Woodfordia

(Fire Flame Bush)
Sanskrit: धातकी • Botanical: Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz

Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) is a deciduous shrub with profuse red flowers. The flowers are extensively used in Ayurvedic Asava and Arishta preparations as a fermenting agent. The flowers are rich in tannins and have strong astringent properties. They are used in diarrhea, dysentery, and bleeding disorders. The plant is an essential ingredient in many fermented Ayurvedic medicines. The flowers are small, tubular, and brilliant red. The shrub grows to 10-15 feet height. Verse: 19-21.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Tannins (Ellagic acid), Gallic acid, Quercetin, Woodfordin
Also Known As
English: Fire Flame Bush, Woodfordia
Sanskrit: धातकी, धातुपुष्पी, अग्निज्वाला, ताम्रपुष्पी
Hindi: धावड़ी, धातकी

What is Woodfordia (Dhataki / धातकी)?

Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) is a deciduous shrub with profuse red flowers. The flowers are extensively used in Ayurvedic Asava and Arishta preparations as a fermenting agent. The flowers are rich in tannins and have strong astringent properties. They are used in diarrhea, dysentery, and bleeding disorders. The plant is an essential ingredient in many fermented Ayurvedic medicines. The flowers are small, tubular, and brilliant red. The shrub grows to 10-15 feet height. Verse: 19-21.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Grahi (absorbent)
  • Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)
  • Sandhaniya (promotes union)
  • Garbhasthapana (prevents miscarriage)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Woodfordia by Condition

Explore how Woodfordia is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Woodfordia for Fertility & Conception

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.