Herbs Hub
Kutki, Picrorhiza kurroa. Botanical plate: Illustrations of the botany and other branches of the natural history of the Himalayan Mou
Plate: Illustrations of the botany and other branches of the natural history of the Himalayan Mou. Royle, J. Forbes. Public domain.

Kutki

Picrorhiza kurroa · कटुकी

Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda.

Also called Katuki, Kutki root, Kali kutki, Picrorhiza

Sanskrit: कटुकी (Katuki)

Mostly lab and animal evidence

A very bitter root from the Himalayas, used in Ayurveda for fever and liver complaints, and mostly studied in lab work.

Did you know? Its Sanskrit name, katuki, refers to its sharp, bitter taste.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

  • Liver. Animal studies show liver-protecting effects. Human trials are very few.
    Traditional proof
  • Inflammation. Lab studies show anti-inflammatory action. Human data are lacking.
    Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Liver, Immune system, Joints

Traditional use

Ayurveda uses kutki for fever, liver complaints and digestion.

How it is classified

Herbal actions
Hepatic, Anti-inflammatory. Energy: cooling.
Ayurveda
Calms Pitta and Kapha. Can raise Vata. Taste (rasa): bitter. Energy (virya): cooling. After digestion (vipaka): pungent. Jwaraghna (reduces fever).

How people take it

Root powder or decoction, used in traditional practice. No standard human dose is established.

Powder, decoction and capsule.

Where to get it

Grows in cold, high-altitude meadows of the Himalayas in Nepal, India and Pakistan. Wild plants are heavily collected, and overharvesting is a concern. Buy dried root, powder or capsules.

Be careful

The bitter root can upset the stomach. Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding, since safety is unknown. Avoid for long periods without medical advice.

Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; children under 12.

Mixing with other things

  • Works well together

    Both are bitter Ayurvedic herbs for fever and liver complaints.

  • Works well together

    Both are bitter Himalayan herbs for fever in Ayurveda, so they are sometimes combined.

  • Works well together

    Both are bitter Ayurvedic herbs used for liver complaints.

The honest take

Most evidence for kutki comes from lab and animal work, so the liver claims are not proven in people. It has a long Ayurvedic history for fever and liver complaints. Liver disease needs a doctor, not a bitter root.