Kutaj ghanvati is a classical Ayurvedic medicine containing Kutaja stem bark as the main ingredient. Ghan means powder of a dried liquid or decoction and Vati is an Ayurvedic name of pills or tablets. So this medicine is basically dried decoction of Kutaj in tablet form. Kutaj is a medicinal plant which is especially useful in loose motions, dysentery and digestive diseases. The botanical name of Kutaj is Holarrhena antidysenterica (family: Apocynaceae).
Kutaj is used in Ayurveda for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, piles for time immemorial. It is a time tested medicine. Modern science, which is based on evidences also supports its traditional uses. In clinical study the stem bark powder is found to be effective against intestinal pathogens, piles, IBS, diarrhea and dysentery.
Ingredients of Kutaj ghan Vati
Kutaj ghanvati is prepared from kutaj and atis.
- Kutaja (St. Bk.) 48 g
- Jal or water for decoction 768 ml reduced to 96 ml
- Aconite Aconitum napellus Root or Atish Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Whole plant 12 g
Method of Preparation
The bark of Kutaja is to be cleaned and boiled with the prescribed quantity of water, till it is reduced to 1/8 part of water. Then the decoction is to be filtered and further boiled over medium flame and then at low flame. During this process it should be stirred with wooden ladle till it becomes semisolid. Thereafter it is exposed to sun rays and the powder of Ativisha is added to make pills of 250 mg in weight.
Effects of Kutajghan vati on Tridoshas (Humor)
Pacifies kapha and Pitta doshas especially located in digestive system.
Uses of Kutajghan Vati
Kutajghan Vati is an Ayurvedic formulation to treat loose motions and dysentery. This medicine is highly effective against diarrhea, dysentery i.e. especially amoebic type caused due to pathogens or micro-organisms. It has antibacterial and amebeocidal action. It reduces excessive mucous and bile in digestive system. Kutaj ghan vati reduces inflammation of small and large intestine, promotes healing in colonic ulcers and gives normal tone of intestine. It reduces excessive bile or Pitta and restores normal digestion and assimilation.
Kutaj ghan vati is also given in IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome), ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, management of bleeding piles/haemorrhoid and skin diseases.
The Dosage of Kutajghan vati
This medicine is given when body shows symptoms of atisaar/diarrhea, grahni/malabsorption syndrome, jwar atisaar/ diarrhea with fever, colitis, etc. It should be taken in a dose of- 2-4 tablets (adult) and 1 tablet (children) three times in a day thrice a day with cold water.