The little mountain plant that hides its rhizome well! 😄
What is katuki?
Katuki (picrorhiza kurroa) is native to the Himalayas.
Overexploited in the wild, this plant with its bluish flowers is now cultivated.
Its rhizomes have been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, in particular to boost immunity, thanks to their content of :
- Kutkoside.
- Kutkiol.
- Picroside I and II.
- Apocynin.
- Kutkisterol.
- Vanillic acid.
- Ferulic acid.
- Quercetin.
- Kaempferol.
How to use it?
Internal use.
Katuki rhizomes are usually harvested in autumn, when the plant has accumulated a maximum quantity of beneficial compounds. They are then dried and ground, before being marketed in tablet or powder form.
Alternatively, the active compounds in the rhizomes are extracted using solvents, to prepare tinctures and liquid extracts.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy.
- Breast-feeding.
- Coagulation disorders or use of anticoagulants.
Benefits
Katuki is particularly appreciated by the liver and the digestive system.
Therapeutic properties
Picrorhiza kurroa has been traditionally used for its properties:
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antioxidant.
- Antiviral.
- Hepatoprotective.
- Immunomodulating.
- Antibacterial.
- Healing.
- Choleretic.
- Anticoagulant.
- Digestive.
For which disease?
This plant has shown promising results in cases of :
- Biliary lithiasis.
- Hemorrhagic rectocolitis.
- Digestive disorders.
- Allergies.
- Cystitis.
- Cirrhosis.
- Cold.
- Hepatitis C.
- Fever.
- Asthma.
- Angina.
- Type 2 diabetes.
Emotions
If I rely solely on herbal remedies to heal myself, I may eliminate the symptoms, but the root causes will remain.
Behind most illnesses are emotional wounds.
I can discover how to deal with my emotions.
Conclusion
What are the medicinal benefits of katuki?
This Himalayan plant is a star of ayurvedic medicine, thanks to its many properties.
It is especially renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral action.