🪷Ayurveda

Kutki

Picrorhiza kurroa

About Kutki

Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) is a herb used in the Ayurveda tradition to help with Liver Support, Fever, Asthma, and Immune Support. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Picrorhiza kurroa is one of the major income generating non-timber forest products found in the Nepalese Himalayas. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants traded from the Karnali zone. Known as kutki or कुटकी in Nepali, it is a perennial herb and is used as a substitute for Indian gentian (Gentiana kurroo).

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal

Conditions addressed

Liver Support Fever Asthma Immune Support

🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily

Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Kutki in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
Cover while steeping.
Strain and drink.

💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily

Pack dried Kutki into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.

💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily

Grind dried Kutki into a fine powder.
Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

♨️

Steam Inhalation

1–2× daily during acute symptoms

Add 2–3 tbsp of Kutki to a bowl of just-boiled water.
Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Kutki in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Kutki itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Use Caution

This herb is processed through the liver, which is already working harder during pregnancy — generally used cautiously and not at high/concentrated doses without guidance. This is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Liver-processed compounds can appear in breast milk — generally used cautiously and in moderation.

Children

Use Caution

A child's liver is still developing its full drug/herb-processing capacity — these herbs are generally used cautiously and at reduced, age-appropriate doses.

Contraindications

Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use

Warnings

⚠️ Liver Health

Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Processed by the liver

Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)

Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.

May affect immune activity

Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)

Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.

Where to find in nature

Native region

India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh

Climate

Tropical and subtropical monsoon

Habitat

Forests, riverbanks, cultivated medicinal gardens, and the foothills of the Himalayas

🌿 To see Kutki growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

Indian grocery and spice shops (e.g. Patel Brothers, India Bazaar)
Ayurvedic medicine practitioners and Ayurvedic pharmacies
Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Kutki, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.