Kutajarishta: Ayurvedic Medicine For IBS And Colitis: Benefits & Side Effects

Kutajarishta is an ayurvedic medicine devised from a variety of medicinal herbs and plants that are created to aid the patient in multiple ailments. It is most widely manufactured by Sandu Brothers. It is mainly used for treating bowel ailments and digestive illnesses. It is made of very complex herbs and also very simple daily items such as grapes and even jaggery! It is a boon for people with chronic stomach ailments and severe digestive issues.

A lesser-known fact of Kutajarishta is that it is a peripheral analgesic and also anti-inflammatory. Research is currently under process to prove the effectiveness of those properties which can potentially increase the medicinal value of Kutajarishta.

Ingredients & Composition

It is a concoction of various elements of nature and is a self-generated polyherbal formulation. The main ingredient is Holarrhena Antidysenteria, known in India as Kurchi or Kutaj. Other ingredients include

• Vitis Vinifera, known locally as Munakka or Raisins
• Madhuca Indica, known locally as Mahua or Madhuka flowers
• Gmelina Arborea, commonly known as Gambhari
• Woodfordia Fruticosa, also known as Dhataki
• Jaggery, our beloved gud.

Finally, water is used to create the decoction.

Ayurvedic Properties

Kutajarishta exerts astringent action is useful for a detox of the alimentary canal. Its target location in our body is the intestines. It is antidiarrheal and antidysentery in nature, hence a perfect solution for treating diarrhoea and dysentery quickly.

It is astringent and hence can be used for skin and tissue tightening and even for bowel syndromes. It is anthelmintic as well, similar to Sona Patti, and can be used to expel parasites from the intestinal tract. It also has an antibacterial and antimicrobial aspect.

The haemostatic property of Kutajarishta also helps aid coagulation and the healing of wounds. Last but not the least, it is an Aam Pachak or a detoxifier. It also has a mild emetic action, similar to Naagdon, inducing vomiting and thus can also be used in cases of productive cough.

Uses, Benefits & Remedies

Kutajarishta is useful for numerous conditions; from diarrhoea, dysentery, intestinal worms, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome to Chronic Bronchitis and productive cough. In conditions like Grahani, Atisara and Pravahika, intestinal motility is affected. It is effective in chronic dysentery associated with mucus, abdominal pain, fever, anorexia and tenesmus. In chronic dysentery, it should be continued for a longer period to prevent relapse. It is also effective in cases of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

Diarrhoea

Kutajarishta helps to reduce the motility in the intestine. Since it also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, it is super effective in treating diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water. It also helps reduce the frequency of loose stools. Although, it should not be administered in the initial stages of the affliction since the toxins need to leave the body first. It also aids in reducing stomach ache. Dosage should be between 5-20ml depending on age.

Amebic Dysentery

Amoebic Dysentery occurs due to Entamoeba Histolytica. Kutajarishta has the capability of killing the pathogen and clears the liver and intestines. An approximate of 70% improvement is found in symptoms like flatulence, loose stools, mucus in stool and tenesmus. Better results can be achieved by combining Kutajarishta with pudina leaves (mint leaves) to provide a cool sensation to the stomach.

Shigella Infection (Shigellosis)

Kutajarishta, like its ingredients, contains Conessine and Conimine active constituents, which inhibits the growth of Shigella bacteria strains. The stem bark of Kutaj is used for preparing Kutajarishta, which has a bacteriostatic and bactericidal action against Shigella Soneii, Shigella boydii and Shigella flexneri.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Sangrahni Rog)

Kutajarishta is a perfect medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) when flatulence and loose stools are the two main symptoms. It is super effective for treatment since it cures diarrhoea and loose motions too. It has a soothing effect on your stomach while also providing significant relief from flatulence and other symptoms that disturb the bowel movements. Dosage can vary between 5-10 ml for a child under the age of 5 to 20 ml for an adult twice a day.

Chronic Bronchitis 

Kutajarishta reduces cough and clears your throat and lungs, aided by expectoration. You can have Kutajarishta with Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) and Mulethi (Yashtimadhu) as a decoction that helps you treat lung disorders with productive cough. Kutajarishta can be taken with other sweetening agents like honey or sugar as it has a bitter taste. It is also emetic and is great for removing mucus and phlegm.

Loose Motions

Kutajarishta reduces intestinal motility which helps in the treatment of loose motion. It also possesses anti-oxidants and anti-microbial properties that help fight the germs causing infection occurring due to contaminated food or water. One tablespoon of Kutajarishta after food twice a day is advised to cure loose motion.

It also helps remove excess mucus from the lungs, remove intestinal worms, detoxify the stomach and also help treat fever.

Preparation & Dosage

Kutajarishta is made by combining the previously mentioned ingredients in a predetermined quantity and then processing them to create the final product. Below is the ingredient chart.

Ingredient Name	Quantity
Holarrhena Antidysenteria (Kurchi Or Kutaj)	4.8 Kg
Vitis Vinifera – Munakka (Raisins)	2.8 Kg
Madhuca Indica – Mahua or Madhuka flowers	480 grams
Gmelina Arborea – Gambhari	480 grams
Water required for making a decoction	49 Kg
Jaggery (Gur/Guda)	4.8 Kg
Woodfordia Fruticosa – Dhataki	960 grams

The coarse powder of herbs (Kutaj, Munakka, Mahua flowers, Gambhari) is boiled and simmered to reduce one-fourth parts (i.e. 12.25 Kg). The decoction is then filtered and jaggery and Dhataki flowers are added in the decoction. It is left for 30 days for natural fermentation. After 30 days, the liquid is filtered again. The final liquid product is called Kutajarishta.

The general dosage of Kutajarishta can be explained with the help of the table given below:

Infants & Children Under Age 5	1 to 5 ml *
Children (6 to 12 Years)	5 ml *
Teenager (13 to 19 Years)	15 ml *
Adults	20 ml *
Pregnancy	10 to 20 ml (Strictly Under Supervision)
Geriatric (Old age)	20 ml *
Maximum Possible Dosage	60 ml Per Day (in divided doses)
* Twice a day with an equal amount of water
When to Take: After Food

Kutajarishta can be consumed in the following ways:

1. You can take liquorice or Mulethi with Kutajarishta to prevent several diseases.
2. You can take honey as a sweetener to reduce the bitter taste of Kutajarishta.
3. You can give 5 ml of Kutajarishta to a child of age under 5. For kids that are under 12 years of age, consult a physician before giving this medicine.
4. Adults can take 20 ml of Kutajarishta twice a day.

Precautions: It is necessary to keep some food restrictions while using this medicine. Skip having all-purpose flour (maida), junk foods, spicy and oily food, kidney beans, chickpeas and foods that are difficult to digest and have high fibre content.

Side Effects & Safety

Kutajarishta is a 100% naturally procured medication and thus has no ill-contributing effects. Regardless it should always be taken under medical supervision and always in recommended dosages. Given its mildly emetic nature and slightly bitter taste, it may cause nausea, vomiting and a general distaste. It can also be used to treat diarrhoea occurring under pregnancy but only the strict supervision of an ayurvedic physician. It is also safe for lactating mothers.

Nevertheless, prolonged use is discouraged for both of them. Also, a high dosage of Kutajarishta may lead to constipation.

Market And Availability

It is manufactured by many ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies in India. The major companies are Zandu, Patanjali Sandu, Dabur, Baidyanath, Arya Vaidya Sala, AVP, Nagarjuna and is also commonly sold under the moniker “Kutajaarishtam”. Store it in a cool place in a tightly closed amber bottle, protected from light and moisture. It has a very long shelf life and normally stays usable for 10 years from the date of manufacturing.

You can purchase Kutajarishta easily from the amazon:

Baidyanath: Rs 137.00 For 450ml

Aswini Pharmaceuticals Kutajarishtam, 450 ml

Dhootapapeshwar Kutajarishta 

Kerala Ayurveda Kutajarishtam 435 ml Rs. 135/-

Patanjali