Dhanvana – Grewia tiliaefolia Uses, Research

Bark and fruits of Dhanvana – Grewia tiliaefolia are used for their medicinal value. This tree is used in treating non healing wounds, ulcerative colitis, menorrhagia, cough etc.

Botanical name– Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl. Synonyms – Grewia tiliifolia,  Grewia rotunda C.Y.Wu, Tilia rotunda C.Y.Wu & H.T.Chang)

Family- Tiliaceae, Malvaceae (Parushaka kula)

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
Hindi name- Dhamin, Dhaaman
Tamil name- Unnu
Marathi name – Dhaman
Gujarati name – Dhaaman
Malayalam name- Chadicha
Telugu name-  Tada, Ettatada
Kannada name – Buttale

Sanskrit Synonyms

Dhanvanga, Dhanuvruksha, Gotravruksha – Being a strong tree, its branches were used in making bow in ancient times.
Sutejana, Mahabala, Gotradruma, Dharmana, Saravruksha,
Raktakusuma – red flowers
Rujahara – useful in diseases, pain

Classical categorization

Dhanvana Classical categorization
Charaka-
Amla Skandha – Sour tasting group of herbs
Phala varga – Group of fruits.
Phalasandhana – Charaka has included its fruit as one among 26 fruits useful for fermentation. (Reference: Cha. Sutrasthana 25/48
Bhavaprakasha – Purvakhanda, Mishra Prakarana, Vatadi Varga
Sodala Nighantu – Amradi Varga
Rajanighantu – Prabhadradi Varga
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Oshadhi Varga

Medicinal properties

Grewia tiliaefolia medicinal Properties:
Rasa (taste) – Kashaya (astringent), Madhura – sweet
Guna (qualities) – Laghu – light to digest, Picchila – slimy, sticky
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Sheeta – Coolant
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha Pitta Dosha.

Part used, dosage

Part used– Bark, fruit
Dosage– Decoction 50-100 ml, in divided dose per day.

Sanskrit verse

Uses

Dhanvana – Grewia tiliaefolia uses:
Brumhana – nourishing, nutritious
Balakrut –improves strength and immunity
Sandhikrut – strengthens joints,
Vrana Ropana – heals wounds
Grahi – absorbent, useful in diarrhea, IBS
Fruit is coolant, sweet, astringent, Balances Kapha and Vata Dosha.

Indications

Indicated in –
Asra – blood disorders such as abscess, skin disorders, bleeding disorders such as menorrhagia, nasal bleeding etc.
Kasa – cough, cold
Kanthamaya – throat disorders
Raktapitta –Bleeding disorders such as nasal bleeding, heavy periods, etc.  
It is bark decoction administered in the form of Picchabasti to treat ulcerative colitis and bleeding conditions.

External application

Its bark / fruit juice is applied externally to relieve itching and to heal wounds faster.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Research

Anti diabetic potential of stem bark – methanol extract
Isolation of bactericidal constituents

Systemic action

External – Anti pruritic, Possess wound and fracture healing properties. Its juice is used in wounds and contusions.

Digestive System – Bark has absorbent action, and is indicated in Bloody diarrhea. Heartwood powder has an emetic property.
Circulatory System – indicated in bleeding disorders.
Respiratory system –Helps to eliminate vitiated kapha dosha.
Satmikarana – It can be advised in general weakness. Heartwood is indicated in Ahiphena poisoning. Bark and flower buds are used for pichavasti .