πŸͺ·Ayurveda

Kutaj

Holarrhena pubescens

About Kutaj

Kutaj (Holarrhena pubescens) is a herb used in the Ayurveda tradition to help with Diarrhea, IBS, Parasites, and Gut Health. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Holarrhena pubescens is a species of flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family. It is native to central and southern Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Indochina, and parts of China. In Cambodia, it is called /tΙ¨k dΙ‘h kΚ°laː thΙ”m/ αž‘αžΉαž€αžŠαŸ„αŸ‡αžαŸ’αž›αžΆαž’αŸ† big tiger milk or /kΚ°laΙ›Ι² kΕ­Ι™Ε‹/ αžαŸ’αž›αŸ‚αž„αž‚αž„αŸ‹ invulnerable kite.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts Β· internalLeaves Β· internal

Conditions addressed

🍡

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Kutaj in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
πŸ’§

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3Γ— daily
  • Pack dried Kutaj 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.
πŸ’Š

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3Γ— daily
  • Grind dried Kutaj into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding β€” insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 β€” therapeutic dosage not established

Warnings

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.

⚠️ 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.

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 Kutaj growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier β€” 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 β€” 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 β€” verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

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

Quality tips

When buying Kutaj, 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 β€” quality varies enormously.