Kutki Powder

Botanical Name: Picrorhiza kurroa

Common Name:

• English: Picrorhiza, Hellebore
• Ayurvedic: Katukaa, Katurohini, Kattarohini, Katuki, Katukikaa, Krishnabhedaa, Kaandaruhaa, Matsyashakalaa, Chakraangi, Shatparvaa, Arishta, Ashokarohinya, Shakuldaani
• Unani: Kutki, Kharbaq-e-Hindi
• Also, known as: Kaduguragini, Katki, Kutki, Kadu, Katu, Katuka rohini, katuka Kaduk Kalikutki, Katuki, Karru, kaur, Katuku Karukarohini, Balakadu len, hohwangryun, honglen, hunglen, honkadu, hú huáng lián, kadu, kadugurohini, kalikutki, karu picrorhiza, karru, katki, katu, katuka, katukaa, katuká, katukarogani, katukarohini, katuki, katuko, katuku katurohini, katvi, khanekhaswael, kharbaqe-hindi, kot kaan phraao, koouren, kaanphraao, kour, kurri, kuru, kutaki, kutki, kutta, sutiktaka, tiktarohini, xi zanghu huang lian

Habitat: Himalayan ranges

Origin: India

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Root                                                                

General Information:

Picrorhiza kurroa grows in the alpine Himalayas of North India. The name of this herb is commonly given as Picrorhiza kurroa in India literature but in the present book you will find given name as Kutki. However, these species are getting increasingly scarce by the day. The local name of the herb in north India is kaur, which means bitter. It is a small hairy herb, with rope-like rootstock, up to 0.5 cm to 1.0 cm thick, covered with the basis of withered leaves 10 cm long with a rounded tip and may be arranged in a rosette form. The flowering spike, with many flowers, is longer than the leaves.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot. 

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.