Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Wrightine, Indigotin, Tannins
- Also Known As
- English: Sweet Indrajao, Pala Indigo
Sanskrit: श्वेतकुटज, इन्द्रयव
Hindi: श्वेत इन्द्रजौ, दूधी
What is Wrightia?
Cut a branch of Wrightia and it bleeds a milky latex; strip its bark and you can get a blue dye. Ayurveda, though, values this medium-sized tree mainly for its small seeds, which have long been used for an upset gut.
Botanically it is Wrightia tinctoria R. Br., known in Hindi as Shweta Indrajau (श्वेत इन्द्रजौ) or Doodhi (दूधी), and in English as Sweet Indrajao or Pala Indigo. Its Sanskrit names, Shweta Kutaja (श्वेतकुटज) and Indrayava (इन्द्रयव), place it beside Kutaja, a better-known anti-diarrheal tree.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as a relative of Kutaja with similar anti-diarrheal properties. Its seeds are small and oblong, used in fevers and dysentery, and the text notes that Wrightia tomentosa is used in the same way.
Benefits of Wrightia
Wrightia is bitter and astringent (Tikta, Kashaya Rasa), light and dry (Laghu, Ruksha Guna), with a cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and a pungent post-digestive effect (Katu Vipaka). That drying, binding profile explains its three classical uses.
Diarrhea and Dysentery
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as anti-diarrheal (Atisarahara), and its seeds are used in dysentery. Astringent, dry herbs are the classical choice for loose, watery stools.
Intestinal Worms
It is described as anthelmintic (Krimighna), meaning it acts against worms. Our knowledge graph links it to parasites and worms (Krimi).
Fever
Wrightia is also an antipyretic (Jvarghna), and its seeds are used in fevers. Its bitter taste and cool potency fit this role.
The seeds are small, oblong, and used in fevers and dysentery.
Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
How to Use Wrightia
The seeds, called Indrayava, are the part of Wrightia most commonly used in Ayurvedic practice. Our sources do not record a dose, so use the table as orientation and have a practitioner set the amount.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed powder (Churna) | Practitioner guided | Diarrhea, dysentery, worms | As advised |
| Seeds in classical formulas | As per the formula | Fever and gut complaints | As prescribed |
Diarrhea with fever, blood in the stool or signs of dehydration needs medical care first. Keep fluids up whenever stools are loose.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources do not list contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Wrightia. Its nature still points to some sensible cautions.
- Binding action: it is dry and astringent, so it can cause or worsen constipation. Stop once stools normalise.
- Serious diarrhea: blood in the stool, high fever or dehydration need medical assessment, not self-treatment.
- Identity: it shares names with Kutaja. Check that the label names Wrightia tinctoria if that is what you want.
- Pregnancy, nursing and children: no safety data is recorded. Avoid unless a practitioner prescribes it.
Recommended: Start Here
If you want to try Wrightia, the most direct path is the form Ayurvedic practice uses most: Indrajau seed powder, at an amount a practitioner sets for your loose stools or worm concerns. Use it for a short course, not open-ended.
Because Wrightia and Kutaja share the name Indrajau, read the label for the botanical name before you buy.
Find Indrajau Seeds on Amazon ↗ Wrightia Tinctoria ↗
Safety note: Wrightia is binding, so stop once stools are normal, and seek medical help for bloody diarrhea or high fever.
Wrightia vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Wrightia's closest comparisons are the trees it shares names and uses with.
| Comparison | Wrightia | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Kutaja | A relative with similar anti-diarrheal properties | The better-known anti-diarrheal tree of the same group | The classical text treats them as related and similar; buy by botanical name |
| vs Wrightia tomentosa | Wrightia tinctoria | Another species | The text notes it is used similarly |
| vs Water Willow (Jalvetasa) | Bitter, astringent, cooling; diarrhea, worms, fever | Bitter, astringent, cooling; fever and bleeding | Very similar qualities; choose Wrightia for gut complaints |
Wrightia for Specific Populations
Our sources do not give population-specific doses for Wrightia. Its drying, binding nature shapes the cautions below.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No safety data is recorded. Avoid unless a qualified practitioner prescribes it.
Children
Diarrhea in children can quickly lead to dehydration. See a doctor first, and do not give Wrightia without professional advice.
Elderly
Older adults are more prone to constipation and dehydration, so a binding herb should be used briefly and under guidance.
Athletes
No performance role is recorded. If you have loose stools, rehydration comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wrightia the same as Kutaja?
No. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes Wrightia tinctoria as a relative of Kutaja sharing similar anti-diarrheal properties.
What is Indrayava?
Indrayava (इन्द्रयव) is the Sanskrit name for the seeds, which are the part commonly used in Ayurvedic practice.
Why is it called Pala Indigo?
Its bark yields a blue dye, indigotin, which our records list among its constituents along with wrightine and tannins.
Is Wrightia cooling or heating?
Cooling. It has a cold potency (Sheeta Virya) with a bitter, astringent taste.
Why is it called Doodhi in Hindi?
Doodhi refers to milk, and the tree has a milky latex, one of the features the classical description notes.
How to Use Wrightia by Condition
Explore how Wrightia is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.