Lohasava: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
By Dr Ashok Pal +2 more
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By Dr Ashok Pal +2 more
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Lohasava is an Ayurvedic medicine rich in iron (loha), which is mainly used for helping with iron deficiency anaemia and obesity. We can find its reference in an ancient Ayurvedic book called Baishyajya Ratnavali in Adhyayam 5.1 Lohasava is a hematinic preparation, i.e., it might help in the production of red blood cells or might help increase the production of haemoglobin (a protein) in them. As Ayurvedic haematinic agents might be better tolerated by the body than the conventionally used agents, their frequent scientific evaluation is being performed for better universal acceptance.2
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Lohasava is an iron-rich herbal tonic. It is prepared using Ayurvedic preparation methods, by using :1
| Ingredient2 | Common name2 | Part used |
| Phyllanthus embelica | Amalaki | Fruit |
| Terminalia bellirica | Bibhitaki | Fruit |
| Terminalia chebula | Haritaki | Fruit |
| Embelica ribes | Vidanga | Fruit |
| Piper longum | Pipali | Fruit |
| Piper nigrum | Maricha | Fruit |
| Trachyspermum ammi | Yavani | Seed |
| Cyperus rotundus | Mustaka | Rhizome |
| Zingiber officinale | Shunti | Rhizome |
| Woodfordia fruticosa | Dhataki | Flower |
| Plumabgo zeylanica | Chitraka | Root |
| Iron | Lauha bhasma | Pure metal1 |
| Water | Jala | – |
| Apies dorsata | Madhu (honey)1,2 | – |
| Sachharum officinarum | Guda (jiggery)1,2 | – |
Studies have revealed that Lohasava may be useful in arthritis. Lohasava is known for its rich source of Vitamin B3, B6, B12 and iron, making it a good antioxidant. I recommend use of Lohasava, but with prior doctor’s consultation.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
The potential uses of lohasava might be due to the properties that are as follows:
Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders. It has symptoms range from loss of appetite and taste, weakness and shortness of breath to irregular heartbeat and many more. Lohasava might be a potential haematinic agent and might replenish the iron stores and their availability in our body.2
The constituent ingredients of lohasava might work together and may help enhance each other’s properties, thus it might help with the symptoms of anaemia. Increased iron in the body might cause an increase in the haemoglobin levels as well and might provide long-term relief from the symptoms of anaemia.2
It was found in studies that lohasava might help improve fatigue (caused due to anaemia) and might make our body feel energised. Compared to other herbal formulations, it might be better at helping with giddiness and confusion experienced in advanced conditions. It might help attain a restful sleep and may increase the availability of oxygen to parts of the body by potentially helping with enhancing blood circulation, which is generally impaired in anaemia. It was also found that some of the ingredients present in lohasava may improve hormonal balance and might have positive effects on menstrual abnormalities (seen in cases of anaemia) as well. Overall, lohasava was found to have the potential in helping with a variety of symptoms associated with anaemia.2 However, more studies are required to prove such claims. Moreover, such conditions must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
In animal studies, it was found that mixing lohasava with another iron-containing herbal formulation might have liver protecting-properties. It might help protect the liver from injury caused by a toxic substance (carbon tetrachloride) by reducing the activity of certain enzymes. Therefore, it might help liver cells from damage. It was also found that this formulation might help lower the blood cholesterol and may help in reducing the weight of the liver in the case of fatty liver. However, further human studies are required to effectively state the activity of lohasava as a liver protective drug.3 It may be helpful for liver conditions like jaundice, fatty liver, liver enlargement and liver infections.1 Condition of the liver can be serious and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Lohasava might be helpful for irregular heartbeat patterns (palpitations) due to anaemia. Long-standing anaemia may cause other heart problems too. The consumption of lohasava might help the heart from the development of such diseases.2 However, more research is required to prove these potential effects. Moreover, conditions of the heart should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Kindly consult a doctor.
One of the effects of anaemia is the destruction of taste buds in the tongue. This causes a loss of taste sensation, known as Arochaka in Ayurveda. Lohasava might act on the cells of the tongue and might with the regeneration of taste buds, thus, it might help in returning the taste sensation.2 However, such claims require more research to back them up.
Lohasava contains herbs that might be helpful for the treatment of digestive disorders. Therefore, it might possess properties that act as an appetiser and may also increase the digestive ability of our body. Generally, hematinics are not well tolerated by the body due to the high content of iron, which is not easy to digest, thus leading to constipation. Such problems might not be encountered by the use of lohasava; it may be well tolerated by the body.2 However, there is a need for more research to prove such effects of lohasava on humans.
Lohasava has been used for centuries for obesity. Lohasava, containing triphalachuranam (also called Triphala), might be helpful for anaemia and various other problems such as spleen enlargement, cough, asthma, fever and piles.1 However, more research is required to prove such claims.
Though there are studies that show the potential uses of lohasava in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of lohasava on human health.
Also Read: 7 Ways To Treat Anaemia At Home
Lohasava is a liquid preparation and is available in this form. Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition. It might be generally consumed by mixing in water.1
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
I recently read an article that suggests Lohasava may be used for weight loss. Lohasava has antioxidant properties and rich source of vitamins and minerals, making it a potential ally for the weight loss journey.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
There is insufficient data regarding the side effects of lohasava. However, if any reaction is noticed on using it, seek immediate medical attention. Consult your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you; they will be able to identify the cause and treat it effectively.
General precautions, as followed on taking any medication, should be followed. Care should be taken, especially by pregnant women and lactating mothers while taking it. It must be taken only if prescribed by your doctor. Extra caution should be taken while giving it to children and elderly individuals. Please do not self-medicate, alter, replace or discontinue any ongoing treatment by yourself. Kindly consult a doctor for advice.
Also Read: Why Do I Have a Metallic Taste in My Mouth? Unearthing Possible Causes
Adverse drug reactions of lohasava with any other drug have not been reported. There is not enough evidence to state that it doesn’t react with any other drug and is completely safe for use; more research is required in this field. Therefore, your Ayurvedic physician’s advice is to be followed thoroughly, as their prescription is based on keeping your health condition in mind. Please ensure to disclose all medications prescribed and currently being used to your doctor at the time of consultation.
Also Read: 8 Types Of Food That Can Help You Fight Anaemia!
Lohasava might be helpful for iron deficiency anaemia for a long time. It might help replenish the body with iron, thus it might help with the symptoms of anaemia, such as weakness, fatigue, palpitations etc.2 However, more research is required to prove such claims. Moreover, such conditions must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Lohasava is a natural, Ayurvedic liquid medicine and is mainly helpful for iron deficiency anaemia and obesity. It is made up of many herbs and is rich in iron.1 However, more research is required to prove its potential effect on humans.
No, lohasava does not help control high blood pressure. There is no evidence claiming the use of lohasava to decrease blood pressure. Conditions such as high blood pressure are serious and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Please do not self-medicate.
No, lohasava and triphala are different. Lohasava contains the three main constituents of triphala, along with other herbs and iron in it. A study stated that lohasava practically is iron-fortified triphala and that it can be helpful for liver, heart, gastric disturbances etc.1 However, more research is required on its potential uses.
It was found in studies that lohasava might help to increase haemoglobin levels in the blood. This action might be due to its ability to replenish iron in the body and make it available for use. This is important for the production of haemoglobin. Therefore, it may be an effective haematinic agent.2 However, more research is required.
No. There have been no published reports stating the beneficial use of lohasava in the management of cataracts. Further research will be required to confirm its use.
No, lohasava is an Ayurvedic medicine that is used in the liquid form for consumption. Its beneficial effects on the skin have not been reported yet.
Lohasava is to be consumed as per the dosage specified by your doctor for your condition. It is not to be taken without a physician’s consultation.
Lohasava is found to have the potential to improve weakness caused due to iron deficiency anaemia and might energise the body. It might help attain a restful sleep and may improve fatigue and giddiness seen in long-standing cases of anaemia.2 However, more research is necessary.
There have been no allergic reactions reported by the use of lohasava due to insufficient research. Therefore, there is a need for more research. However, if you feel like the cause of your allergic reaction of any kind is due to the usage of lohasava, kindly seek medical attention immediately. Kindly do not self-medicate.
No. On the contrary, lohasava might help with the growth of taste buds that are lost in case of anaemia and might improve taste sensation.2
There are no reports regarding the development of acne due to the use of lohasava. Therefore, there is a need for more research.
You may like: Triphala: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
1. Narayanan G, Prabhu K, Krishna Rao MR, Kannan K, Sundaram RL, Dinakar S, et al. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of one ayurvedic medicine, Kutajarishtam. Drug Invent Today. 2019;11(10):2666–9. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336685822_Gas_chromatography-mass_spectrometry_analysis_of_one_Ayurvedic_antiobesity_medicine_Lohasava
2. Joshi N, Dash MK, Dwivedi LK, Khillani GD. Clinical Evaluation of Ayurvedic Iron (Lauha) Containing Preparations in Iron Deficiency Anaemia. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm. 2015;6(2):225–31. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333775930_CLINICAL_EVALUATION_OF_AYURVEDIC_IRON_LAUHA_CONTAINING_PREPARATIONS_IN_IRON_DEFICIENCY_ANAEMIA/link/600bc7e3299bf14088b4cf57/download
3. Alam M, Shanmuga Dasan KK, Susan T, Joy S. Hepatoprotective Activity of Navayasa Curna and Hasava Combination. Anc Sci Life. 1997;(4):332–6. Available from: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/bcf8/e275d88f3222ba10291ccbe4c58e6ba35e84.pdf
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Last updated: Apr 23, 2024
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