Satyori — Kutki (Katuka) Herb Quick Card
Herb Quick Card
Kutki
Katuka · Picrorhiza kurroa
Traditional Uses
The Charaka Samhita prescribes Kutki as the primary herb for Kamala (jaundice), Yakrit Vikara (liver disorders), and Pitta-predominant Jwara (fever). Charaka's prescription for jaundice involves Kutki powder taken with honey, a preparation that combines the herb's liver-cleansing action with honey's Lekhana (scraping) and Kapha-reducing properties. The Sushruta Samhita reinforces these hepatic indications and adds prescriptions for Kushtha (skin diseases, particularly those with Pitta involvement), Prameha (metabolic disorders), and Krimi (parasitic infections).
Preparations
Churna (powder): 1-3g with honey or warm water. Arogyavardhini Vati (compound tablet): 2-4 tablets twice daily as directed by practitioner. Tikta Ghrita (bitter medicated ghee): 5-10ml twice daily, the premier liver-protective preparation.
Dosage
Powder: 1-3g per day in divided doses (this is a potent herb; smaller doses are often sufficient). Tikta Ghrita: 5-10ml twice daily on an empty stomach.
Dosha Guidance
Kutki is most specifically indicated for Pitta types and Pitta-predominant conditions. Pitta individuals can use it as their primary liver-protective and blood-purifying herb, taking it with ghee (as in Tikta Ghrita) for deep liver nourishment or with honey for more acute Pitta-clearing action. It is especially valuable for Pitta types who experience skin conditions, inflammatory states, or digestive complaints driven by excess Pitta and heat in the liver and blood.
Synergistic Combinations
The most celebrated combination is Arogyavardhini Vati (with Triphala, Shilajit, Guggulu, and mineral ingredients for comprehensive liver and metabolic support). Combined with Guduchi in liver-protective formulations for immune and hepatic support.
Contraindications
Avoid during pregnancy and lactation due to its potent bitter properties and purgative potential. Not recommended for individuals with severe Vata aggravation, chronic debility, or underweight conditions without practitioner guidance. May potentiate the effects of hepatically-metabolized medications by affecting liver enzyme activity; consult a healthcare provider if on prescription medications.
Tissues & Channels
Dhatus: Rakta dhatu (blood tissue, primary), Rasa dhatu (plasma/lymph), Meda dhatu (fat/adipose)
Srotas: Yakrit (liver) and Pitta vaha srotas (biliary channel), Rakta vaha srotas (blood channel), Anna vaha srotas (digestive channel), Rasa vaha srotas (lymph channel)
Where to Buy
The rhizome should be dark brown to grayish-brown, cylindrical, and extremely bitter when tasted. Authentic Kutki has a distinctive bitter taste that lingers intensely; if the bitterness is mild or absent, the material is likely degraded or adulterated.
Shop Kutki on Amazon →Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Herbal Profile
Kutki is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.