Kutki, also known by its botanical name Picrorhiza kurroa, is a small, perennial, and hairy herb native to the high-altitude Himalayan regions, found at elevations of 2,700 to 4,500 meters. The plant is particularly known for its long, greyish-brown, bitter-tasting rhizomes (underground stems), which are the primary part used for medicinal purposes. The name "Picrorhiza" itself derives from Greek words meaning "bitter" and "root".
Key characteristics and properties:
Taste: Intensely bitter ("Katuka" is Sanskrit for bitter).
Physical appearance: Features alternate leaves (5-10 cm long) and produces small, pale blue or white flowers in dense terminal spikes.
Medicinal Uses: Kutki is a valuable herb in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its potent hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. It is widely used to treat liver disorders (like jaundice and hepatitis), chronic fevers, respiratory conditions (asthma, bronchitis), and skin issues.
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