Kutaj
Kutaj is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa and its seeds, are known as Indrayava. It’s botanical name is Holarrhena antidysenterica and belongs to Apocynaceae family. Kutaj is a medicinal plant abundantly found in India especially in Himalayan ranges.This plant has fragrant white flowers and rough bark. It is also called as Vatsa, Kurchi, Kuda, Kenara.
Chemical Constituents –
The phytochemicals present in the plant include Coumarins, Ergosterol, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, Resins, Saponins, Steroidal alkaloids, Tannins, Triterpenoids. Around 30 steroidal alkaloids have been isolated from Kutaj mostly from the stem Bark. The seeds were also reported to possess Steroidal-type Alkaloids.
Properties –
• Astringent
• Absorbent
• Appetizer
• Digestive
• Haemostatic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Healing
• Hypoglycemic
• Antispasmodic
Parts Used –
All parts of this plant (bark, leaves, seeds, flowers) are used.
Dosage –
• Seed powder 2-4 gm
• Decoction and infusion 30-40 ml
• Tincture 2-4ml
• Bark powder 2-4 gm
Benefits –
• Diarrhea
Diarrhea is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Kutaj helps to control diarrhea by improving the digestive fire.
• Dysentry
Kutaj is useful in digestive disorders like dysentery. In severe dysentery, inflammation of the intestine causes the appearance of mucus and blood in the stool. Taking Kutaj helps to control mucus by improving the digestive fire. It also controls blood by reducing the inflammation of the intestine.
• Wound Healing
Kutaj helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin.
• Kidney Stones
It has antiurolithic action. It possibly inhibits aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. It also has renal epithelial cell protective effects and antioxidant action, which might play a role in prevention of kidney stones and renal diseases. Kutaj (Kurchi) seeds are used for relieving renal colic and kidney stones.
• Excessive Uterine Bleeding
Haemostatic action of Holarrhena Antidysenterica (Kutaj) helps reduce uterine bleeding. However, it is not used alone in this condition. Its ayurvedic formulations like Kutajaveleha are more beneficial.
• Bleeding Piles
Kutaj is useful for piles, especially bleeding piles, due to its astringent property. It heals bleeding piles by constricting the blood vessels in the anal or rectal area.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
Kutaj can be used for managing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This is because it helps to reduce Ama which is the prime cause of rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurveda.
• Diabetes
The hypoglycemic property of Kutaja plays a significant role in alleviating the blood sugar levels of the body. The production of Insulin from the pancreatic beta cells becomes active on consumption of kutaja. It helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn leads to low blood glucose levels.
• Beneficial for women
The seeds of this herb are beneficial for promoting conception. Also, consuming the seeds after delivery helps to tone up vaginal tissues and strengthens the muscles.
Ayurvedic Formulations –
• Kutajaveleha
• Kutajarhishta
• Kutajghan Vati
• Vatsakadi Churna
Side Effects –
It is strictly advised to consult a doctor before taking it during pregnancy, lactation or if you have any chronic disease.
For more informative articles on Ayurvedic herbs and other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult.