Medicinal Plants : Picrorrhiza kurroa

Name

Katuka

Biological Name

Picrorrhiza kurroa
Scrophulariaceae

Other Names

Katuka, Kutki, Katki
Bal- kadu, Kadugu-rohini, Katukarogani, Kali kutki, Katuki, Katurohini, Khanekhaswael, Kharbaqe-hindi, Kuru

Parts Used

Dried rhizome

Active Compounds

Root contains a glucoside called 'Picrorrhizin", a fairly large percentage of soluble bitter substance with an acid reaction. The herb also contains other substances such as glucose, wax, cathartic acid etc.

Remedies For

Action

Small doses-bitter stomachic and laxative.

Large doses - anti-periodic, cathartic, cholagogue

emmenagogue, emetic, abortifacient

Uses

constipation

epilepsy

improves eye sight

fever

malaria

paralysis

scorpion sting

skin diseases

The following are examples of remedies where this herb is used in Ayurveda:

Two drachms of powdered root with sugar and warm water is useful as a mild purgative.

Ten to twenty grains of the powder with aromatics or herbs such as pepper, asafoetida, triphala and salts is useful in constipation due to scanty intestinal secretions.

Description

This herb is found in the Himalayan mountains from Kashmir in India to Sikkim.

Dosage

Tincture, extract, powder, pills.

Safety

No information about the safety of this herb is available.

Use caution. Ayurvedic herbs are often taken in combination to neutralize the toxicity one herb with the opposing effect of other.

Do not take except under the supervision of a qualified professional.