Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Tikta (bitter) — very bitter
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Ruksha
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Katu
- Key Constituents
- Picrorhizin (glycoside), Picrorhizetin, Kutkin
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: कुटकी, कटुका, कटुरोहिणी, चक्राङ्गी, शकुनाह्वा, कृष्णभेदी
Hindi: कुटकी, कटुकी, काली कुटकी
What is Kutki / Picrorhiza?
One of the most important bitter drugs in Ayurveda. Prime hepatoprotective herb. Best Tikta Rasa drug for liver disorders and jaundice.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Jwara hara (antipyretic — one of the best)
- Deepana, Pachana
- Rechana (purgative)
- Yakrit Uttejaka (liver stimulant/hepatoprotective)
- Kamala hara (cures jaundice)
- Krimighna
- Kushtha hara
- Pitta Shamaka
- Kapha Shamaka
- Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
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.