Kutaja for Hemorrhoids: Does It Work?
Does Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) help with hemorrhoids (Arsha)? Yes, but only for a specific clinical pattern. Kutaja is the classical lead drug for Kaphaja Arsha: hemorrhoids that present with mucus discharge, soft sticky stools, sluggish bowel movements, and the chronic sensation of incomplete evacuation. The Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana chapters on Atisara (diarrhoea) and Grahani (malabsorption / IBS-D pattern) repeatedly name Kutaja as the foremost herb for bowel disease driven by Kapha and Pitta combined with infection or chronic inflammation.
Properties matter here. Kutaja bark is Kashaya-Tikta Rasa (astringent-bitter taste), Sheeta Virya (cooling potency), Katu Vipaka (pungent post-digestive effect), and pacifies Kapha and Pitta. Its standout action is Sangrahi, the absorbent, fluid-binding effect that converts loose, mucus-laden stool back into formed stool without forcing dryness onto the colon. The active alkaloid conessine is directly antiamoebic and antibacterial, which is why classical texts pair Kutaja with Pravahika (dysentery) and Atisara alongside Arsha, the same patient often has all three.
Kutaja sits in a different lane from the other lead Arsha herbs. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is for Vataja Arsha, dry, hard stools, constipation, straining. Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) is for Pittaja Arsha, bright red bleeding, burning, inflammation. Kutaja is for Kaphaja Arsha, mucus, heaviness, post-infection chronic bowel changes, IBS-D overlap. Choose Kutaja if your hemorrhoids appear alongside loose mucous stools, after a bout of dysentery or food poisoning, or in the setting of long-standing IBS-D. Standard dose is 500mg–1g of bark powder twice daily, used as a defined 4–8 week course rather than indefinitely.
How Kutaja Helps with Hemorrhoids
Kutaja acts on Kaphaja-pattern hemorrhoids through four overlapping mechanisms, three classical, one validated by modern phytochemistry.
1. Sangrahi, astringent fluid binding in the bowel
The defining classical action of Kutaja is Sangrahi: the ability to absorb excess fluid from the bowel lumen and reform unformed, mucus-laden stool into a normal bolus. In Kaphaja Arsha, the lower bowel is sluggish, the stool is sticky, and mucus from inflamed colonic mucosa coats the rectum, this is precisely what irritates and engorges the haemorrhoidal cushions during repeated soft-stool passages. By drawing fluid back into circulation and binding the stool, Kutaja reduces the number of mucousy bowel movements per day, which gives the inflamed rectal veins time to settle. The astringent Kashaya Rasa additionally tightens the colonic and rectal mucosa, reducing weeping and exudate.
2. Antimicrobial action against gut pathogens
Many Kaphaja Arsha cases are driven, or sustained, by low-grade gut infection, chronic Pravahika (dysentery) and Grahani (malabsorption / IBS-D) patterns in classical terms. Kutaja's alkaloids, particularly conessine, are directly antiamoebic and active against Shigella, Salmonella, and Entamoeba histolytica in vitro. Older Indian clinical trials from the 1950s–70s on chronic amoebic dysentery showed clearance rates with Kutaja extracts comparable to early-generation conventional antiamoebics, with substantially less toxicity. In a haemorrhoid patient with IBS-D overlap or post-infectious bowel changes, this antimicrobial layer is what allows the rectal mucosa to actually heal between bowel movements.
3. Anti-inflammatory mucosal effect
Kutaja's Tikta Rasa (bitter taste) and Sheeta Virya (cooling potency) translate clinically into reduced mucosal inflammation. Modern extracts of Holarrhena antidysenterica bark show inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced histological damage in animal models of induced colitis. For hemorrhoids, this matters because the rectal cushions sit at the end of an inflamed colon, calming proximal mucosal inflammation reduces the mucus, urgency, and incomplete-evacuation sensation that drives repeated straining and venous engorgement.
4. Modern: tannin-mediated vascular toning
Beyond the alkaloid fraction, Kutaja bark is rich in tannins. Tannins precipitate surface proteins on inflamed mucosa, forming a thin protective layer that reduces fluid exudation, the mechanism behind the classical Stambhana (arresting) effect. The same tannins, passing through the rectum, contribute mild vasoconstriction of the dilated haemorrhoidal venules, reducing cushion size and bleed-tendency. This is a slower effect than the antimicrobial and Sangrahi actions, and is one reason Kutaja protocols run 4–8 weeks rather than days.
How to Use Kutaja for Hemorrhoids
Forms and which one to start with
Kutaja is available as raw bark powder, as the concentrated tablet Kutajaghana Vati, as the fermented liquid Kutajarishtam, and as the medicated jam Kutajavaleha. Each form has a clinical niche for hemorrhoid protocols:
- Kutaja bark churna (powder), 500mg–1g twice daily. The traditional form; most potent astringent action but tastes intensely bitter.
- Kutajaghana Vati, concentrated bark extract tablets; the most convenient form for multi-week courses. Standardised and easy to dose.
- Kutajarishtam, self-generated alcohol decoction, widely available; excellent when there is a Pravahika (dysentery) or post-infectious component.
- Kutajavaleha, Kutaja in a sweetened ghee-honey base; preferred when the bowel is irritable and plain powder triggers cramping.
Standard dosing for hemorrhoid protocols
| Goal | Form | Dose | Anupana (vehicle) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemorrhoids with mucus discharge | Kutaja bark churna | 500mg–1g | Buttermilk (takra) or warm water | Twice daily, 30 min before meals |
| Hemorrhoids with mucus discharge (convenience) | Kutajaghana Vati | 1–2 tablets (250–500mg) | Warm water | Twice daily after meals |
| Hemorrhoids during or after diarrhoea / dysentery | Kutajarishtam | 15–20ml | Equal warm water | Twice daily after meals |
| Chronic Grahani (IBS-D) with hemorrhoids | Kutajaghana Vati + Kutajarishtam | 1 tablet + 15ml | Buttermilk for tablet, water for arishtam | Twice daily |
| Irritable bowel, sensitive patient | Kutajavaleha | 5–10g (1–2 tsp) | Warm water | Twice daily, 30 min before meals |
Anupana, why buttermilk matters
Classical texts repeatedly pair Kutaja with takra (thin spiced buttermilk) as the anupana for Grahani and Kaphaja Arsha. The fermented buttermilk amplifies the Sangrahi (binding) action, settles bowel motility, and supports recolonisation of healthy gut flora after antimicrobial action against pathogens. If you can take Kutaja with fresh thin buttermilk before meals for the duration of the course, expect a noticeably faster reduction in mucus discharge and stool frequency.
Duration
Kutaja courses for hemorrhoids run 4–8 weeks, then stop. Unlike Haritaki or Triphala, which are Rasayana drugs intended for indefinite daily use, Kutaja is a targeted therapeutic herb used in defined courses. If symptoms recur after a course, the course can be repeated after a 2–4 week gap. If symptoms persist beyond two full courses, the diagnosis should be re-examined, chronic mucus and incomplete evacuation can also point to inflammatory bowel disease, which warrants conventional workup.
What to avoid
- Pure constipation-pattern hemorrhoids, Kutaja's astringent Sangrahi action will worsen Vataja Arsha by further drying hard stools. Use Haritaki instead.
- Acute bleeding hemorrhoids without mucus, pure Pittaja bleeding is better addressed with Nagakesara first; Kutaja can be added if there is mucus or post-infectious overlap.
- Pregnancy, Kutaja is not first-line in pregnancy. Limited safety data; use only under qualified supervision.
- Severe dehydration, Kutaja binds bowel fluid and can reduce stool frequency dramatically; rehydrate orally first if the patient is depleted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hemorrhoids are the Kaphaja type Kutaja treats?
Three signals together point to Kaphaja Arsha. First, your stools are soft, sticky, and mucus-coated rather than hard and dry. Second, you feel incomplete evacuation, multiple bowel movements per day, none fully clearing. Third, there is often a history of infectious diarrhoea, dysentery, or food poisoning preceding the chronic bowel pattern, or a long-standing IBS-D diagnosis. If instead your stools are hard and dry with constipation and straining, that is Vataja Arsha, use Haritaki. If the dominant feature is bright-red bleeding with burning, that is Pittaja, use Nagakesara.
Can I take Kutaja with Triphala?
Yes, they address different patterns and combine well in mixed-type hemorrhoids. Triphala at bedtime supports overall bowel regularity and tones the colonic mucosa; Kutaja before meals binds excess fluid and settles mucus. The combination is appropriate when you have mucus discharge and incomplete evacuation alongside an underlying tendency toward irregularity. Take Triphala at bedtime in warm water and Kutaja twice daily before meals; do not take them in the same dose.
How long until the mucus discharge stops?
For Kaphaja Arsha specifically driven by mucus, most people notice a clear reduction in mucus and stool frequency within 5–10 days of starting Kutaja with buttermilk anupana. Resolution of the underlying inflammation and full healing of the rectal mucosa takes the full 4–8 weeks. If there is no reduction in mucus by week two, the diagnosis should be reconsidered, pure Vataja or Pittaja patterns won't respond to Kutaja, and inflammatory bowel disease needs conventional workup.
Is Kutaja safe to take long-term?
Kutaja is best used in defined courses of 4–8 weeks, not indefinitely. It is well tolerated and classical texts do not flag major toxicity, but Kutaja is a targeted therapeutic herb rather than a Rasayana. Long-term unbroken use beyond 12 weeks is not the classical pattern. If symptoms recur, repeat a course after a 2–4 week gap rather than continuing without interruption. For background daily support, Triphala is the appropriate Rasayana base.
Which Kutaja product should I buy?
For most patients Kutajaghana Vati tablets are the easiest entry point, standardised, convenient, and available from every major classical pharmacy. Reliable lineages include Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Vaidyaratnam, Sandu, Baidyanath, AVN, and Himalaya. If there is an active dysentery or post-infectious component, add Kutajarishtam from the same lineage. Avoid generic capsules of unspecified origin, Kutaja is sometimes adulterated with Kurchi-like barks of lower potency.
Is Kutaja safe in pregnancy?
Caution. Kutaja is not a first-line pregnancy herb and there is limited modern safety data on conessine exposure in pregnancy. Classical practice does use Kutaja for severe Pravahika in pregnant women under qualified supervision, but it is not appropriate for self-treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. For pregnancy-related hemorrhoids, focus on stool softening through diet, sitz baths, and aloe vera topical care; consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before adding any internal herb.
Will Kutaja cause constipation?
It can, in the wrong patient. Kutaja's Sangrahi action binds bowel fluid, start without true mucus or loose stools and you may end up with hard stools and worsened straining within a week. This is exactly why pattern-matching matters. If stools become hard, halve the dose and add Triphala at bedtime, or stop Kutaja and reassess.
Recommended: Start Kutaja for Kaphaja Hemorrhoids
If your hemorrhoids fit the Kaphaja pattern, mucus discharge, soft sticky stools, incomplete evacuation, post-infectious or IBS-D overlap, Kutaja is the right starting herb. Run a defined 4–8 week course, ideally with thin buttermilk as anupana, and pair it with topical sitz-bath care while the rectal mucosa heals. Below is the practical short-list of forms and brands.
For convenience and standardised dosing
- Kutajaghana Vati, 1–2 tablets (250–500mg) twice daily after meals with warm water. The most-used form; available from Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Vaidyaratnam, Sandu, Baidyanath, AVN, and Himalaya.
For active dysentery or post-infectious overlap
- Kutajarishtam, 15–20ml in equal warm water, twice daily after meals. Classical fermented preparation; particularly effective when there is a current or recent loose-stool / dysentery component.
For traditional bark powder users
- Kutaja bark churna, 500mg–1g twice daily, 30 minutes before meals, with thin spiced buttermilk (takra) as anupana. The most potent astringent form, but the bitter taste is challenging.
- Kutajavaleha, 1–2 tsp twice daily; the gentler ghee-honey based form for sensitive bowels.
What to look for in a quality product
- Authenticated Holarrhena antidysenterica (avoid unspecified "Kurchi" of doubtful identity)
- Stem bark, not root or leaf
- Third-party heavy-metal testing, relevant for any imported Ayurvedic powder
- Brands with classical formulation lineage: Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Vaidyaratnam, Baidyanath, Sandu, AVN, Himalaya
Pair with topical care: warm sitz baths twice daily during flares, aloe vera gel for external swelling, and neem oil if there is any sign of secondary infection. For mixed-type hemorrhoids with constipation overlap, add Triphala at bedtime; if bleeding is prominent, see Nagakesara. Full diet, lifestyle, and red-flag triage at the hemorrhoids hub.
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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 Hemorrhoids & Piles
See all herbs for hemorrhoids & piles on the Hemorrhoids & Piles 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.