Kutaja is a powerful herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate diarrhea and dysentery (in fact, its Latin name is “Holarrhena Antidysenterica”.)  Kutaja is used to regulate the bowels and promote healing of the intestinal wall, making it useful in combating irritable bowel disease (IBD), colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other inflammatory bowel conditions.

Because of Kutaja’s bitter and astringent rasa (taste), it is extremely effective in treating amoebic dysentery, bacillary dysentery, giardiasis, and general parasitic infection.  It dries up the bowels and kills off unwanted microbes.  If you happen to be traveling to a third-world country (or anywhere else where sanitary conditions are suspect), taking Kutaja can be a great way to stave off parasitic infection.      

Kutaja possesses the ability to reestablish healthy gut flora, and it can be a beneficial herb if you are experiencing Candida overgrowth, intestinal dysbiosis, or if you have a history of taking antibiotics recurringly.  To encourage healthy bacterial growth further, you can complement this herb by taking plain homemade yogurt or homemade kefir after meals throughout the healing process (see instructions below!) 

Kutaja is very soothing for increased Pitta in the GI tract (i.e. inflammation) and very cooling for high Piita (i.e. heat) in the blood.  Its dry and light qualities will help to reduce increased Kapha (i.e. congestion, heaviness) in the stomach, intestines, lymphatic system (rasa dhatu), and lungs.  Due to these properties, however, Kutaja is not recommended during times of high Vata or for those with a strong Vata constitution, especially in larger amounts.  No matter your body-type however, Kutaja is an extremely potent herb and should only be used in small to moderate dosages for no longer than 30 days, unless you are under the direct care of a knowledgeable Ayurvedic practitioner.   

Health Benefits of Kutaja

• Alleviates diarrhea and dysentery
• Heals irritation and inflammation in the GI tract 
• Beneficial in all parasitical infections; most specifically for amoebiasis, bacillary dysentery, malaria, and giardiasis
• Increases digestion
• Reduces gas and bloating
• Promotes absorption of nutrients in the colon; beneficial in malabsorption syndrome
• Eliminates toxins
• Antibacterial
• Antimicrobial
• Alleviates hemorrhoids and bleeding hemorrhoids 
• Supports colon health
• Promotes healthy gut bio; beneficial in Candida overgrowth
• Alleviates blood and mucus in the stools
• Promotes healthy elimination
• Supports healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
• Reduces fever
• Reduces urinary and kidney stones
• Alleviates UTI and burning during urination
• Protects the cells from radiation and EMF waves
• Heals wounds when used topically

How to Use Kutaja

For Parasites (for treatment and prevention):

Mix ¼ teaspoon of Kutaja with ¼ teaspoon of Vidanga or Mahasudarshana Churna in ½ cup of warm water.  Stir well and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.  Stir again and take 3 times daily before meals. 

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For Diarrhea:

Take ½ cup of cooked basmati rice and stir in ½ teaspoon of ghee and 2 tablespoons of plain, homemade yogurt or homemade kefir.  Add in ½ teaspoon of Kutaja and eat twice daily, between meals.

Alternatively, take ½ teaspoon of Kutaja and mix it with 2 tablespoons of plain, homemade yogurt or homemade kefir and ½ cup of water.  Add in a pinch of roasted cumin seed powder and stir well.  Take this blend twice daily between meals. 

For Hemorrhoids:

Take ½ teaspoon of Kutaja in 1 cup of unsweetened pomegranate juice, 2 times daily between meals. 

For topical use, take 2 tablespoons of castor oil and add ½ teaspoon of Kutaja and ⅛ teaspoon of Turmeric.  Blend until the herbs are fully saturated and evenly dispersed.  Apply a small amount of this  oil onto the hemorrhoids before bed each night.  For more severe hemorrhoids, apply again in the morning. 

For Inflammatory Bowel Conditions (colitis, Crohn’s, IBD, etc):

Mix ¼ teaspoon of Kutaja with ¼ teaspoon of Guduchi, ⅛ teaspoon of Licorice, and a pinch of Kamadudha (if available) in warm water.  Melt in 1/2 teaspoon of ghee.  Steep for 2 to 3 minutes and stir well.  Take 3 times daily before meals.  Amounts can be doubled temporarily during severe flare-ups.

For Malabsorption:

Take ½ teaspoon of Kutaja in ½ cup of ginger tea.  Steep the Kutaja for 2 to 3 minutes and stir well.  Take this 3 times daily before meals. 

Alternatively, take ¼ teaspoon of Kutaja with ¼ teaspoon of Ginger powder and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.  Blend with 1 teaspoon of honey.   Take 3 times daily before meals; follow with a few sips of warm water. 

For Intestinal Dysbiosis, Candida Overgrowth, or Chronic Antibiotic Use

Mix ¼ teaspoon each of Kutaja, Guduchi, and Musta in 1 cup of warm water.  Stir well and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.  Take this three times daily before meals. 

Simultaneously, it is recommended to take 1 to 2 tablespoons of plain homemade kefir or homemade yogurt after each meal.

For High Blood Sugar:

Mix ¼ teaspoon each of Kutaja, Karella, and Turmeric in ½ cup of warm water.  Steep for 2 to 3 minutes and take 3 times daily before meals.  If you are currently on blood sugar medication, please consult with your doctor before starting this regimen, as this can cause excessively low blood sugar levels without proper monitoring. 

For UTI or Burning Urination:

Take ½ teaspoon of Kutaja in ½ cup of pure, unsweetened cranberry juice (use unsweetened pomegranate as a substitute if needed).   Take this blend 2 to 3 times daily, at least 1 hour before food. 

Alternatively, you can take ½ teaspoon of Kutaja in ½ to 1 cup of CCF tea, three times daily, 30 minutes before food. 

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