Kutaja for Dysentery: Does It Work?
Does Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) help with dysentery (Pravahika)? Yes. Kutaja is the single most-cited herb in the Ayurvedic corpus for dysentery, the textbook lead drug for stools streaked with mucus and blood, painful straining, and the urgent-but-incomplete bowel emptying classical texts call Pravahika.
The pattern fit is precise. Kutaja bark is astringent and bitter (Kashaya-Tikta Rasa), light and dry (Laghu-Ruksha Guna), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and pungent after digestion (Katu Vipaka). That profile pacifies the Pitta heat and Kapha mucus that drive Pravahika, while the astringent Sangrahi action binds excess fluid in the colon back into formed stool. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Kutaja as Atisarahara (anti-diarrhoeal), Krimighna (anti-microbial), and Stambhana (astringent-binding), and the Sharangadhara Samhita states plainly that the freshly collected bark of Kutaja, ground with rice-wash water, "eliminates all forms of diarrhoea when consumed."
What makes Kutaja the anchor for dysentery rather than diarrhoea alone is the alkaloid conessine, concentrated in the inner bark at 2.4 to 2.5 percent. Conessine is directly antiamoebic, demonstrated effective against Entamoeba histolytica, the organism behind much of what classical texts called Pravahika. The Sushruta Samhita places Kutaja in the Aragvadhadi Gana, the group of drugs trusted to cleanse and settle a disturbed gut. Modern pharmacology has simply confirmed what classical practice already knew: in dysentery, Kutaja is treating the cause, not just the symptom.
How Kutaja Helps with Dysentery
Kutaja addresses dysentery through four overlapping mechanisms, three classical and one validated by modern phytochemistry. Each maps to a separate part of the Pravahika pattern: the pathogen, the inflamed mucosa, the fluid loss, and the painful straining.
1. Krimighna, conessine clears the amoebic and bacterial root
The classical category Krimighna describes a drug that clears visible parasites and inferred invisible ones from the gut. Modern work has identified the active principle: conessine, with related steroidal alkaloids kurchine, kurchicine, and holarrhenine, is directly antiamoebic, demonstrated effective against Entamoeba histolytica at concentrations achievable from oral bark decoction. Activity also extends to common bacterial dysentery agents. This is why Kutaja outperforms purely astringent herbs in true infectious Pravahika: it is not merely binding the stool, it is reducing the pathogen load that keeps the colon inflamed.
2. Sangrahi and Stambhana, astringent fluid binding in the colon
Pravahika presents with frequent, small, mucus-streaked stools rather than the watery floods of pure diarrhoea, the colon is inflamed, secreting mucus, and the patient strains repeatedly. Kutaja's high tannin content and astringent Kashaya Rasa precipitate surface proteins on the inflamed mucosa, forming a thin protective layer that reduces fluid and mucus exudation into the lumen. The Sharangadhara Samhita describes this directly: "That which, due to its dryness, coldness, astringent taste, and light digestive effect, increases Vata and causes stasis, that is Stambhana, like Vatsaka (Holarrhena antidysenterica) bark and Kutaja." This is the mechanism that converts ten urgent mucus-streaked trips into two formed stools.
3. Sheeta Virya, cooling the Pitta-driven mucosal flame
Pittaja Pravahika presents with hot, foul-smelling stools, blood streaks, burning at the anus, thirst, and irritability, the colon is overheated and ulcerating. Kutaja's Sheeta Virya (cooling potency) and bitter taste pacify this Pitta excess directly, soothing inflamed mucosa, reducing burning, and settling reflexive thirst. In classical pairing, Sushruta Samhita combines Kutaja with cooling decoctions for Pitta jvara and gut inflammation, the same logic that makes it preferable to warming digestives in any hot, bloody, ulcerative dysentery.
4. Modern: anti-inflammatory mucosal repair and tannin toning
Kurchi bismuth iodide preparations of Kutaja, used clinically for chronic amoebic dysentery, yield 20 percent bismuth and 32.45 percent iodine, an early example of the tannin-and-alkaloid combination working with mineral co-factors to coat and heal the colonic lining. Beyond the alkaloid fraction, Kutaja bark tannins are responsible for the slow, mucosal-toning effect that classical texts call the Stambhana action: a thin precipitate of tannin-protein complex protects the gut wall while the underlying inflammation, the modern reading of Pakwashaya Shodhana, resolves over five to seven days.
How to Use Kutaja for Dysentery
Forms and which one to start with
Kutaja for dysentery comes in four reliable forms, each with a clinical niche. Pick by severity and palatability:
- Kutajarishtam, fermented bark decoction. The classical first line for adult Pravahika, palatable, easy to dose, alcoholic self-preservative carries the conessine well.
- Kutajaghana Vati, concentrated bark extract tablets. The convenient form when liquids are unwelcome (nausea, travel, work). Standardised dosing.
- Kutaja Twak Churna, plain bark powder. The traditional bedrock, intensely bitter and astringent, but the most flexible for combining with companions like Pomegranate rind.
- Kutajavaleha, herbal jam in a sweetened ghee-honey base. Soothing when there is anal burning or when palatability is an issue for older children.
- Indrayava Churna, Kutaja seed powder. Reserved for chronic, recurrent, or stubborn dysentery rather than acute episodes.
Standard dosing for dysentery (Pravahika)
| Pattern | Form | Dose | Anupana (vehicle) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute amoebic dysentery (mucus, tenesmus) | Kutajarishtam | 15 to 30 ml | Equal warm water | Twice daily after meals, 5 to 7 days |
| Acute amoebic dysentery (tablet) | Kutajaghana Vati | 2 tablets | Warm water | Twice or thrice daily, 5 to 7 days |
| Pittaja Pravahika (hot, blood-streaked, burning) | Kutaja bark powder | 500 mg to 1 g | Rice water (tandulodaka) | Thrice daily until settled |
| Dysentery with bleeding | Kutaja powder + Pomegranate rind | 1 g + 1 g | Rice water | Thrice daily until bleeding stops |
| Pediatric Pravahika (child over 2) | Kutajavaleha + Ativisha | 0.5 to 1 tsp + pinch | Warm water or honey | Twice daily under supervision |
| Chronic / recurrent post-dysenteric loose stool | Indrayava Churna + Kutajarishtam | 1 to 2 g + 15 ml | Buttermilk for powder, water for arishtam | Twice daily, 4 to 6 weeks |
Anupana logic, why the vehicle matters in Pravahika
Tandulodaka (rice-washed water) is the classical anupana for hot Pittaja Pravahika, it is cooling, mildly nourishing, and replaces some of the lost fluid. Buttermilk (takra), churned thin with a pinch of rock salt and roasted cumin, is the preferred vehicle for chronic and Vata-leaning presentations and supports gut flora recovery after the antimicrobial phase. Plain warm water is the safe default. Avoid milk during acute episodes, it ferments in an inflamed colon and prolongs mucus.
Classical pairings for dysentery
- Kutaja + Bilva, when there is significant cramping, urgency, and the stool is loose-mucusy rather than blood-streaked. Bilva's mucilage tones the gut while Kutaja clears the pathogen.
- Kutaja + Pomegranate rind, the classical pair for dysentery with frank bleeding. Pomegranate rind tannins add to the haemostatic and astringent layer.
- Kutaja + Ativisha, the Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana repeatedly pairs Kutaja with Ativisha for pediatric Pravahika and stubborn presentations; Ativisha supports digestive fire (Agni) while Kutaja addresses the colon.
- Kutaja + Daruharidra, when there is suspected bacterial co-infection or low-grade fever; the berberine layer complements conessine.
- Kutaja + Haritaki, only after the acute phase has settled, for mild, supportive bowel toning during the recovery phase.
Duration
For acute amoebic Pravahika, expect noticeable reduction in stool frequency and mucus within 24 to 48 hours and resolution of tenesmus within 3 to 5 days. Continue Kutajarishtam or Kutajaghana Vati for a full 5 to 7 days even after stools normalise, this matches the time conessine needs to clear residual amoebic load and prevent the relapse pattern classical texts call Grahani. For chronic post-dysenteric loose stool, run a 4 to 6 week course with Indrayava plus Kutajarishtam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Kutaja work for dysentery?
For acute amoebic or bacterial Pravahika, most people notice fewer stools, less mucus, and reduced tenesmus within 24 to 48 hours of starting Kutajarishtam (15 to 30 ml twice daily) or Kutajaghana Vati (2 tablets twice or thrice daily). Symptomatic relief by day three is typical. Plan a full 5 to 7 day course even after stools look normal, conessine needs that time to clear residual amoebic load and prevent the relapse pattern. If there is no improvement at all by 48 hours, reassess and seek medical evaluation.
Kutaja bark vs Indrayava seeds for dysentery, which is better?
Bark (Kutaja Twak) is the first choice for acute Pravahika, higher tannin content, faster astringent action, and the alkaloid load needed to clear an active amoebic infection. Seeds (Indrayava) are the classical choice for chronic, recurrent, or stubborn post-dysenteric loose stool, slightly slower onset but longer-acting, favoured when the gut needs sustained microbial control over weeks. For chronic recurrence the typical formula combines both: Indrayava for depth, plus Kutajarishtam for breadth.
Can I take Kutaja with antibiotics like metronidazole?
Yes, in severe dysentery the two are commonly used together rather than as alternatives. Modern antibiotics (metronidazole, tinidazole) and Kutaja's conessine work on overlapping but distinct points in the amoebic life cycle, and the tannin layer in Kutaja simultaneously calms the inflamed mucosa that antibiotics do not address. For severe presentations with high fever, profuse blood, or dehydration, antibiotics remain first line and Kutajaghana Vati or Kutajarishtam is a useful adjunct. For mild-to-moderate Pravahika, Kutaja plus aggressive oral rehydration is often sufficient on its own.
What is the best form of Kutaja for dysentery?
For most adults with acute amoebic Pravahika, Kutajarishtam 15 to 30 ml twice daily in equal warm water is the easiest and most palatable entry point, the classical first-line liquid for dysentery. Kutajaghana Vati tablets are the equivalent in tablet form for travel or when liquids are unwelcome. If there is bleeding, switch to plain bark powder paired with Pomegranate rind. For a sensitive stomach or anal burning, Kutajavaleha is gentler.
Kutaja vs Bilva for dysentery, which one?
Both are first-tier herbs for Pravahika but they target different patterns. Kutaja is the lead drug when the dominant feature is the infection, mucus and blood streaking, tenesmus, fever, recent travel exposure, or amoebic confirmation. Bilva is the lead when the dominant feature is cramping with loose mucusy stool in a more chronic or post-infective pattern, less heat, less blood, more spasm. The two combine cleanly when both pictures coexist. See Bilva for dysentery for the parallel protocol.
Is Kutaja safe in pregnancy and for children?
Pregnancy: Kutaja is not a first-line pregnancy herb. The conessine alkaloid load makes self-prescription unwise, and classical guidance flags caution. Use only under direct supervision of a registered Ayurvedic physician, never in the first trimester. Children: Kutajavaleha and small doses of Kutajarishtam are used from age two onwards under supervision, often paired with Ativisha as the classical pediatric companion. Not for infants under six months, any infant dysentery is a paediatric emergency requiring medical workup.
Will Kutaja cause constipation after dysentery resolves?
It can, if you continue it past the point of clinical need. Kutaja's Sangrahi and Stambhana actions bind bowel fluid and may aggravate Vata in someone whose colon has already returned to normal. The classical safeguard is to run defined courses (5 to 7 days for acute Pravahika, up to 4 to 6 weeks for chronic recurrence) and then stop. If hard stools appear, halve the dose, transition to Triphala at bedtime, and reassess. Long-term unbroken use beyond 8 to 12 weeks is not the classical pattern for Kutaja.
Recommended: Start Kutaja for Dysentery
If you want to start using Kutaja for dysentery (Pravahika) today, here is the simplest starting point. For most adults with acute mucus-and-blood dysentery, the right entry is Kutajarishtam, the classical fermented bark liquid that has anchored Pravahika treatment for centuries. It is palatable, easy to dose, and delivers the conessine load needed to clear the amoebic root.
Best form for dysentery
Kutajarishtam, 15 to 30 ml twice daily in equal warm water, after meals, for 5 to 7 days. The fermentation makes it easier on an inflamed gut than raw bark powder, and the alcoholic carrier preserves the alkaloid fraction that does the antimicrobial work.
Kitchen version, if Kutajarishtam is unavailable
Boil 5 g of authentic Kutaja bark in 200 ml of water, simmer down to 50 ml, cool, and drink twice daily. For dysentery with bleeding, add 2 g of pomegranate rind powder to the simmer. Use rice-washed water (tandulodaka) instead of plain water if the stools are hot, foul, and burning.
Dosha fork
If Pittaja Pravahika (hot stools, blood streaks, anal burning, thirst): take Kutaja with rice water as anupana, pair with Pomegranate rind. If Kaphaja Pravahika (heavy mucus, sluggish, sticky stools, less heat): take with thin spiced buttermilk (takra), pair with Bilva. For pediatric Pravahika in a child over two: pair with Ativisha under qualified supervision.
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Safety: always pair Kutaja with oral rehydration (ORS or salted rice water) in moderate-to-severe episodes, the herb treats the cause but does not replace lost fluid. Seek medical care for high fever, profuse blood, signs of dehydration, infants under twelve months, or any traveler returning from a high-risk region with severe symptoms. Not first-line in pregnancy.
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Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: As it is a strong remedy, use for; only a short period at a time, up; to a month maximum; Contraindicated in aggravated; vata or constipation; Avoid use in pregnancy
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
Other Herbs for Dysentery
See all herbs for dysentery on the Dysentery page.
▶ Classical Text References (7 sources)
vartaka (brhati), vanatiktaka (vatsaka/kutaja), karira, kulaka (kupila), nandi (jaya),kucaila, sakuladani (mesasrngi), katilla (raktapunarnava), kebuka (kembuka),kosataka, and karkasa (kampilla) all these are cold in potency, bitter in taste, pungent at the end of digestion, with hold the movement of fluids, increase vatta and mitigate kapha and pitta.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Take 40 gm fine powder each of svarajjikā and yava-kshara, four varieties of salt, iron bhasma, trikatu, triphala, pippalimula, pealed seeds of vidanga, mustaka, ajamodā, devadāru, bilva, indrayava, root of chitraka, pāthā, ativishā and liquorice;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Ghrita siddhi is done adding one prastha (96 gm) of ghee to the above decoction and paste of one aksa (12 gm) each of kiratatikta, indrayava, vira, pippalī and utpala is added.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Bhunimba, kutaki, trikatu, musta and indrayava are taken in equal quantity.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Pippali, pippalimoola, patha, chavya, indrayava, nagara, chitraka, ativisha, hingu, svadamishthra (gokshura), katurohini and vacha are taken in one karsha (12 gm) quantity each.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Triphala, kaṭabhi, chavya, pulp of bilva, powder of ayoraja (mandura), katutki, musta, kushtha, patha, hingu, madhuka, kshara of muskaka and yavakshara, trikatu, vacha, vidanga, pippalimoola, svarjikakshara, nimba, chitraka, murva, ajamoda, indrayava, guḍuchi and devadaru are taken in one karsha (12 gm) quantity and one pala each of five salts are taken.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 15: Digestive Disorders Treatment (Grahani Chikitsa / ग्रहणीचिकित्सा)
The decoction of kutaja (Holarrhina antidysenterica) bark mixed with the powder of nagara (Zingiber officinalis) stops exudation of unctuous blood.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
[185] Decoction of chandana (Santalum album), kiratatikta (Swetia chirayita), dhanvyavasa (Fagonia criteca) and nagara (Zingiber officinalis), and the decoction of darvi (Berberis aristata), tvak (Cinnamomum zeylinicum), agaru (Aqularia agallocha), ushira (Vetiveria zizanioidis) and nimba (Azadirecta indica) are alleviators of hemorrhoids caused by the vitiation of blood (blee¬ding hemorrhoids) [186] Bark and fruits of kutaja (Holarrhina antidysenterica) along with ativisha (Aconitum heterophylu
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
Kutaja (Holarrhina antidysenterica) bark (100 palas) should be boiled with rain water (one drona) till the entire essence of the bark comes to water (i.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
To this, the powders of mocharasa, (one pala), samanga (one pala) Phalini (one pala) and seeds of kutaja (Holarrhina antidysenterica) (three palas) should be added and boiled again till it becomes semi-solid and till it sticks to the stirring spoon.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
Ghee cooked with the paste of the fruits of kutaja (Holarrhina antidysenterica), nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea), nilkamal (Nelumbo nucifera), lodhara (Symplocus racemosa) and dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) should be administered in bleeding hemorrhoids associated with pain.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
The powders to add are: Rasanjana (extract of Berberis aristata), Mocharasa (Bombax ceiba gum resin), Trikatu — Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum) — Triphala — Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaka (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) — Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Indrayava (Holarrhena antidysenterica seeds), and Tvak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Sahacharya, Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa), and Prasarini (Paederia foetida).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
That which, due to its dryness, coldness, astringent taste, and light digestive effect, increases Vata and causes stasis — that is Stambhana (astringent/binding), like Vatsaka (Holarrhena antidysenterica) bark and Kutaja.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
In all types of Atisara (diarrhea): the juice of leaves of large Babbula (Acacia nilotica), or the juice of bark of Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum) and Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), eliminates all forms of diarrhea when consumed.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Kutaja bark (Kutajatvak) is especially renowned in Ayurveda for its anti-dysenteric and astringent properties.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
For all types of Atisara (diarrhea), the freshly collected bark of Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) should be ground with rice-wash water.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions); Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
For Pitta fever: a decoction prepared with Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Katuka (Picrorhiza), and Indrayava (Holarrhena seeds).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
A medicated ghee (Ghrita) cooked with Pippali, Ativisha, Draksha, Sariva, Bilva, Chandana, Katuka, Indrayava, Ushira, Simhi, Amalaki, Ghana, Trayamana, Asthira, Dhatri, Vishva-bheshaja, and Chitraka -- when consumed, conquers irregular digestion, chronic fever, headache, abdominal tumors, splenic disease, anemia, fear, cough with burning, and flank pain.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
The Aragvadhadi Gana consists of: aragvadha (purging cassia), madana, gopaghna, ghorataki, kutaja, patha, patala, murva, indrayava, saptaparna, nimba (neem), kurutaka, dasikurutaka, guduchi, chitraka, sharngesthi, karanja (two types), patola, kirata-tikta (chirayita), and sushavi (verse 6).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Pippalyadi Gana consists of: pippali (long pepper), pippali root, chavya, chitraka, shringavera (ginger), maricha (black pepper), hasti-pippali, harenuka, ela (cardamom), ajamoda, indrayava, patha, jiraka (cumin), sarshapa (mustard), mahanimbaphala, hingu (asafoetida), bhargi, madhurasa, ativisha, vacha, and vidanga, plus katurohi (verse 22).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Aragvadhadi Gana consists of: aragvadha (purging cassia), madana, gopaghna, ghorataki, kutaja, patha, patala, murva, indrayava, saptaparna, nimba (neem), kurutaka, dasikurutaka, guduchi, chitraka, sharngesthi, karanja (two types), patola, kirata-tikta (chirayita), and sushavi (verse 6).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Decoctions with Kutaja, Bhumini, Nimba, Ghanayas, Yashtyahva, Chandana, combined with Pippali -- this ghee cures all diseases including Grahani, Rakta-Pitta, Kamala (jaundice), and fevers.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
The Aragvadhadi Gana consists of: aragvadha (purging cassia), madana, gopaghna, ghorataki, kutaja, patha, patala, murva, indrayava, saptaparna, nimba (neem), kurutaka, dasikurutaka, guduchi, chitraka, sharngesthi, karanja (two types), patola, kirata-tikta (chirayita), and sushavi (verse 6).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Lachadi Gana consists of: lacha, revata, kutaja, ashvamaraka, katphala, two turmeric varieties, nimba, samachhada, malati, and strayamana (verse 64).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The drugs for upward purification (emesis/vamana) are: madana, kutaja, jimuta, indravaku, dhama, argvaka, kritavedhana, sarshapa (mustard), vidanga, pippali, karanja, prapunnada, kovidara, karbuda, arishta, ashvagandha, vidula, bandhujivaka, shveta, shanapushpi, bimbi, vacha, mrigervaru, and chitra.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 39: Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification
The same is the method for kutaja fruit preparations (verse 5).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 43: Vamana-dravya-vikalpa-vijnaniya Adhyaya - On Emetic Drug Preparations
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 39: Shodhanasanshmaniya Adhyaya - On Purification and Pacification; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 43: Vamana-dravya-vikalpa-vijnaniya Adhyaya - On Emetic Drug Preparations
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.