Picrorhiza (Kutki)
Also known as
Latin : Picrohiza kurroa
English : Picrorhiza
Sanskrit : Katukarohini
Hindi : Kutki
Marathi : katuka
Tamil : Katugarohini
Telugu : Katki
Malayalam : Katukarohini
Kannada : Katukarohini
"That which envelopes diseases" is the meaning of the Sanskrit name 'katuki'.
How it looks�It is a small, hairy, perennial herb, with a long woody root stock. The leaves are long with serrated edges and the flowers are white or bluish located terminally
on long racemes, the fruits are ovoid capsules.
The dried rhizome is deep greyish brown, cylindrical and wrinkled longitudinally.
What we use�The dried rhizome
What it does�The rhizomes are cooling, laxative, digestive, carminative, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, galacto purifier, expectorant and anti-pyretic.
How we use it�
In
liver disorders: Picrorhiza is an excellent liver protective and has been effective in cases of jaundice and chronic malaria where even quinine has failed. Make a decoction
of equal quantifies of picrorhiza, and chirata and drink twice a day.
In
chronic malaria�Make a decoction of equal quantities of pircrorhiza, chirata, harad fruit and sonamukhi leaves with sufficient quantity of jaggery and raisins in it. Filter and
drink everyday. This decoction acts as a mild laxative and completely detoxifies the body, (you could omit the sonamukhi leaves in children)
In
anaemia�Drink a decoction of the rhizome of picrorhiza for a few weeks to replenish last blood and as rejuvenator. This is especially useful in anaemia due to excessive bleeding
from any orifice.
In
disorder of breastmilk�Its decoction is highly beneficial in recently delivered women as it establishes free flow of breastmilk and removes associated disorders.
In
respiratory allergies�Picroliv, present in picrorhiza is a known immunomodulator, making it a sought after home remedy in bronchitis, asthma and sinusitis. As above a decoction
of the rhizome is used.
In
worm infestation�The decoction of picrorhiza is mild enough to be given as a deworming medicine even to children.
In
indigestion�Its natural liver-protective property make picrorhiza an ideal choice all cases of indigestion. It also removes associated loss of taste sensation.
Modern Studies
1 Anti-allergic activity of picroliv, a standardised fraction isolated from picrorhiza kurroa was demonstrated in experimental studies on guinea pig in Lucknow.
2 Anti oxidant and lipid metabolism-regulating activity of picroliv was established in studies in Lucknow.
3 Hepato protective activity of picrorin was established in various studies on rats and mice in ICMR, Lucknow.
