Pitta-pacifying (Pitta-shamaka), and rejuvenating (Rasayana) interventions that also alleviate colic (Shoolaghna) and support liver–spleen function (Yakrit–Pliha Balya).

Introduction

Dhatri Loha is a renowned classical herbo-mineral formulation (Rasaushadhi) primarily indicated for Shool (pain), Pandu (anemia), Kamala (hepatobiliary jaundice), Amlapitta (acid peptic disorders), and conditions arising from vitiation of Pitta and Rakta such as eye diseases (Netra Roga), premature greying (Palita), and Raktapitta (bleeding disorders). The word “Dhatri” denotes Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), revered as a motherly nourisher of tissues and a prime Pitta-shamaka and Rasayana herb, while “Loha” signifies iron, referring to its central role in augmenting hemoglobin, strengthening blood, and enhancing tissue nutrition. Together with Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), this formulation establishes harmony between disturbed Pitta, Vata, and Rakta, supports liver function, and alleviates colicky abdominal pain and flatulence. The synergy of Dhatu-poshana (tissue nourishment), Agni-deepana (digestive enhancement), and Raktashodhana (blood purification) makes Dhatri Loha a comprehensive remedy for disorders characterized by fatigue, pallor, burning, pain, and poor digestion.

Classical Indication

Abdominal pain- associated with digestive disturbance, gas, and colic, as well as in painful states linked with vitiated blood and Pitta.

Ingredients

1. Dhatri (Emblica officinalis) – 4 parts (Pulp)
2. Loha bhasma – 2 parts (purified iron powder or calx)
3. Yashtimadhu raja (Glycyrrhiza glabra root powder) – 1 part
4. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) kvatha – quantity sufficient for Bhavana (levigation)

Description Of The Ingredients

1. Dhatri (Emblica officinalis)

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is celebrated as a prime Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) and Chakshushya (eye-strengthening) fruit with a dominant Amla Rasa (sour taste), yet an overall Tridosha-shamaka (balancer of all three doshas) impact, particularly effective in pacifying Pitta (the fire principle). It is rich in natural vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting collagen synthesis, tissue repair, and iron absorption, thereby directly aiding in the correction of Pandu (anemia) and improving classical Lakshanas (clinical features) such as Hrid-spandana (palpitations), Daurbalya (weakness), and Panduta (pallor). In Dhatri Loha, Amalaki serves as the main Dhatu-poshaka (tissue-nourishing) and Pitta-shamaka (Pitta-pacifying) component, cooling excess heat, reducing burning sensations (Daha), protecting gastric mucosa, and promoting hepatic and ocular health.

2. Loha Bhasma (Purified Iron)

Loha (iron) is the key mineral constituent that enhances Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue), increases hemoglobin, and strengthens overall vitality (Bala). Properly purified and incinerated Loha bhasma (calcined iron ash) is light (Laghu), easily absorbable, and endowed with Deepana-Pachana (digestive-fire kindling and metabolic-toxin digesting), Raktavardhaka (blood-enhancing), and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, minimizing the side effects associated with crude iron. In Dhatri Loha, it works in synergy with vitamin-C-rich Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) to improve iron bioavailability, combat chronic fatigue (Daurbalya), breathlessness (Shwasa-kashta), and weakness seen in Pandu (anemia), and uplift Agni (digestive fire) without aggravating Pitta.

3. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a sweet taste, heavy and unctuous qualities, and a cooling potency, making it a powerful herb to pacify the fire element and calm the air element, with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes the inner lining of the stomach and intestines, relieves burning, acidity, and ulceration, and supports wound healing and tissue regeneration. In Dhatri Loha, licorice root protects the gut from possible irritant effects of iron, balances the fire element in the digestive tract, supports voice and respiratory health, and adds a rejuvenating, anti-ageing effect, especially in weak and anemic patients.

4. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) Decoction

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) decoction, used as the levigation medium, is a renowned rejuvenating, fever-relieving, and tri-dosha-balancing medicinal creeper with strong liver-protecting and immunity-modulating effects. As the processing liquid, its decoction is repeatedly used to wet-grind the powders, thereby saturating the formulation with properties that kindle digestive fire, cleanse the stomach, reduce fever, and strengthen the liver and spleen. Guduchi guides Dhatri Loha towards correcting disorders of vitiated bile and blood, chronic fevers with weakness, and liver congestion, while simultaneously amplifying its rejuvenating and pain-relieving actions.

Method Of Preparation

This classical preparation method starts with drying and cleaning the fruits and roots, then grinding each one—Amalaki (gooseberry), iron, and licorice root—into a fine powder separately. These three powders are weighed in a 4:2:1 proportion and mixed thoroughly in a clean grinding mortar. A fresh decoction of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is then prepared and slowly added to the blended powders, which are continuously ground to form a smooth paste and kept soaked in the decoction for seven consecutive days. Each day, more decoction is added as needed to maintain a workable paste and to fully saturate the herbal–mineral mixture with the properties of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). After seven days, the mass is taken out, dried thoroughly in sunlight to remove all moisture, and then ground again to obtain a fine, uniform powder. This final powder can either be stored as loose powder or compressed into tablets of suitable strength.

Medicinal Properties

Abdominal Pain And Colic

Dhatri Loha with mild Deepana–Pachana support like Hingvastak Churna or Jeerakadi Churna with Anupana (adjuvant) of warm water or warm cow ghee; in marked gas and cramping, warm water with a pinch of rock salt works well between meals.

Anemia And Chronic Debility

Dhatri Loha with Punarnava Mandur or Draksharishta, according to edema and fatigue, with Anupana (adjuvant) of honey with a little ghee after food, or lukewarm milk in lean debilitated patients. (Avoid honey–ghee mixture in equal quantity.)

Jaundice And Liver Dysfunction

Dhatri Loha with Guduchi Satva or Bhumyamalki-based formulation, under light, easily digestible diet, with Anupana (adjuvant)- Guduchi decoction or lukewarm water; in strong Pitta with burning, use sugarcane juice or cooled water infused with Dhanyaka (coriander).

Hyperacidity And Acid-Peptic Disorders

Dhatri Loha with Kamdudha Ras or Avipattikar Churna in low doses, adjusted to Agni, with Anupana (adjuvant) of cold milk, or cow ghee with a little sugar; at night-time burning, give after food with cooled, slightly sweetened milk.

Eye Disorders, Premature Greying, Bleeding Conditions

Dhatri Loha with Triphala Ghrita (for eyes) or Brahmi Ghrita (if nervous fatigue and stress dominate); in Raktapitta, combine with Praval Pishti or Mukta Pishti, with Anupana (adjuvant) of cow ghee alone (for Netra Roga and Palita) or cool water with a small quantity of honey (for Raktapitta and Pitta-dominant presentations), always given after meals.

Impact On Dosha

Dhatri Loha primarily calms the aggravated Pitta and corrects impurity or vitiation of the blood tissue (Rakta Dushti), while also regulating the Vata, especially in the abdominal region and in Vata-related colicky pain. The Kapha is gently controlled by Indian gooseberry and Tinospora cordifolia’s light, digestion-supporting qualities and by honey’s scraping, fat-reducing effect when used as the vehicle. At the tissue level, the formulation strengthens body fluids and blood (Rasa and Rakta), and secondarily supports muscle, fat, and nerve tissue (Mamsa, Meda, and Majja) through better circulation, oxygen delivery, and nourishment. This broad tissue-nourishing action explains its usefulness not only in anemia and liver disorders but also in fatigue, weak immunity, and degenerative tendencies.

Indications

• Abdominal pain and colic (Shula), especially associated with gas, indigestion, or hepatic–splenic congestion.
• Pandu (nutritional and iron-deficiency anemia) with fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.
• Kamala (hepatobiliary jaundice) and other liver-spleen related disorders with yellow discoloration, heaviness, and loss of appetite.
• Amlapitta (hyperacidity, reflux, burning epigastrium) and related acid-peptic complaints.
• Netra Roga with burning, strain, or weakness of vision where Pitta–Rakta Dushti predominates.
• Palita (premature greying of hair) and other Pitta-Rakta disorders of hair and skin.
• Raktapitta and allied bleeding conditions under proper supervision.
• Vishthambha, Anaha, and Mandagni (Colic and constipation coexist with low digestive power).

Dosage And Adjuvants

The classical dose is ½–1 grams of churna (approximately 250–500 mg of tablet form) one to two times daily, or as directed by an Ayurvedic physician, adjusted based on age, strength, and severity of the condition.

It may be given before meals in Vata-dominant colic and gas, in the middle of meals to support Agni and prevent hyperacidity, or after meals when the main aim is to counter the side-effects or diseases in the body due to bad dietary habits.

Common Anupana (adjuvant) include fresh water, honey, and cow ghee; for hyperacidity, cold milk or ghee-dominant combinations may be preferred, while in anemia and debility, honey and ghee together help direct the formulation towards body tissues (Dhatus) and improve assimilation.

Contraindications And Precautions

Being a Loha-based Rasaushadhi, Dhatri Loha should always be used under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician, especially in children, pregnant women, and elderly or multi-morbid patients.

It is contraindicated or used with great caution in conditions of known iron overload, active gastric or duodenal ulcer with severe bleeding, very high Pitta prakopa, or acute inflammatory hepatic pathology where iron supplementation is inadvisable. Individuals with severe constipation or weak digestive fire should receive appropriate Anupana (adjuvant) and dietary guidance to prevent obstruction or discomfort, and long-term use should be monitored with periodic assessment of hemoglobin and digestive tolerance.

Why Choose Planet Ayurveda’s Dhatri Loha

Planet Ayurveda’s Dhatri Loha is a classical Ayurvedic iron formulation manufactured in alignment with the reference from Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Shoolrogadhikar 142–147) and the monograph guidelines of the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, which together ensure fidelity to traditional ingredients and proportions. It consistently uses Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Loha (iron calx) as per the original textual description so that the formulation remains true to its classical identity.

Prepared in a GMP-certified facility, the product incorporates standardized Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), thoroughly purified and correctly incinerated Loha bhasma (purified iron calx), authentic Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root), and freshly prepared Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) decoction for levigation, while avoiding synthetic binders, artificial colors, and unnecessary additives. Each production batch is supervised by qualified Ayurveda physicians, with strict attention to purification (Shodhana) and repeated levigation (Bhavana), so that Loha (purified iron) becomes highly assimilable and gentle on the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusion

Dhatri Loha is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that helps restore digestive strength, balance disturbed metabolism, and improve blood quality. Its synergistic combination supports liver function, reduces abdominal pain and acidity, and corrects nutritional anemia. By nourishing body tissues and calming excess heat, Dhatri Loha offers a gentle yet effective approach for managing chronic digestive, hepatic, and blood-related disorders when used under proper guidance.