Loha Guggul (Lauh Guggulu)
Loha Guggul (Lauh Guggulu) is used for the treatment of anemia. It is also useful for general debility and improves physical strength. It also acts on digestion and metabolism. It improves the usability of the major and micro nutrients by boosting absorption. This action is observed due to the presence of Trikatu Churna in it. It also improves bowel movement and used to reduce the habit of constipation. This action is attributed to the presence of Triphala Churna in it. The formulation contains Loha Bhasma, which is a source of iron. The other ingredients improve the bioavailability of iron. Therefore, it is the best medicine for iron deficiency anemia. It helps to reduce symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fast or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, pale skin, cold hands and feet and headache associated with anemia.
Ingredients (Composition)
Lauh Guggulu has two formulations:
First Formula
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry) – Phyllanthus Emblica (Emblica Officinalis) | 1 Part |
| Haritaki or Harad (Chebulic Myrobalan) – Terminalia Chebula | 1 Part |
| Bibhitaki (Bahera) – Terminalia Bellirica | 1 Part |
| Nagarmotha or Mustak (Nut Grass) – Cyperus Rotundus | 1 Part |
| Sonth (Ginger Rhizome) – Zingiber Officinale | 1 Part |
| Kali Mirch (Black Pepper) – Piper Nigrum | 1 Part |
| Pippali (Long Pepper) – Piper Longum | 1 Part |
| Vaividang (False Black Pepper) – Embelia Ribes | 1 Part |
| Pushkarmool (Elecampane) – Inula Racemosa | 1 Part |
| Vacha (Sweet Flag) – Acorus Calamus | 1 Part |
| Chitrak – Plumbago Zeylanica | 1 Part |
| Yashtimadhu (Licorice) – Glycyrrhiza Glabra | 1 Part |
| Loha Bhasma | 8 Parts |
| Shuddha Guggulu | 8 Parts |
| Reference: Yoga Ratnakar, Uttar Khand, Shoola Chikitsa, Loha Guggulu | |
Second Formula
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Loha Bhasma | 1 Part |
| Shuddha Guggulu | 3 Parts |
| Trikatu (Black Pepper, Long Pepper & Ginger) | 5 Parts |
| Triphala (Harar, Bahera, Amla) | 8 Parts |
| Reference: Bharat Bhaishajaya Ratnakar, 6256 | |
Note: The first formula, formulation given in Yoga Ratnakar, has better results than the second formula. In this article, we have explained the properties of first formula. The second formula has similar effects in case of anemia and other diseases, but it is not suitable for peptic ulcers.
Preparation Method
For making Loha Guggul, take an iron mortar and put Shuddha Guggulu in it and add a small quantity of Ghee (Clarified Butter). Pestle it and gradually add the fine powder of other ingredients of Loha Guggul. When the mixture is ready to make tablets, then make tablets of each 500 mg.
Pharmacological Actions
Loha Guggul has following medicinal properties:
- Haematinic (increases hemoglobin levels)
- Hematogenic (helps in formation of red blood cells)
- Antioxidant
- Appetizer
- Mild laxative
- Antihyperlipidemic
- Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
- Metabolic stimulant
- Hepatoprotective
- Carminative
- Hepatic stimulant
- Antispasmodic
- Ulcer healing (first formula)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antimicrobial
Dosha Karma
Loha Guggul pacifies Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha.
Therapeutic Indications
Loha Guggul is helpful in following health conditions.
- Anemia
- General Debility
- Loss of Appetite
- Abdominal Colic
- Jaundice
- Liver Diseases
- Peptic Ulcers or Abdominal Pain due to Peptic Ulcers (first formula)
It reduces the following symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache
- Dyspnoea
- Anorexia
Based on ingredients of Loha Guggul, it is also beneficial to reduce weight by improving metabolism and usability of the major nutrients. It reduces cholesterol and triglyceride level. It can also be used in the following health conditions:
- Obesity
- Hyperlipidemia (elevated lipids)
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
- Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides)
Loha Guggul Dosage
| The general dosage of Loha Guggul is as follows. | |
| Children | 250 to 500 mg |
| Adults | 500 to 1000 mg |
| Maximum Possible Dosage | 12 grams Per Day (in divided doses) |
| Doses: 1 or 2 Doses per day | |
| Best Time to Take: Before or After Meal | |
| Adjuvant: Warm Water | |
Note: Yoga Ratnakar has given dosage of 1 KARSA, which is equivalent to 12 grams. This dosage seems to be very high nowadays. This dosage can be used for rejuvenation purposes.
However, some patients may also require high dosage as per their health conditions and depending on several other factors. When its high dosage (12 grams) is recommendable, it should be used once a day either before or after food.
Consult your ayurvedic physician for the optimum dosage of Lauh Guggulu suitable for you.
Safety Profile
Loha Guggul is considerably safe for most individuals when taken as per its indications in appropriate dosage under professional supervision.
Side Effects of Loha Guggul
Generally, there are no side effects when Loha Guggul is used wisely in patients with the dominance of Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha.
In high dosage (more than 3 grams per day), it can cause the following side effects in patients with Pitta Prakriti or any condition related to the increase of Pitta in the body:
- Heartburn
- Burning sensation
- Acid reflux
Contraindications
There are no absolute contraindications for Loha Guggul.
Pregnancy & Lactation
The safety profile of Loha Guggul is not well established for pregnant women. Consult an ayurvedic physician before using Loha Guggul during pregnancy.
Loha Guggul is likely to be safe to consume by lactating mothers. There are no adverse effects reported with the use of Loha Guggul in lactating mothers and breastfeeding babies.
