Lohasava (Lohasavam)

Lohasava (also spelled as Lohasavam) is an ayurvedic iron tonic as well as anti-obesity medicine. It promotes weight loss by casting off the accumulated fats in the body due to its LEKHANA KARMA. In addition to these benefits, it is also helpful in the management of diseases such as jaundice, hepatitis, spleen enlargement, fatty liver, malabsorption syndrome, cough, asthma etc.

Ingredients (Composition)

Pharmacological Actions

Lohasava has USHNA VIRYA (Hot potency) and acts as LEKHANA (reduces fatty tissue), hematogenic and Haematinic. Therefore, it can help to reduce weight and increase hemoglobin level. As it contains iron content, so it is more likely to be effective in iron deficiency anemia.

Medicinal Properties

Lohasava has following medicinal properties.

• Haematinic (increases hemoglobin levels)
• Hematogenic (helps in formation of red blood cells)
• Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
• Anthelmintic
• Antihyperlipidemic
• Cardioprotective
• Cholagogue (promotes the discharge of bile)
• Depurative (purifies blood)
• Anti-obesity & Fat Burner
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mucolytic
• Tonic

Ayurvedic Properties

Therapeutic Indications

Lohasava is helpful in following health conditions:

• Anemia
• Jaundice
• Spleen enlargement (Splenomegaly)
• Liver enlargement (Hepatomegaly)
• Obesity
• Cardiac Weakness & Heart Diseases
• Chronic Fever
• Piles
• Abdominal Diseases
• Productive cough
• Low digestive power and poor appetite
• Irritable bowel syndrome (prominent symptoms – loose stools with mucus content and associated with other problem iron deficiency anemia)
• Breathing troubles due to anemia or low iron level
• Fistula

Lohasava Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Lohasava acts on blood, heart, spleen, liver and fatty tissues, so it is used in diseases of these organs. Its main benefits are discussed below:

Anemia

Lohasava is haematinic and hematogenic. It contains a good amount of iron, which can help to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is a good formulation, which increases hemoglobin level significantly.

Obesity

Lohasava helps to reduce body fat by increasing the metabolic rate and fat usability. It is likely to promote inch loss and belly fat significantly.

Iron deficiency anemia is also linked with obesity and weight gain. (1, 2)

Therefore, if the obese or overweight patient also has anemia, then Lohasava is the most suitable remedy for him.

Jaundice

In Ayurveda, Lohasava is used for the treatment of obstructive jaundice. It reduces the blockage due to its LEKHANA KARMA (i.e. scrape away excess Kapha, fat, blockage and unwanted things) and improves the bile flow and its excretion. It is more suitable if the patient has jaundice with diarrhea and low digestive fire because of its astringent, digestive stimulant and stomachic actions. If the patient has constipation, then Kumaryasava (Kumari Asav) is more suitable medicine.

Chronic Fever and Debility

Lohasava is helpful for treating chronic fever and debility occurring after fever including malaria and typhoid fever. It increases digestive fire, so it improves appetite. Many patients suffer from splenomegaly and hepatomegaly after having malaria. These conditions are also treatable with Lohasava.

Dosage & Administration

Safety Profile

Lohasava is considerably safe in the dosage discussed above when it is taken under professional supervision.

Side Effects of Lohasava

However, there are no serious side effects of Lohasavam, but some patients feel distaste for a few minutes after taking it, which may be due to its astringent taste. Some patients may also experience nausea or vomiting after taking it due to its taste. Other side effects may be Heartburn or Burning sensation in abdomen and Stomach upset.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is no reliable information available for Lohasavam use in pregnancy. However, according to ingredient analysis, it contains Chitrak and other ingredients with Hot Potency, which make it unsuitable in pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid using Lohasava.

Contraindications

However, there are no absolute contraindications for Lohasava, but it may not be suitable for people with following health conditions:

1. Iron overload
2. Peptic Ulcers
3. Inflammatory diseases – Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s disease
4. Mouth Ulcers

Precaution

Diabetic people should regularly check their blood glucose level if taking Lohasava because it contains sugar content, which may increase the blood glucose level. For precautionary purposes, diabetic patients can cut down the sugar intake from other food sources.