Saptamrit Lauh

Saptamrit Lauh is a primary ayurvedic medicine for eye and hair diseases. Most commonly, it is prescribed for immature cataract, conjunctivitis and vision impairment due to any underlying eye disease. In case of hair, it helps in premature whitening of hair and restores the natural hair color. In addition to these, the secondary actions are observed on blood, stomach, intestine and urinary bladder. It increases hemoglobin level, reduces gas formation in intestine, balances acid production in the stomach and improves urinary flow and reduces edema.

According to Rasendra Sar Sangrah, Saptamrit Lauh is also called Timirhar Lauh. In ayurveda, Timir Rog refers to the incipient stage of cataract, when a person just starts having blurred vision, cloudy vision, fuzzy spots, difficulty in seeing in the dark, increased sensitivity to light as well as media screens, discomfort with bright lights and glare appearance. In such cases, this Lauh provides maximum benefits.

According to Sushruta Samhita, the matured stage is only considered for surgical treatment. In this stage, the lens becomes completely opaque. In other cases (especially in Initial stage), internal medicines (like Saptamrit Lauh) and eye drops like Netra Sudarshan Ark can be beneficial.

Ingredients (Composition)

Saptamrit Lauh contains:

Note: Saptamrit Lauh is incomplete with these five ingredients. There are two essential ingredients, which should be mixed just before taking it. These include:

1. Ghee (Clarified Butter)
2. Honey

1 g mixture of above five medicines should be mixed with 3 grams of Ghee and 6 grams of Honey. This is the correct method for taking this medicine. Taking just tablets without ghee and honey may not give results as described in this article. All these 7 ingredients are essential in the same ratio as given above and exert a synergetic effect.

Some people mix Triphala Churna, Yashtimadhu Churna and Loha Bhasma in equal proportion. This formulation is misinterpreted. If you take this formulation, it increases the quantity of Lauh bhasma in it, which is not right for using it for a longer duration. In classical texts, its regular use is recommended for one year, which is not possible with this type of formulation. Secondly, the dosage of Lauh Bhasma exceeds from its recommended dosage in such formulation because 1 g is an accurate dosage for Saptamrit Lauh.

Medicinal Properties

The medicinal uses of Saptamrit Lauh are attributed to the following medicinal properties:

• Chaksuya – Improves Vision.
• Antacid – Balances stomach acid.
• Carminative – Relieves gas.
• Antiemetic – Alleviates Nausea & Vomiting.
• Detoxifier – Detoxifies blood and prevents or treats skin diseases.
• Antipruritic – Alleviates itching.
• Antioxidant (all herbs present in this medicine act as an antioxidant).
• Demulcent – soothing and softening effect on the skin.
• Promotes hair growth.
• Restores natural hair color.
• Aphrodisiac.

Saptamrit Lauh Indications

According to Bhaishajya Ratnavali, it is indicated in the following health conditions:

1. Immature cataract.
2. Night blindness.
3. Burning sensation in eyes or skin.
4. Vision loss.
5. Blood Disorders.
6. Small Pimples or small red bumps – this condition is likely to be rosacea or similar condition.
7. Pruritus (Itching).
8. Tumor.
9. Pain in which a person feels pins and needles are poking in the skin, which generally occurs in neuropathic pain.
10. Chronic loss of appetite.
11. Premature whitening of hair.

In addition, it promotes longevity and improves mental as well as physical stamina and endurance. So, it can also be used by sports people and people suffering from impotence. However, a person may also require other remedies along with it especially in the case of impotence.

Chakradatta has described some additional indications as follows:

1. Parinaam Shool – stomachache occurs during digestion of food.
2. Amal pitta – acid peptic disorders.
3. Anaha – abdominal fullness or distension.
4. Mutraghat – urinary obstruction.

Furthermore, it may also help in the following cases:

• Nearsightedness.
• Farsightedness.
• Age-related macular degeneration.
• Diabetic retinopathy.
• Glaucoma.
• Optic neuritis.
• Computer vision syndrome.

Primary indication of Saptamrit Lauh is vision loss, which is a broad term. It includes several eye disorders. In our opinion, it can be used in all disorders in which a person suffers from vision loss or low vision. It can be age-related and disease-related except by birth blindness.

Saptamrit Lauh Benefits & Uses

Let’s discuss Saptamrit Lauh benefits and uses in more details for some important indications:

Immature Cataract

In immature cataract, eye lens has clear area and patient experiences a clouded, dim or blurred vision and feels difficulty during night time. He may also have increased sensitivity to light and may not tolerate glare. In this initial stage of cataract, Saptamrit Lauh along with Triphaladi Ghrita or Itrifal Kishneezi and Netra Sudarshan Ark is found very effective. It may reverse the changes in lens and restore the natural vision. It may also help to slow down the progress of cataract in later stages.

Vision Loss

Vision Loss is a broad term and it can have several causes. Some of them include:

1. Cataract.
2. Diabetic retinopathy.
3. Glaucoma.
4. Macular degeneration.
5. Age-related vision loss.
6. Optic Nerve Inflammation.

In such cases, Saptamrit Lauh along with Triphaladi Ghrita or Itrifal Kishneezi and Netra Sudarshan Ark is very beneficial. It improves eyesight and prevents further loss in vision.

Night Blindness (Nyctalopia)

There are several eye conditions that can cause night blindness. These include cataract, retinitis pigmentosa, nearsightedness etc. In all these conditions, Saptamrit Lauh is an effective medicine when used in combination with Netra Sudarshan Ark.

Note: Night blindness is also caused by Vitamin A Deficiency, so patient should require treatment accordingly.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Nowadays, everyone uses computer. In some people, the continuous use of computer leads to dry eyes, eye fatigue, eye strain, headache, blurred vision and increased sensitivity to sunlight and even monitor screens. Increased sensitivity causes watering in eyes.

In such condition, Saptamrit Lauh along with Netra Sudarshan Ark provides maximum benefits. In addition, this combination also prevents future eye problems due to computer use.

Premature Graying of Hair

In classical text, Saptamrit Lauh is praised for its effects on preventing and reversing premature graying of hair. Most people believe that we cannot restore the color of white or gray hair. But it is not true. If you suffer from early graying of hair, then natural hair color can also be restored. However, treatment might not be effective in old age.

For this purpose, Saptamrita Lauha provides excellent results. This medicine can be used along with Bhringraj Churna and local application of Jatamansi Oil. In this combination, treatment should be continued for 6 to 12 months. In our experience, every patient gets good results with this treatment for reversing premature graying of hair.

Saptamrit Lauh Dosage

The standard adult dosage of Saptamrit Lauh is 1000 mg along with 3 grams Ghee and 6 grams Honey. The maximum dosage of Saptamrita Lauha should not exceed from 2000 mg (2 grams) per day.

How to Take

Adjuvants

1000 mg Saptamrit Lauh is required to be taken along with 3 grams Ghee and 6 grams Honey for the best results in the health conditions indicated in this article. After taking this medicine, one should also drink lukewarm cow’s milk.

Side Effects of Saptamrit Lauh

This medicine is likely safe and well-tolerated in most people when used under professional supervision. However, you should make sure that Loha Bhasma used in this medicine is prepared according to the core principles of ayurveda and is properly processed and calcined. Raw bhasma may cause severe side effects. There are no side effects reported or documented with its use.

At the therapeutic dose, Loha Bhasma was determined to be safe in an animal study. (Reference)

All other ingredients of Saptamrit Loha are also safe in their therapeutic doses according to various studies.

Safety Profile in Pregnancy & Lactation

There is no classical indication available for Saptamrit Loha use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Further, there is no relevant research study available for its safety for pregnant women and lactating mothers. Therefore, it is better to avoid it during pregnancy and lactation. Consult your doctor for better alternatives.

Precautions

A person taking any ayurvedic treatment for eye diseases must consider the following precautions:

1. He must not go in sunlight. Cover eyes with dark eyeglasses.
2. Do not look at sharp lights.
3. Don’t use smartphones longer than 30 minutes in a day.
4. Don’t watch television for more than 45-60 minutes a day.
5. While working on the computer take a break for 5 minutes after every 20 minutes. Don’t work on the computer for more than 3 hours a day. Keep your computer screen 20 inches away. Use low-blue light screens.

Manufacturers & Brands

• Baidyanath.
• Dabur.
• Dhootapapeshwar.
• Patanjali (Divya).
• Sri Sri Ayurveda.

References

1. Chakradatta of Shri Chakrapani Datta.
2. Bhaishajya Ratnavali of Shri Govind Das, Chapter 64, Netra Rog Chikitsa, Verse – 232-236.