Katuki (Picorrhiza kurroa)
Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
Katuki, commonly known as Hellebore is one of most commonly used herb for the alleviation of Allergic conditions, Worm infestation and Liver diseases. The name Katuki itself means that it helps in releasing bile. Katuki is also known as ‘Katurohini’ owing to its regenerative action.
Dr.Gupta’s IAFA have been studying on readily available herbs for the purpose of alleviating allergic condition. Our experts studied on Katuki and proven the plant’s therapeutic activities like Anthelmintic, Liver stimulant, Cholagogue, Purgative, Antiallergic, Expectorant actions etc. Katuki can be used in various diseases like Diabetes, Worm infestation, Skin diseases, Heart diseases etc. The methanolic and aqueous extract of Katuki have antioxidant and anti neoplastic actions. Aqueous extract of Katuki have antidiabetic actions. It also can be used as an antiproliferative agent. Nowadays Katuki is also used for treating skin allergic conditions.
Action of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroain Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic property of the plant Katuki. The plant contains phytoconstituents like picroside 1, picroside 2, kutkoside, picorhizin, kurrin, vanillic acid, kutkiol, kutkisterol, D-mannitol etc. These phytoconstituents aids the antiallergic and anthelmintic property of Katuki. Paste or powder of Katuki can be effectively applied on the skin to alleviate skin allergic conditions.
Vernacular names and Classification
| Botanical Name | Picorrhiza kurroa |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | कट्वी, कटुका, तिक्ता, कृष्णभेदा, कटम्भरा, अशोका, मत्स्यशकला, चक्राङ्गी, शकुलादनी, मत्स्यपित्ता, काण्डरुहा, रोहिणी, कटु रोहिणी |
| Hindi Name | Kutki |
| English Name | Hellebore |
| Malayalam Name | Katurohini |
| Kannada Name | Katukarohini |
| Marathi Name | Kalikutki |
Ayurveda reference of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
Morphology of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
- Creeping herb
- Stem is represented by stolons
- Leaves are oval with sharp apex
- Inflorescence is indeterminate spike
- Flowers are white or pale purple
- Fruits are capsule
Geographical distribution of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
Katuki is found growing in Himalayan regions from Kashmir to Sikkim.
Phytoconstituents of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
The plant contains phytoconstituents like picroside 1, picroside 2, kutkoside, picorhizin, kurrin, vanillic acid, kutkiol, kutkisterol, D-mannitol etc.
Parts used of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
- Rhizome
Dosage of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
- Powder(churna)- 3-6 g
Medicinal Properties of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
- Kasa hara – relieves cough
- Pramehahara- cures diabetes
- Dahahara – relieves burning sensation
- Swasahara – relieves asthma
- Dipana – as carminative
- Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
- Kushtaghana- relieves skin diseases
- Jwaraghna – useful in fever
- Arsoghna – useful in treating piles
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home remedies of Katuki – Picorrhiza kurroa
Ayurveda is not only a treatment system popular in India which uses commonly seen herbs for medicinal purpose. Katuki is one of the most widely used herb. Due to its high medicinal value it is used in treating many diseases like,
- In Skin diseases (Kushta) – Katuki and Sandal wood are made into a paste and applied over skin.
- To purify breast milk (Stanya suddhi) – Decoction prepared from Katuki is useful in purifying breast milk.
- In Heart diseases (Hridroga) – Paste prepared from Katuki and Glycyrrhiza glabra is taken with Sugar-water.
- In Jaundice (Kamala) – Paste of Katuki is taken along with water and sugar.
- As Purgative (Virecanartha) – About 3-6 g of Katuki paste is taken as a purgative.
- In Liver diseases (Yakrut vikara) – Katuki is taken along with milk to cure liver diseases.
- In Diabetes (Prameha)– Decoction of Katuki is taken to cure diabetes.
- In Cough (Kasa) -Katuki powdered and taken along with honey.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
Google Reviews
Book on Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections.
Book on Child Health and Ayurveda.
