Actions and uses of Katuki

Kutki or Katuki is a traditional hepatoprotective herb that has immense healing properties. In fact, over the past few years, with more and more knowledge about this incredible herb, and forever increasing demand in the national and international market, various medicinal companies have extracted potent hepatoprotective drugs and compounds from the roots of Katuki and formulated them into powerful medications. Known by the botanical name Picorrhiza kurroa, Katuki comes from the Scrophulariaceae family. The name Picorrhiza comes from the Greek word ‘Picroz’ which means ‘bitter’ and ‘rhiza’ meaning ‘root’, referring to the bitter taste of the herb.

Touted for its intense bitter taste, this eastern root is said to be cooling, cleansing, and anti-bacterial by nature. These properties make Kutki a great option as a powerful herbal antibiotic, Pitta pacifier component, anti-inflammatory agent, detoxifier, and an antimicrobial powerhouse. Kutki can also be used as a main herbal component for any weight-loss regimen or diet as this bitter agent is great for increasing the digestive fire, promoting healthy elimination of excess fat and cholesterol, and boosting overall metabolism.

Like with turmeric, katuki is enriched with several antioxidant properties that soothe the skin and act fast on infections, wounds, and rashes. Several studies have found that katuki can also be a potential remedy in treating severe skin problems like psoriasis and vitiligo.

One of the best benefits of katuki lies in the help it carries for the liver and balancing liver-related problems. Katuki helps even out the imbalance caused by ‘pitta’ and rule out problems like bile disorders.

Plus, katuki also contains an important enzyme, known as ‘kutkin’ or ‘picroliv’ in a high quantity which ensures good liver function, cleanse out the toxins and limit your exposure to the bad germs which can impact functioning. No wonder, it is considered to be an important detoxifying or liver degenerating herb.

Katuki cools the body and is best for removal of excessive pitta by cleansing the colon. It is beneficial for detoxifying the liver therefore helpful in fat metabolism, hormonal imbalances and disorders of the skin. This highly-valued herb treats asthma by helping in reducing allergen-induced bronchial obstructions. Katuki works on preventing asthmatic attacks by inhibiting the release of histamine in the lungs.

Active Constituents: Picroside I and II (500 mg)

Also refer other skin products: turmeric