Scientifical Name : Woodfordia fruticosa
Family Name : Lythraceae.
Dhatki is a deciduous shrub that typically grows up to 3 meters in height.
Its leaves are opposite, lanceolate, and usually around 3-5 cm long.
The flowers are tubular, bright red or orange in color, and occur in clusters at the ends of branches.
The fruit is a small, woody capsule.
Chemical Constitution:
Dhatki contains various chemical compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds.
Ayurvedic Properties:
Dhatki is known for its astringent and styptic properties due to its high tannin content.
It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its flavonoid constituents.
The plant is used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.
Rasa (Taste): Dhataki is predominantly astringent (Kashaya) in taste.
Virya (Potency): It is considered Ushna (hot) in potency.
Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Dhataki has a pungent Vipaka.
Guna (Qualities): The herb is Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) in nature.
Karma (Actions): Dhataki is known for its therapeutic actions, including Stambhana (astringent), Raktashodhana (blood-purifying), and Pitta balancing.
Traditional Uses: Dhataki is often used in Ayurvedic formulations for its ability to control bleeding disorders, treat diarrhea, and support women’s health. It is commonly used in conditions like menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding), hemorrhoids, and bleeding gums.
Dosha Compatibility: Dhataki is particularly effective in balancing Pitta dosha due to its cooling and astringent qualities.
Benefits:
1. Medicinal: Dhatki has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine systems for various purposes. It is often used to treat conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, and as an astringent for wound healing.
2. Cosmetic: Dhatki extracts are sometimes used in cosmetic products for their astringent and skin-toning properties.
3. Dye: The flowers of Dhatki can be used to make natural dyes for textiles.
4. Ayurvedic Medicine: Dhataki is a prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and treat various ailments.
5. Menstrual Disorders: Dhataki flowers are known for their effectiveness in managing menstrual disorders like menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
6. Wound Healing: The plant has wound-healing properties and is used topically to treat cuts and wounds.
7. Anti-Inflammatory: Dhataki may have anti-inflammatory properties and could be used to alleviate inflammation-related conditions.
8. Antioxidant: Some studies suggest that Dhataki possesses antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
9. Anti-Diarrheal: It is used traditionally to treat diarrhea and related gastrointestinal issues.
10. Respiratory Health: Dhataki is also used in herbal remedies to alleviate respiratory problems like coughs and bronchitis.
11. Liver Health: It may have hepatoprotective properties, which means it can protect the liver from damage.
12. Anti-Microbial: Dhataki extracts have shown antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
13. Skin Health: In Ayurveda, Dhataki is used in skincare preparations due to its potential benefits for the skin.