Kutaj (Holarrhenaantidysenterica) has ample therapeutic benefits and is also known as Sakra. Like its bark, leaves, seeds, and flowers, all the parts of the plant are useful. Kutaj has antimicrobial properties dues to which it is utilized in the management of diarrhea and dysentery.
It also has astringent properties and is used to manage bleeding piles. According to Ayurveda, the intake of Kutaj and water would be a good practice if one wanted to manage diarrhea and dysentery. The Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties of Kurtaj help in the wound's faster healing when washed with Kutaj water.
How did the 'Kutaj’ word originate?
Kutaj is a Sanskrit word that is derived from Kutaj, which roughly translates to the mountain as the tree of Kutaj is found in the hilly and mountainous regions. This tree is referenced as having thorns and should hence be considered as wild.
Historical uses of Kutaj
In the past, the Kutaj herb was predominantly used for the treatment of dysentery. This dysentery was caused due to amoeba. It was also used to treat skin diseases like itching, ringworm, scabies, and other infections.
Before medical advancements and inventions, the seeds of the Kutaj plant were used to promote conception. It was also a well-known remedy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits of using Kutaj in Ayurvedic treatment
Many studies conducted till now have shown the beneficial effects of Kutaj in several ways. There aren't any studies that have been conducted on humans, but they assumedly have no effects on Humans. The Ayurvedic medicinal herbs, however, most do not have any effect on Humans whatsoever.
Treating diseases/health problems using Kutaj
• Diarrhea
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Kutaj has proven itself extremely useful in treating diarrhea and dysentery as it contains alkaloids that are known to have antibacterial activity. It manages diarrhea by preventing bacterial action on the intestinal wall. One of the major causes of extreme intestinal diseases like amebic dysentery is salmonella infection, and Kutaj helps fight against it effectively.
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Dysentry and diarrhea are caused due to improper and weak digestion, and Kutaj helps in rectifying this problem. The increased frequency of water stool is a characteristic of dysentery and diarrhea. Kutaj has Pachan (digestion) and Deepan (appetizer) properties that help in improving digestion. Because of its Grahi Property, it manages to control the loss of excessive water and manages watery stools' frequency.
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• Bleeding Piles
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Kutaj is highly useful in treating piles ad especially bleeding piles, because it has astringent properties. It constricts the blood vessels in the anal area and, hence, healing the bleeding piles.
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Piles are caused due to an imbalance in the pitta dosha, and hence Kutaj manages it and is useful in managing piles as well. Piles usually lead to bleeding irritation and sometimes bleeding too. Kashaya (astringent), Sita (cold), and Ropan (healing) properties of Kutaj helps prevent the occurrence of piles by reducing the symptoms associated with it and also providing a cooling effect to the affected area.
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• Wound Healing
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Faster healing properties are present in Kutaj due to certain constituents. The wound is contracted and closes when Kutaj paste obtained out of its leaves is applied to the wound, promoting early wound healing.
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It's Kashaya (astringent), and Ropan( healing) properties can quickly heal the wounds. Additionally, it also helps in providing healthy glowing skin.
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• Diabetes
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Kutaj has certain anti-diabetic properties that make it suitable to be taken to manage diabetes. It tends to lower the blood glucose level hence proving worthwhile in treating diabetes up to an extent.
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Diabetes is characterized by low internal strength by the body, caused due to low digestive power, and Tutaj works to rectify this problem. Due to the presence of Pacahan (digestion) and Deepan (appetizer) properties, it helps in lowering the diabetes effect; the Balya (strength provider) property provides an ample amount of strength and stamina to the body and reduces any symptoms that are associated with diabetes.
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• Infections
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Kutaj has antibacterial properties, and hence it proves to be very helpful in treating infections caused by bacteria. It inhibits the growth of bacterias that are responsible for any infection and hence prevents the infections.
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Infections are caused due to an imbalance of Pitta Dosha, and Kutaj helps lower the risk of infection due to this. Burning and irritation of the skin is a cause of this imbalance. Due to its Sita (cold), Ropan (healing), and Pitta-balancing properties, Kutaj helps manage any condition. The cooling effect leads to quick healing of the affected area.
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Forms of Kutaj in Ayurveda and Recommended Dosage
Kutaj in the Ayurvedic treatment is used in powder and capsule form. Each of these forms of Kutaj can be used to create different types of herbal tonics or tea or milkshake with a prescribed dosage amount.
If you have not consulted with your doctor regarding the dosage amount for each Kutaj form, you can then follow these dosage recommendations:
• Kutaj Powder: 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon of powder (churan) twice a day, preferably after lunch and dinner.
• Kutaj Capsules: 1-2 capsules twice a day, preferably after lunch and dinner.
In case you have consulted with a doctor, then it is advised to stick to their recommended prescriptions.
Types of Ayurvedic Care of Kutaj
1. Kutaj Powder
¼- ½ teaspoon of Kutaj Powder is to be taken and has to be swallowed with water. It is preferable if it is taken after meals. The same quantity of powder can be mixed with almost an equivalent amount of water and then be taken after meals.
2. Kutaj Capsules
1-2 capsules of Kutaj are to be swallowed with water after meals about 1-2 times a day.
Side effects of Kutaj
According to several medical studies and research papers, there are only a few side effects of Kutaj. Some of the patients showed and complained about hypertension. A few also complained about having a sensation of heat in the head and abdomen and also experience insomnia. Apart from these few side effects, which are also only noted in a handful of subjects, there are no other side effects of Kutaj.
Precautionary guide while using Kutaj?
It is recommended that pregnant ladies only consume Kutaj when advised by the medicinal authorities, and it is highly recommended not to consume Kutaj while breastfeeding. Apart from this, everyone else is fit to consume the product.
FAQ’s about Kutaj
1. Where would I be able to get Kutaj powder from?
MODERN SCIENCE’S VIEW: Kutaj powder is effectively accessible in the market under different brand names. It can also be easily purchased from any concerned website or Ayurvedic medical store.
2. Is Kutaj powder accessible on the lookout?
MODERN SCIENCE’S VIEW: Yes, Kutaj powder is accessible in the market under different brand names.
3. Is Kutaj useful for rheumatoid arthritis?
AYURVEDA'S VIEW: Kutaj can easily manage rheumatoid arthritis. Ama I the prime cause of rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurveda, and Kutajhelps to reduce it, and hence it is helpful.
4. Will Kutaj be utilized for diabetes?
MODERN SCIENCE’S VIEW: Kutaj has certain anti-diabetic properties that make it suitable to be taken to manage diabetes. It tends to lower the blood glucose level hence proving worthwhile in treating diabetes up to an extent.
AYURVEDA'S VIEW: Diabetes is characterized by low internal strength by the body, which is caused due to low digestive power, and Kutaj works in rectifying this problem. Due to the presence of Pacahan (digestion) and Deepan (appetizer) properties, it helps in lowering the diabetes effect. The Balya (strength provider) property provides an ample amount of strength and stamina to the body and reduces any symptoms that are associated with diabetes.
5. Is Kutaj valuable for piles?
MODERN SCIENCE’S VIEW: Kutaj is highly useful in treating piles ad especially bleeding piles, because it has astringent properties. It constricts the blood vessels in the anal area and, hence, healing the bleeding piles.
AYURVEDA’S VIEW: Piles are caused due to an imbalance in the pitta dosha, and hence Kutaj manages it and is useful in managing piles as well. Piles usually lead to bleeding irritation and sometimes bleeding too. Kashaya (astringent), Sita (cold), and Ropan (healing) properties of Kutaj helps prevent the occurrence of piles by reducing the symptoms associated with it and also providing a cooling effect to the affected area.
6. Is Kutaj useful in dysentery and diarrhea?
MODERN SCIENCE’S VIEW: Kutaj has proven itself extremely useful in treating diarrhea and dysentery as it contains alkaloids that are known to have antibacterial activity. It manages diarrhea by preventing bacterial action on the intestinal wall. One of the major causes of extreme intestinal diseases like amebic dysentery is salmonella infection, and Kutaj helps fight against it effectively.
AYURVEDA’S VIEW: Dysentry and diarrhea are caused due to improper and weak digestion, and Kutaj helps in rectifying this problem. The increased frequency of water stool is a characteristic of dysentery and diarrhea. Kutaj has Pachan (digestion) and Deepan (appetizer) properties that help in improving digestion. Because of its Grahi Property, it manages to control the loss of excessive water and manages watery stools' frequency.
7. Will Kutaj help in wound healing?
MODERN SCIENCE’S VIEW: Faster healing properties are present in Kutaj due to certain constituents. The wound is contracted and closes when Kutaj paste obtained out of its leaves is applied to the wound, promoting early wound healing.
AYURVEDA’S VIEW: Due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan( healing) properties, it can quickly heal wounds. Additionally, it also helps in providing healthy glowing skin.
8. Is Kutaj useful in infections?
MODERN SCIENCE’S VIEW: Kutaj has antibacterial properties, and hence it proves to be very helpful in treating infections caused by bacteria. It inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for any infection and prevents the infections.
AYURVEDA's VIEW: Infections are caused by an imbalance f Pitta Dosha, and Kutaj helps lower the risk of infection. Burning and irritation of the skin is a cause of this imbalance. Due to its Sita (cold), Ropan (healing), and Pitta-balancing properties, Kutaj helps manage any condition. The cooling effect leads to quick healing of the affected area.