Fire Flame Bush, Red Bell Bush, Shinajitea, Woodfordia, Dhataki, Agnijwala, Tamrapushpi

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read

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বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

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Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Fire Flame Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional Medicinal uses in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Woodfordia fruticosa L. belonging to family Lythraceae is an ecologically as well as economically important shrub species of tropical dry mixed forests. It is endemic to India and is also available in Madagascar, Pakistan, Ceylon, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Indonesia and China. In India plant of woodfordia is distributed in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and West Bengal. It is used as ingredient in many products for its medicinal values. At the same time, it is also used as a fermenting agent in Asava and Arishta (such as Dashamoolarishta). Apart from Fire flame bush it is also known as Red Bell Bush, Shinajitea, Woodfordia, Dhataki, Dhai-phul, Agnijwala, Tamrapushpi and Tatiri. It is a spreading, leafy shrub, small in size but very conspicuous on dry, rocky hillsides from December to May. It is a valuable multipurpose plant and has been exploited commercially as a source of tannins and dyes. It is also an excellent pioneer species, is used medicinally and has minor food uses.

Name	Fire Flame Bush
Scientific Name	Woodfordia fruticosa
Native	Asia and Africa
Common Names	Fire Flame Bush, Red Bell Bush, Shinajitea, Woodfordia, Dhataki, Dhai-phul, Agnijwala, Tamrapushpi, Tatiri
Name in Other Languages	Bihar: Dhai, Dawai Chinese: 吴福花, 虾子花 English: Fire Flame Bush, Shiranjitea, Woodfordia, Dhawai flower Hindi: Dhawai, Dawi, Dhawai phool, Dhaura, Jaju, Santha. Indian name: Ban-mahendi, Dhai, Dhati, Dhatki, Dhatri, Dhaura Jammu and Kashmir: Thwai Marathi: Dowari, Dhalas, Dhayati, Dhadva, Dhaiphal, Phulsatti. Nepali: Dhangera Tamil: Velakkai, Dhathari-jagri, Dhattari Malayalam: Tamarpushi, Tatire, Tatiripushpi, Thathiri, Thathiripoovu Telugu: Dhaarhupushpika, Dhaathaki, Godari, Jargi Seringi, Errapurvu, Seringi, Sirinji. Kannada: Tamrapuspi, Bela, Taamra pushpin, Daathakee kusumka Oriya: Dhobo, Jaliko, Harwari Konkani: Dhauri Urdu: Jetiko Gujarati: Dhawani, Dhavdi, Dhavadina. Sanskrit: Parvati, Bahupuspika, Agnijwala Tibetan: Dha-ta-ke, Me-togda tak ki Urdu: Gul dhawa, Jetiko Gujarati: Dhaavadi, Dhawani Bengali: Dhai, Dawai, Dhai phul Punjabi: Dhavi Farsi: Dhaava Sanskrit: Bahupuspika, Parvati, Agnijvala, Agnijwala, Dhalaki, Dhataki, Dhauri
Plant Growth Habit	Much-branched, beautiful shrub
Plant Size	5-12 feet in height.
Branches	Long and multi spreading
Bark	Smooth and reddish brown in color with very thin and small fibrous stripes
Stem	Fluted and long
Leaf	About 5-9cm long, 8-30 mm broad., lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate; opposite and pale on lower side.
Flowering Season	January and April.
Flower	Numerous, small, brilliant red in dense axillary paniculate- cymose clusters, borne a tiny stem, slender tube, curved and greenish base.
Fruit Shape & Size	Capsules about 1cm long, ellipsoid and membranous, 6-10 mm long, 2.5-4.5 mm broad.
Taste	Astringent in taste
Seed	Numerous very minute, brown colored shining, smooth obovate seeds.
Season	April and May

Fire Flame Scientific Classification

Scientific Name:Woodfordia fruticosa L.

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Myrtales
Family	Lythraceae
Genus	Woodfordia
Species	W. fruticosa
Synonyms	Acistoma coccineum Zipp. ex Span. Grislea micropetala Hochst. & Steud. Grislea punctata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. Grislea tomentosa Roxb. Lythrum fruticosum L. Lythrum fruticosum L. Lythrum hunteri DC. Lythrum punctatum Span. Woodfordia floribunda Salisb. Woodfordia floribunda Salisb. Woodfordia fruticosa f. genuina Kurz ex Koehne Woodfordia tomentosa Bedd.

Plant

Fire Flame Bush is much branched, deciduous shrub with several fluted branches. This shrub has spreading branches reaching height up to 5-12 mt. Branches are normally long and multi spreading and stem is fluted and long. Bark of the shrub is smooth and reddish brown in color with very thin and small fibrous stripes. Leaves are about 5-9 cm long, 8-30 mm broad, lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate; opposite and pale on lower side. This shrub bears numerous flowers that are bright red in color. Small flowers of this herb grow singly or in groups along the twigs and branches. Every flower of this herb, borne a tiny stem, slender tube, curved and greenish base. Fruits are capsules about 6-10 mm long, 2.5-4.5 mm broad, ellipsoid and membranous and contain numerous very minute, brown colored shining, smooth obovate seeds. Shrub is overloaded with bright red flowers in the month of February to April and its leaves shed off and new leaves appear. Its fruits appear from April to June.

History

Fire Flame bush is medicinal herb of Ayurvedic medicine system and it is native to Asia and Africa. In India and it is amply distributed throughout north India, to an ascending altitude of 1500 mt. Mostly it is available in waste lands and open grasslands but it is also cultivated in gardens during the summer months. But nowadays it is available in Madagascar, Pakistan, Ceylon, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Indonesia and China. In India plant of woodfordia is distributed in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and West Bengal.

Traditional Medicinal uses

They are useful in the conditions of kapha and pitta, leprosy, burning sensation, skin diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">headache, hemorrhoids, herpes, internal hemorrhage, leucorrhea, liver disorders, menorrhagia, ulcers, and wounds.
Juice of leaves is used in bilious sickness.
They are valued as a stimulant in pregnancy.
Dried flower powder is used in ulcers and wounds to reduce the discharge and promote granulation.
Juice of its fresh flowers applied on the forehead and reduces the pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">headache.
Bark is used for treating various disorders like leprosy, erysipelas, thirst, dysentery and various diseases of blood.
It is used to cure diarrhea, piles and dysentery because it is a powerful astringent.
Flower is applied externally to relieve burning sensation of skin.
Flowers are sprinkled over wounds and ulcers for quick healing and to stop discharge and granulation.
Flowers are applied along with coconut oil to relieve burns.
It is also used to boost up immunity and overall body health.
Decoction of flowers is used for treating vaginal prolapse and anal prolapse.
It is also used as gargles to cure dental disorders.
Flower is used to reduce menstrual pain and it is also used to cure leucorrhoea.
Flowers and roots are very effective in curing rheumatism, lumbar and rib fractures, and foot and mouth diseases.
Decoction of flowers is used to reduce thirst and other mouth related disorders in diabetic patients.
It is also used in the treatment of fever that is caused due to pitta dosha.
Flowers are used for the victims who are addicted to opium and suffering with diarrhea.
Dried flowers are very beneficial for overall heart health and used to treat various heart related disorders.
Powder of flowers with honey helps to check loose motion.
Use of flowers with giloy and amla helps to cure fever.
Powder of Fire Flame Bush flowers with honey or rice water is useful in white discharge in females.
Neem leaves with Fire Flame Bush flowers are helpful in skin disorders.
Pipali powder mixed with powder of flowers when rubbed at the teething place of the children helps to erupt teeth smoothly.
Decoction of flowers is useful locally for the patients of prolapsed of anus.
The infusion of the dried flowers is used for hemorrhoids and derangement of the liver.
Dried flower powder is used in ulcers and wounds to reduce the discharge and promote granulation.
In chronic diarrhea, flowers combined with mocarasa and indrayava is a very effective medicament.
The jam (avaleha) prepared of its flowers, helps in controlling bleeding in menorrhagia as well as it alleviates the leucorrhoea.

Other Facts

Leaves and twigs of this plant produce a yellow dye that is used for printing.
Petals of this plant yield a red colored dye.
A gum is obtained from the plant. It is similar to gum tragacanth.
The wood is used for fuel.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.