Rohitaka Lauha For Liver and Spleen diseases

Rohitaka Lauha is an herbal-metallic Ayurvedic medicine. It contains Rohitaka bark, Trikatu, Triphala, Chitrak, Vidang, Motha and Lauha Bhasma. It is referenced from Bhaishajya ratnavali, Pliha-yakritrogadhikara. Rohitaka Loha is indicated in diseases of liver and spleen, enlargement of spleen and inflammation.

It is a Lauha kalpa. Lauha kalpas are preparations of Lauha Bhasma as main ingredient added to other drugs. For preparing Lauha Kalp, the medicinal herbs are reduced to fine powder and mixed with Lauha Bhasma. Bhavana is given with prescribed liquids if mentioned. When well protected from moisture and heat, Lauha Kalp keep their potency for a period of two years.

Preparations containing mercury or its compounds keep their potency indefinitely.

Here is given more about this medicine, such as benefits, indication/therapeutic uses, composition and dosage.

Ingredients of Rohitaka lauha

1. Rohitaka (St. Bk.) 1 Part
2. Sunthhi (Rz.) 1 Part
3. Marica (Fr.) 1 Part
4. Pippali (Fr.) 1 Part
5. Haritaki (P.) 1 Part
6. Bibhitaka (P.) 1 Part
7. Amalaki (P.) 1 Part
8. Musta (Rz.) 1 Part
9. Citraka (Rt.) 1 Part
10. Vidanga (Fr.) 1 Part
11. Ayas (Lauha) bhasma 10 Parts

Rohitaka(Rohida) also known as desert teak is a medicinal tree with liver protecting properties. It is used in Ayurveda for treatment of jaundice, enlargement of spleen, disorders of blood, pain, colic, ulcers and disorders of liver.

Trikatu (Sonth + Pippali + Kali mirch) is effective for burning ama (metabolic waste and toxins) which is the prime cause of all disease. It supports better digestion and cures constipation. Trikatu stimulates the liver to secrete bile which is vital for fat digestion and absorption. It also balances Kapha.

Triphala (Amal + Harad + Baheda) is used extensively in Ayurveda for treatment of digestive diseases. It is a tonic for whole body. It has been used in various gastric disorders including intestinal inflammation. Amla, has significant acid lowering, cooling and anti-ulcer properties. Triphala is rich source of tannins, which is known to affect the integrity of mucus membrane. Tannins with their protein precipitating and vasoconstriction effects could be advantageous in preventing ulcer development.

Motha is widely used in Ayurveda for treatment of various diseases. This plant is also known as Purple nutsedge or nutgrass (English), Motha (Hindi) or Musta (Sanskrit). It is especially used as a cure for gastrointestinal and joint ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antipyretic, and analgesic activities. It is appetizer (deepan), digestive stimulant (pachan), anthelmintic (krimighna), diuretic (mutra virecaniya), scarifying/reducer of corpulence (lekhanya), purifier of plasma (rasa pachaniya), antisaturative (triptighna), antipruriginous (kandughna), galactopurificator (stanyashodana) and thirst restraining trishnagrahana).

Vidanga has carminative and hepatoprotective activity and is anthelmintic, astringent, alterative and tonic.

Chitrak reduces vata and kapha and increases pitta. It is stimulant, anthelmintic and antiseptic. Chitrak is used in Ayurveda for colitis, indigestion, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, gas and intestinal parasites.

Lauha Bhasma an iron based herbo metallic preparation. It mainly consists of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4.

Lauha Bhasma is Vayasthapana (anti-ageing), Lekhana (emaciating) and Rasayana (immunomodulator) properties. It increases strength, complexion and appetite. It cures diseases caused by vitiated Kapha and Pitta. Lauha Bhasma increases hemoglobin level. It gives strength and cures anemia.

Lauha Bhasma is useful in anemia (Panduroga), chlorosis, visarpa, heart’s affections, phthisis, scrofula, general debility, sexual debility, Bright’s disease, Prameha (diabetes), Yakshma (tuberculosis), Krimi Roga (worm infestation), Kshinatwa (cachexia), Sthaulya (obesity), Grahani (bowel syndrome), Agnimandya (dyspepsia), Shula (spasmodic pain), Visha (poisoning), blood impurity, jaundice, liver and spleen complaints, pain, asthma, piles, skin disease. It promotes digestion. Iron is useful in all chronic diseases.

Benefits of Rohitaka Lauha

1. It has liver protecting action.
2. It is shows beneficial effects in treatment of liver disorders.
3. It has anti-hepatotoxic property. Anti-hepatotoxic property means ability to protect liver from toxicity.
4. It improves rakta dhatu.
5. It has deepana (appetizer) pachana (digestive), rasaraktavardhana (one which increases blood), rasayana (rejuvenative) balya (one which increases strength) and panduhara (one which subsides pallor) activity.
6. It is especially useful in enlargement of spleen.

Uses of Rohitaka Lauha

1. Enlargement of liver, spleen
2. Chronic intermittent fever
3. Pliha roga (splenic disease)
4. Yakrit roga (liver diseases)
5. Shotha (inflammation)
6. Digestive weakness
7. Anorexia
8. Paleness, weakness
9. Jaundice

Dosage of Rohitaka lauha

250mg-375mg twice a day after meal with Chach or milk or as directed by physician.

Please note, the doses of Ayurvedic medicines are not fixed. Exact dose depends on the age, strength, digestive power of the patient, the nature of the illness, the state of the viscera and humours, and the properties of individual drugs.