Dhanvan (Grewia tiliifolia) in Ayurvedic Medical Science: An In-depth Study

Introduction

Dhanvan, scientifically known as Grewia tiliifolia, is a significant medicinal plant in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. It is often grouped with cooling, rejuvenative, and Stambhana (flow-restricting) herbs. Belonging to the family Tiliaceae, this plant has been traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases involving excessive secretions, hemorrhages, inflammation, skin diseases, and urinary disorders. It has been described in various Ayurvedic texts for its Pitta-pacifying and Raktasthambhana (anti-hemorrhagic) properties.

Most Useful in: Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders)

Pathology of Raktapitta in Ayurveda

Raktapitta is a disease characterized by spontaneous or excessive bleeding through various routes like the nose, mouth, rectum, or genital organs. The fundamental Ayurvedic pathology behind Raktapitta is the vitiation of Pitta Dosha, particularly Ranjaka Pitta, which resides in the liver and spleen. When aggravated, it impairs the quality of Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue), leading to liquefaction and hyper-reactivity of blood, resulting in spontaneous hemorrhages.

Types:

• Urdhva Raktapitta: Bleeding through the upper orifices – mouth, nose, etc.

• Adho Raktapitta: Bleeding through the anus or genitals

• Tiryak Raktapitta: Through the skin or general oozing from the body

Doshas Involved:

• Predominantly Pitta, with secondary Vata and Rakta vitiation

Dhatu Involved:

• Rakta, Rasa, Mamsa

Role of Dhanvan in Raktapitta

Dhanvan is known for its Sheeta Virya (cooling energy), Kashaya (astringent) Rasa, and Stambhana properties, making it ideal for checking bleeding and balancing aggravated Pitta and Rakta.

Medicinal Actions:

• Raktastambhaka: Stops bleeding by constricting blood vessels and improving clotting

• Pittahara: Cools down excessive Pitta

• Shothahara: Reduces inflammation at bleeding sites

• Ropana: Enhances healing of internal tissues

• Balya: Improves tissue strength and integrity

Mode of Action:

Dhanvan acts on the Rasa and Rakta Dhatus, stabilizing blood vessels and restoring normal physiology. It also balances Ranjaka Pitta, reduces vascular permeability, and acts as a Rasayana for blood tissue.

Pharmacognosy of Dhanvan (Grewia tiliifolia)

• Family: Tiliaceae

• Botanical Name: Grewia tiliifolia

• Common Names: Dhanvan, Dhanwan, Dhanwantha

• Parts Used: Bark, leaves, root, and fruit

• Habitat: Deciduous forests of India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia

Morphological Description:

• Tree: Medium-sized with spreading crown

• Leaves: Simple, alternate, ovate with serrated edges

• Flowers: Yellow, borne in small clusters

• Fruits: Fleshy drupe, dark purple when ripe

Vernacular Names

• Sanskrit: Dhanvan, Dhanwantha

• Hindi: Dhaman, Dhamanphal

• Tamil: Tavelai, Tiruvattai

• Telugu: Dhamanamu

• Kannada: Dhamani

• Malayalam: Dhanwanthari

• Bengali: Dhamon

• Marathi: Dhaman

• Gujarati: Dhamar

Chemical Constituents

Dhanvan is rich in phytochemicals that contribute to its therapeutic effects:

• Tannins: Astringent and hemostatic

• Flavonoids: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

• Glycosides: Cardiotonic and vasoprotective

• Steroids: Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory

• Saponins: Mucolytic and expectorant

• Mucilage: Soothing to mucous membranes

Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics

• Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

• Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling)

• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)

Dosha Action:

• Balances Pitta and Rakta

• Slightly pacifies Kapha

• May mildly aggravate Vata when overused

Dhatu Impact:

• Strengthens Rakta, Rasa, and Mamsa Dhatus

• Acts as a Rakta-Rasayana

10 Diseases Where Dhanvan Is Used

1. Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders): Controls bleeding and cools Pitta

2. Prameha (Urinary Disorders): Reduces burning, frequency, and excessive urination

3. Shwasa (Asthma): Relieves breathlessness by stabilizing bronchial mucosa

4. Atisara (Diarrhea): Reduces watery stools and inflammation

5. Jwara (Fever): Useful in Pitta and Rakta jwara

6. Vrana (Wounds): External application promotes healing and reduces pus

7. Shotha (Swelling): Useful in inflammatory conditions of skin and joints

8. Yoni Vyapad (Gynecological Disorders): Controls bleeding and discharge

9. Chardi (Vomiting): Soothes the gut and reduces nausea

10. Pandu (Anemia): Acts as Rasayana and Rakta-Vardhak

Ayurvedic Formulations with Dhanvan

1. Dhanwantharam Taila

2. Dhanvan-Guduchyadi Kashaya

3. Rasnadi Kashayam (regional formulations)

4. Shatavari-Dhanwan Avaleha

5. Panchavalkala Kwatha (variant)

6. Dhanwan-Lodhra Churna

7. Chandana-Dhanvanadi Lepa

8. Dhanvan-Mustadi Ghritha

9. Dhanvan-Yashtimadhu Ghanvati

10. Dhanwan Phala Vati

Home Remedies Using Dhanvan

1. Bleeding gums: Powdered bark used as tooth powder

2. Hematuria: Decoction of bark with Gokshura

3. Heavy menstruation: Bark decoction with Lodhra

4. Burns: Bark paste applied externally

5. Wound care: Bark water used as antiseptic wash

6. Acne and pimples: Leaf paste applied on face

7. Fever management: Bark decoction with Tulsi and Guduchi

8. Diarrhea: Bark powder with honey

9. Uterine bleeding: Combined with Ashoka and Nagkesar

10. Skin irritation: Leaf decoction as bath rinse

Harmful Effects and Contraindications

• Excessive Use: Can cause dryness and constipation

• Pregnancy: Use under medical supervision only

• Vata-Prone Individuals: May experience bloating and roughness

• Children: Dose adjustment necessary

• Allergy: Rare cases of skin allergy when used externally

Dhanvan as a Stambhan Dravya

Dhanvan’s primary role in Ayurveda is to act as a Stambhan Dravya:

• Stops excessive secretions – useful in Pradara, Raktapitta, and Atisara

• Constricts tissues – helpful in healing wounds

• Reduces inflammation – prevents tissue damage

• Cools and balances Pitta – crucial in hemorrhagic and inflammatory conditions

Its properties make it a gentle yet powerful stabilizing agent in the Ayurvedic therapeutic arsenal.

Conclusion

Dhanvan (Grewia tiliifolia) stands out as a vital herb in Ayurvedic therapeutics, especially for conditions involving bleeding, inflammation, and tissue degeneration. Its ability to cool, heal, and constrict makes it ideal in Raktapitta and other Pitta-Rakta vitiated diseases. With powerful phytochemical constituents and its relevance in classical formulations, Dhanvan deserves greater attention in clinical and integrative research for promoting health and healing the Ayurvedic way