Kutaja Kshara- A Comprehensive Literature Review
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Kutaja Kshara- A Comprehensive Literature Review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Tasleem Banu
PG Scholar, Department of Shalya Tantra, Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College and P.G.Centre, Davanagere, Karnataka, India.
M.N. Hiremath
Professor and HOD, Department of Shalya Tantra, Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College and P.G.Centre, Davanagere, Karnataka, India.
Raghuveer
Associate Professor & HOD, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Ashwini Ayurvedic Medical College and P.G.Centre, Davanagere, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Kutaja Kshara- A Comprehensive Literature Review
Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i3.755
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper presents a comprehensive literature review on Kutaja Kshara, derived from the plant Hollarhena antidysentrica (also known as Wrightia tinctoria), which is widely recognized in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. The term "Kshara" refers to a corrosive and caustic substance known for its pungent and saline qualities, making it key in the field of Shalya Tantra (surgery) in Ayurveda. The extraction and application of Kshara are pivotal in treating various ailments while potentially avoiding surgical interventions. This review highlights the therapeutic scope and the traditional methodologies for obtaining Kutaja Kshara, underscoring its efficacy in managing conditions like diarrhea, skin disorders, and other health issues.
Efficacy of Kutaja Kshara in Disorders
Kutaja Kshara has described various pharmacological effects that make it suitable for treating multiple conditions. It is notably indicated for ailments like Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Atisara (diarrhea), and Grahani (dysentery). The paper details its composition, including essential properties such as its bitter and acrid taste, as well as its ability to balance the doshas (body energies). The plant has a significant role in traditional formulations like Kutajarishta and Kutaja ghanavati. Furthermore, its preparation as Kshara sutra, a medicated thread, shows effective results in managing ano-rectal disorders like fistula and sinuses.
Traditional Extraction Methods
The methods described for the extraction of Kutaja Kshara are rooted in classical texts of Ayurveda. The typical process involves burning the plant parts to ash and subsequently treating the ash with water to create a solution that is boiled down to a concentrated form of Kshara. Different classical Ayurvedic texts, such as Susruta Samhita and Astanga Sangraha, elaborate on these techniques. These descriptions clarify the meticulous approach necessary for preparing Kutaja Kshara, which emphasizes its efficacy and highlights the traditional wisdom of Ayurvedic practices. Additionally, several formulations utilizing Kutaja Kshara indicate its versatility in treating a wide range of diseases, showcasing its vital role in Ayurvedic treatment protocols.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the literature review affirms the significance of Kutaja Kshara in Ayurvedic medicine, underscoring its therapeutic properties and traditional extraction processes. The application of Kutaja Kshara extends beyond mere treatment, reflecting the holistic approach of Ayurveda towards health and wellness. Its effectiveness in treating various diseases illustrates its continued relevance in contemporary health practices, where exploring the properties of such medicinal plants remains crucial. Further research and clinical studies are suggested to elaborate on its efficacy across different conditions, ensuring that the therapeutic benefits of Kutaja Kshara are thoroughly realized and integrated into modern holistic health practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Kutaja and its significance in Ayurveda?
Kutaja, scientifically known as Hollarhena antidysentrica, is a flowering plant used in Ayurveda. It possesses properties beneficial for treating various ailments, including diarrhea and skin disorders. Its medicinal parts, particularly the seeds, are valued for their therapeutic effects.
What is Kshara and how is it extracted?
Kshara refers to a caustic substance derived from certain plants. The extraction involves burning the dry stalk of the plant, collecting the ash, mixing it with water, and boiling until the water evaporates, leaving behind the Kshara powder that is used for therapeutic purposes.
What are the therapeutic uses of Kutaja Kshara?
Kutaja Kshara is utilized in treating various conditions such as Grahani, Arsha, and skin disorders. It has demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating symptoms associated with these diseases, showcasing its versatility within the practice of Ayurveda.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Kutaja Kshara- A Comprehensive Literature Review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Kshara (Ksara):
Kshara is a substance involved in Ayurveda that exhibits corrosive, caustic, pungent, saline, and acrid properties. It performs actions such as excision, incision, and scraping and is used in Shalya Tantra when traditional instruments are impractical. Its preparation involves burning plants and extracting their ash.
2) Kutaja (Kuta-ja):
Kutaja, also known as Hollarhena antidysentrica or Wrightia tinctoria, grows throughout India, particularly in forests. It is used in Ayurveda for treating various conditions such as diarrhea, skin disorders, and bleeding disorders. Its seeds, called Indrayava, are known for their medicinal properties.
3) Palasha (Palasa, Pala-asha):
Palasha, botanically known as Butea monosperma, is one of the plants listed for Kshara extraction in Ayurvedic texts. It has applications in various treatments, particularly within the scope of Shalya Tantra.
4) Fire:
Fire is used in the preparation of Kshara by burning the dry stalk of the Kshara plant until it reduces to ash. It plays a crucial role in the extraction process and subsequent medical applications in Ayurveda.
5) Drug:
Various drugs, such as Kutaja Kshara, play significant roles in Ayurveda for their therapeutic properties. These drugs can treat a range of ailments when appropriately prepared and administered.
6) Apamarga:
Apamarga, known as Achyranthus aspera, is a plant used in the preparation of Kshara within Ayurveda. Apart from Kshara extraction, it is known for its medicinal properties and applications in treating various health conditions.
7) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts, such as Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita, which provide comprehensive descriptions of Kshara extraction and medicinal formulations.
8) Snuhi:
Snuhi is utilized in the preparation of Kshara Sutra, a medicated thread in Ayurveda, by combining its latex with other substances like Kutaja Kshara and Haridra for therapeutic use.
9) Tree:
Multiple trees such as Hollarhena antidysentrica (Kutaja), Butea monosperma (Palasha), and others are identified in Ayurvedic texts for their therapeutic properties and as sources for Kshara extraction.
10) Heap:
During Kshara extraction, plant materials are collected in heaps, set on fire using dried stalks, and later reduced to ash. This ash is then used for further preparations.
11) Disease:
Ayurveda uses Kshara and various medicinal preparations to treat a wide range of diseases such as Raktapitta, Atisara, Grahani, Kushta, Krimi, and others as presented in classical Ayurvedic literature.
12) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita refers to a type of medicated ghee used in Ayurveda. In formulations such as Kshara Ghrita, Ghrita is mixed with Kshara and prescribed for various ailments.
13) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Astanga refers to classical Ayurvedic texts such as Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hridaya that describe medicinal formulations, including those using Kshara.
14) Drona:
Drona is a measure of weight used in classical Ayurveda. In Kshara preparation, quantities like one Drona (12,288 gm) of ash are specified for accurate extraction processes.
15) Arshas (Arsa, Arsha, Arsas):
Arshas refers to hemorrhoids. Kshara like Kutaja Kshara is effective in shrinking hemorrhoidal tissue due to its caustic nature.
16) Roga:
Roga is a term for disease in Ayurveda. Treatments like Kshara and Kshara-sutra have been discussed extensively in classical texts for managing various Roga.
17) Arka:
Arka, known as Calotropis procera, is one of the plants listed for Kshara extraction in classical Ayurvedic literature. It is used for its potent medicinal properties.
18) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
Shalya-tantra is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with surgery and related interventions. Instruments like Kshara play crucial roles when traditional tools cannot be used.
19) Agnimantha (Agni-mantha, Agnimamtha):
Agnimantha, a plant used in Ayurveda, is listed among the plants for Kshara extraction and has various therapeutic applications.
20) Bhaishajya (Bhaisajya):
Bhaishajya pertains to medicinal preparations in Ayurveda. Texts like Bhaishajya Ratnavali provide extensive information on formulations, including those involving Kshara.
21) Koshataki (Kosataki):
Koshataki refers to four types of plants used in Kshara extraction. The different varieties are Brhatphala, Alpaphala, Pitapushpa, and Shwetapushpa.
22) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra is the term for surgical instruments in Ayurveda. Ksharas can perform actions like excision and incision where Shastra might be contraindicated.
23) Grahani:
Grahani is a digestive disorder in Ayurveda, often managed using Kshara preparations. Kutaja Kshara is one such formulation mentioned in various texts.
24) Vatsaka:
Vatsaka is another name for Kutaja in Ayurveda. This plant is referenced extensively for its therapeutic properties, especially in Kshara forms.
25) Kalpana:
Kalpana refers to the process of medicinal preparation in Ayurveda. Kshara Kalpana specifically deals with the extraction and preparation of Kshara.
26) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra pertains to principles and techniques in Ayurveda. Shalya Tantra, for example, involves surgical methods and the use of Kshara for various treatments.
27) Kadali:
Kadali, or banana plant, is listed among the plants for Kshara extraction. Its different parts are employed in this traditional Ayurvedic process.
28) Putika:
Putika is one of the plants named in classical Ayurvedic texts for Kshara extraction due to its medicinal properties.
29) Shalya (Salya):
Shalya refers to surgical procedures in Ayurveda. Kshara is used in Shalya Tantra to perform actions like excision, especially in contexts where conventional surgery is not feasible.
30) Sutra:
Sutra denotes a thread in Ayurveda. Kshara Sutra, a medicated thread, incorporates substances like Snuhi Ksheera and Kutaja Kshara for treating conditions like fistula-in-ano.
31) Yava:
Yava, or barley, is involved in the preparation of Kshara by using its spikes and reeds in the burning process to produce ash.
32) Ksharasutra (Ksarasutra, Kshara-sutra):
Kshara-sutra is a specialized medicated thread prepared by applying Kshara, typically used for ano-rectal disorders such as fistula-in-ano.
33) Indravriksha (Indravrksa, Indra-vriksha):
Indravriksha, another name for Kutaja, is frequently cited in Ayurvedic texts for its medicinal uses and role in Kshara preparation.
34) Aragvadhadi (Aragvadha-adi):
Aragvadhadi is a group of drugs mentioned by Susruta for Kshara extraction. It includes plants like Aragvadha, utilized for their therapeutic properties.
35) Kakajangha (Kaka-jangha):
Kakajangha is listed among the plants for Kshara extraction in classical texts, valued for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda.
36) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta is a bleeding disorder in Ayurveda. Treatments include the administration of Kshara preparations, which have been proven effective for such conditions.
37) Aragvadha:
Aragvadha is identified as one of the plants for Kshara extraction. It holds significance in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties.
38) Naktamala (Nakta-mala):
Naktamala is among the plants specified in Ayurvedic texts for Kshara extraction and has various therapeutic applications.
39) Bibhitaka:
Bibhitaka is noted in Ayurvedic literature as a plant used in the extraction of Kshara, featuring prominently in traditional treatments.
40) Karnataka:
Karnataka is the region in India where the research on Kutaja Kshara, as presented in the paper by Tasleem Banu and colleagues, was conducted.
41) Vatarakta (Vata-rakta):
Vatarakta is a disorder in Ayurveda involving vitiation of Vata and Rakta. Kshara, such as Kutaja Kshara, is used to alleviate symptoms related to this condition.
42) Picchila:
Picchila is a property indicating sliminess. In Kshara extraction, the resultant liquid should be picchila, indicating correct preparation.
43) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India. It involves treatments like Kshara, a caustic substance extracted from plants for various therapeutic applications.
44) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantu refers to lexical texts in Ayurveda that list drugs and their properties. Dhanvantari Nighantu is a notable example including various Ksharas.
45) Mushkaka (Muskaka):
Mushkaka is one of the plants mentioned for Kshara extraction in Ayurvedic texts. It contributes to various formulations for treating diseases.
46) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Sangraha refers to collections of Ayurvedic texts, such as Astanga Sangraha, which provide detailed descriptions of medicinal preparations, including those involving Kshara.
47) Atisara:
Atisara, or diarrhea, is often treated in Ayurveda with formulations that include Kshara, such as Kutaja Kshara.
48) Visarpa:
Visarpa is a condition characterized by spreading skin diseases. Kshara preparations in Ayurveda are employed to manage such symptoms.
49) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
Hridaya pertains to the heart. Certain Kshara formulations mentioned in classical texts are indicated for conditions affecting Hridaya.
50) Tilvaka:
Tilvaka is one of the plants documented in Ayurvedic texts for Kshara extraction, recognized for its medicinal value.
51) Asphota:
Asphota is listed among plants for Kshara extraction. It is used for its medicinal properties in various Ayurvedic preparations.
52) Mashaka (Masaka):
Mashaka is a disease managed using Kshara formulations. Kutaja Kshara, specifically, is employed for treating conditions such as Mashaka.
53) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
Gomutra, or cow's urine, is used in the Kshara extraction process to dissolve and filter plant ash, aiding in the creation of the Kshara.
54) Karanja (Karamja):
Karanja is mentioned in classical texts for Kshara extraction and therapeutic purposes. Its ash is collected and processed in Ayurvedic formulations.
55) Haridra:
Haridra, or turmeric, is used in the preparation of Kshara Sutra. It is applied as a coating, enhancing the medicinal efficacy of the thread.
56) Dipana:
Dipana refers to the property of stimulating the digestive fire in Ayurveda. Kshara preparations often have Dipana qualities.
57) Sidhma:
Sidhma is a skin condition in Ayurveda. Kutaja Kshara is one of the treatments employed to manage Sidhma.
58) Powder:
Kshara is often extracted into a powder form by boiling down plant ash and evaporating the liquid. This powder is then used in various medicinal preparations.
59) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are fundamental bodily energies in Ayurveda. Kshara can balance all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and is used in treatments accordingly.
60) Kalpa:
Kalpa, in the context of Ayurveda, refers to medicinal formulations. Kshara Kalpana covers the procedures for preparing Kshara for therapeutic use.
61) Alasa (Alasha):
Alasa is a condition treated with Kutaja Kshara, as described in Ayurvedic texts for its properties in curing various ailments.
62) Vidhi:
Vidhi means procedure or method. In Ayurveda, Kshara Kalpana Vidhi details the steps for extracting and preparing Kshara from plants.
63) Dadru:
Dadru is a type of skin condition or fungal infection. Kutaja Kshara is one of the treatments used in Ayurveda for managing Dadru.
64) Gunja (Gumja):
Gunja is included in certain Ayurvedic formulations for Kshara extraction due to its medicinal properties.
65) India:
India is the country of origin for Ayurveda. Plants like Kutaja (Hollarhena antidysentrica) grow extensively in Indian forests and are used in traditional medicine.
66) Agni:
Agni, or fire, symbolizes digestive and metabolic processes in Ayurveda. Kshara often has Dipana (digestive fire-stimulating) properties.
67) Tila:
Tila, or sesame plant, provides dried stalks used for burning in the Kshara extraction process.
68) Katu:
Katu refers to a pungent taste. Kshara preparations, including Kutaja Kshara, often possess Katu Rasa, enhancing their therapeutic efficacy.
69) Yoga:
Yoga in this context refers to medicinal formulations. Eighteen Yoga of Kutaja are mentioned in Charaka Samhita for treating various disorders.
70) Pala:
Pala is a unit of measurement used in Ayurveda. Kshara extraction often involves specific quantities, such as 1000 Pala of water or cow's urine.
71) Pain:
Pain management is a crucial aspect of Ayurvedic treatments. Kshara helps alleviate pain through its action on Doshas and therapeutic properties.
72) Butea monosperma:
Butea monosperma, also known as Palasha, is a tree used in Kshara extraction, cited in Ayurvedic texts for its medicinal uses.
73) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Astanga Sangraha is an Ayurvedic text that includes information on Kshara extraction and medicinal formulations, including those using Kutaja.
74) Sesamum indicum:
Sesamum indicum, also known as Tila, is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for its use in Kshara preparation processes due to its stalk's suitability for burning.
75) Tankanakshara (Tankanaksara, Tankana-kshara):
Tankana-kshara, derived from borax, is used in various Ayurvedic formulations, including Kshara preparations for treating different ailments.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 185]