Kutaja | Kurchi

Names: Country mallow, Conessi tree, conessi bark, Girimallikaa, Girimallika, Heart-leaf, Holerrhena antidysenterica Wall., Indravriksha, indra, Kuda, Kudaiya, Kodisepala, Kherva, Kalinga, Kodaga, Karachi, Kurachi, Kit, Kalingaka, Kuda, Kudo, Korachi, Kodagapala, Kurchi, Kutaj, Kutaja, Kurei, Keruan, Kenara, Kaalinga, Panduindra, Shakshaki, Shakra, Vatsa, Vatsaka, Virishak, Veppalai, Yavphal

Form: Dried Raw Herb

Parts used – Stem bark, seeds, leaves

Kutaja powder is prepared from the stem bark of Kutaja.

Therapeutic properties – The bark of Kutaja has anti-diarrhoeal, constipating, astringent, antidysenteric, anthelmintic, carminative and digestive properties.

Kutaja bark is useful in various kinds of diarrhoea and dysentery.

Dose and mode of administration for Diarrhoea – The adult dose of Kutaja powder is 3-5 g and for children 500 mg to 1 g, twice or thrice daily with warm water, before meals.

Uses: The bark or cover of the tree-stem is used for medicine. This is a good medicine for loose motions and dysentery. You can simply grind a piece of bark and mix with a spoon of honey and give as medicine. Kadha (Kwatha) is also useful. For this take a 10 gm (2 teaspoon full) of bark powder, add one glass (200 ml) of water and boil till lA water remains. For an adult 20 ml kadha (Kawatha) for 3 times a day is useful to stop dysentry.

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Kutaja Powder for Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of abnormally liquid or unformed stools at an increased frequency, and denotes a change in the usual bowel movement. It is a symptom of various disease conditions of the gastrointestinal system and is often considered as a disease itself. Diarrhoea can be acute and chronic as per its causes.

Severe diarrhoea leads to dehydration, which manifests itself as apprehension, cold clammy skin, rapid pulse, deep and rapid respiration, inelastic skin, sunken eyeballs, dry tongue, scanty urine and low blood pressure. Systemic symptoms such as fever, anorexia, weight loss, generalized weakness and malaise may also be present.

It is always important to understand the underlying cause of diarrhoea so that the right treatment can be planned. However, uncomplicated diarrhoea due to indigestion and infection can be managed with Ayurvedic formulation such as Kutaja powder along with necessary dietary precautions.

Dose and mode of administration 

The adult dose of Kutaja powder is 3-5 g and for children 500 mg to 1 g, twice or thrice daily with warm water, before meals.

Precautions and safety aspects

(1) No side effect or toxic effect of Kutaja powder has been mentioned in the classical Ayurvedic literature. Clinical studies have also shown no adverse effects in patients treated with Kutaja powder within the recommended dose alone as well as in combination with other home remedies. Kutaja may cause distension of the abdomen after using for a few days.

(2) As prolonged use of Kutaja powder may produce constipation, hence as soon as the diarrhoea is checked the dose of Kutaja powder should be tapered off.

(3) A study on the side effects of Holarrhena antidysenterica in patients has revealed that it can lead to subjective symptoms as well as hypertension7. Hence hypertensive patients should take Kutaja powder under medical supervision.

(4) Prolonged use of Kutaja powder during pregnancy should be done under medical supervision. However, it is safe for the baby if a nursing mother is taking this medication.

Reference – Traditional Herbal Remedies for Primary Health Care