Brihati

(Indian Nightshade)
Sanskrit: बृहती • Botanical: Solanum indicum Linn.

Brihati (Solanum indicum), known as Badi Kateri in Hindi, is a member of the Laghu Panchamula. It is a prickly undershrub found commonly across India. The plant bears small round berries that turn yellow when ripe. The root, fruit, and whole plant are used medicinally. It is pungent and bitter with strong Kapha-reducing action, making it especially useful in respiratory conditions like cough, asthma, and hiccup. Together with Kantakari, it forms the pair known as 'Brihati-dvaya' or 'Kateri-dvaya'. The text notes its Solanum torvum Swartz as a related species.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Solanine, Solasodine. Contains steroidal alkaloids.
Also Known As
English: Indian Nightshade, Poison Berry
Sanskrit: बृहती, वार्ताकी, महती, सिंही, क्षुद्रभण्टाकी
Hindi: बड़ी कटेरी, बड़ी कटैरी, बनभण्टा

What is Brihati / Badi Kateri (बृहती / बड़ी कटेरी)?

Brihati (Solanum indicum), known as Badi Kateri in Hindi, is a member of the Laghu Panchamula. It is a prickly undershrub found commonly across India. The plant bears small round berries that turn yellow when ripe. The root, fruit, and whole plant are used medicinally. It is pungent and bitter with strong Kapha-reducing action, making it especially useful in respiratory conditions like cough, asthma, and hiccup. Together with Kantakari, it forms the pair known as 'Brihati-dvaya' or 'Kateri-dvaya'. The text notes its Solanum torvum Swartz as a related species.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Deepani (kindles digestive fire)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Kasahara (relieves cough)
  • Shwasahara (relieves dyspnea/asthma)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Classical Therapeutic Uses

  • Kasa (cough)
  • Shwasa (asthma/dyspnea)
  • Jwara (fever)
  • Krimi (worms/parasites)
  • Hikka (hiccup)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Brihati by Condition

Explore how Brihati is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Brihati for Immunity & Disease Prevention
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Brihati for Parasites & Worms
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Brihati for Respiratory Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.