Know the Importance and Benefits of Kutaj in Ayurveda

2022-01-13 13:55:35

Kutaj is a medicinal plant whose botanical name is Holarrhena antidysenterica. This plant is found in all the mountainous regions of India but it is mostly seen in the Himalayan regions. In India, kutaj has been used since ancient times for the treatment of many diseases.

The Kutaj tree is 10 to 20 feet high and multi-year-old. This tree bears flowers in the rainy season and fruits in winter. It is divided into two parts on the basis of colour. The first is the White Kutaj and the second is the Krishna Kutaj. The taste of both the bark and seeds of white Kutaj is extremely bitter and pungent whereas Krishna Kutaj is tasteless. Its stems consist of many branches and the bark is a quarter inch thick, grainy, rough and brown in color. Its leaves are 6 to 12 inches long and 2 to 5 inches wide, oval, pointed and smooth. Its flowers are white like jasmine flowers and have a mild aroma. The seeds are beige, brown in color like barley (yew and follicles are found on this seed that is why it is also called Indrayava.

Importance of Kutaj in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, Kutaj is bitter in taste and hot in effect. It maintains the balance of Kapha and Pitta. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its fruit helps in curing fever, herpes, piles, fatigue and skin diseases. At the same time, its stems are beneficial in bleeding disorders, skin diseases, heart diseases. Anti-fungal and anti-healing properties are found in Kutaj which is helpful in healing any kind of wound. Therefore, the bark, seeds, fruits and the whole parts of the kutaj plant are used in making medicines and ointments. Therefore, due to its rich medicinal properties, it is considered great in Ayurveda.

Benefits of Kutaj

Beneficial in diarrhea and dysentery

Kutaj is used in Ayurveda to cure diseases like diarrhoea. According to Ayurveda, the main cause of diarrhea is an imbalance of Kapha and Vata. In diarrhea (acute), enteritis causes the presence of mucus and blood in the stool. Kutaj has appetizing and digestive properties which helps in controlling mucus by increasing the digestive fire. Apart from this, Kutaj controls the flow of blood by reducing the inflammation of the intestines due to its astringent and cooling properties. For this, take 1 teaspoon of kutaj powder with water immediately after a meal. By doing this, there is benefit in diarrhea and dysentery.

For abdominal pain and cramps

Kutaj is a good remedy to get relief from abdominal pain or cramps because it has analgesic properties which provides relief from abdominal pain and cramps. For this, drink asafetida mixed with a decoction made from the seeds of Indrajava (Kutaj). Doing this at least 2 to 3 times a day provides relief in stomach pain.

Effective in the treatment of bloody piles

Wrong eating habits and irregular routine cause imbalance of the tridoshas (kapha, pitta and vata) due to which the food is not digested properly. Excess of Vata due to less digestive fire causes constipation due to which there is swelling in the veins of the rectal area. In this condition bleeding starts. Kutaj has digestive and appetite-enhancing properties which increases the digestive fire. Also, due to its astringent nature, it helps in controlling bleeding. For this, it is beneficial to take the powder of the bark of Kutaj with honey or sugar candy.

Beneficial in Jaundice, Malaria and Dengue

Kutaj is one of the best natural remedies for Jaundice, Malaria, Dengue or any other underlying infection. For this, take the juice of fresh, soft Indrayava leaves every morning on an empty stomach. By doing this the level of bilirubin normalizes and stimulates the functioning of the liver. It also has hepatoprotective properties. Apart from this, anti-malarial and anti-dengue properties are also found in it. All these properties work as a protective and curative role in jaundice, dengue and malaria.

Helpful in the treatment of stones

Consuming the powder of the root of kutaj is helpful in removing kidney stones because it has antiurolithic activity which prevents the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney. Apart from kidney stones, the antioxidants present in it also play an important role in preventing other kidney related diseases. For this, it is considered good to take the powder of the root of Kutaj with curd.

Beneficial in urinary disorders

The root or bark of kutaj has been used traditionally to relieve urinary infections and irritation. For this, take 2 grams of root or bark powder mixed with cow's milk. By doing this there is proper control of urination and relief from burning sensation.

Beneficial in diabetes

Kutaj plant proves to be very effective for the treatment of diabetes. According to research done on this, antidiabetic properties are found in kutaj which helps in reducing the level of blood sugar. It contains a substance called curcumin which exhibits anti-hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic properties. This prevents carbohydrates from being absorbed. Apart from this, Kutaj i.e. Indrayav reduces glycosylated hemoglobin which is extremely beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients.

Beneficial for skin

Kutaj acts as a medicine to cure skin related disorders due to the presence of anti-fungal properties which helps to remove itching, redness, eczema, rashes, blisters and many other skin related problems in the skin. Apart from this, Kutaj has healing properties, which are helpful in healing wounds. For this, it is beneficial to use kutaj in the form of juice, paste, decoction, paste etc that is why many cosmetic companies use Kutaj in their products.

Side effects of Kutaj

• Excess consumption of kutaj can cause vomiting, nausea etc.
• If a person is already taking any medicine then avoid its consumption.
• Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid using it.