Kutki ~ Picrorrhiza kurroa

Kutki

Latin name: Picrorrhiza kurroa

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Part used: dried rhizome

Habitat: Himalayan mountains from Kashmir in India to Sikkim

Main constituents: glucoside (picrorrhizin), glucose, wax, cathartic acid

Energetics: cooling, bitter

Main herbal actions: small doses: bitter stomachic, tonic; large doses: anti-periodic, cathartic, cholagogue; anti-inflammatory

Minor herbal actions: emmenagogue, abortifacient, emetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic

Main medicinal uses: constipation, poor eyesight, conjunctivitis, fever, paralysis, skin diseases

Minor medicinal uses: malaria, epilepsy, yeast and viral infections

Preparations: tincture, extract, powder, pills, capsules: 7 grams qd

Contraindications: unknown

Toxicity: relatively safe long-term

Sources: http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h162.htm; http://www.herbalists.on.ca/resources/freeman/PICRORRH.html