Kutki
Picrorhiza kurroa · Plantaginaceae
Reviewed by The Sarv Health Team · Updated June 29, 2026 · Our editorial process
Kutki is a small Himalayan herb whose bitter rhizome is one of the most valued liver remedies in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine. Intensely bitter and cooling, it is a classic remedy for clearing heat and supporting the liver, traditionally used for sluggish digestion, poor bile flow, jaundice, and a range of liver and gallbladder complaints. Its foremost reputation is as a powerful liver protector and detoxifier, used to support healthy liver function, stimulate bile, and aid recovery from liver stress. Kutki is also used to kindle digestion, relieve constipation, support the immune system, and ease inflammatory and allergic conditions such as asthma and skin disorders. Its bitter compounds, the picrosides, underlie its protective and stimulating effects on the liver and digestion. Cooling and cleansing, kutki is treasured as a remedy for liver health, digestion, and the clearing of heat and toxins.
Medicinal Uses
Kutki is a small perennial herb that grows in the high Himalayas, and its bitter rhizome has been used for centuries in both Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine. It is classified as intensely bitter and cooling, and is regarded as one of the most effective herbs for clearing heat and supporting the liver and digestion.
The foremost medicinal use of kutki is as a liver protector and detoxifier. It is a classic remedy for supporting healthy liver function, stimulating the flow of bile, and aiding the liver in clearing heat and toxins. It is traditionally used for jaundice, sluggish or congested liver, poor fat digestion, and recovery from conditions that stress the liver, and it has been studied for its hepatoprotective effects.
Kutki is also a valued digestive remedy. Its bitterness kindles the digestive fire, stimulates appetite and bile, and helps relieve sluggish digestion, bloating, and constipation, in keeping with the traditional role of bitter herbs in supporting digestion.
The herb additionally supports the immune system and is used for inflammatory and allergic conditions. It is traditionally applied to asthma and other respiratory complaints, to chronic and recurrent fevers, and to inflammatory skin disorders, reflecting its broad cooling and balancing action.
Kutki's principal active constituents are the bitter glycosides known as picrosides (kutkin), which underlie its protective and stimulating effects on the liver and digestion, along with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Cooling and cleansing, kutki is treasured as a remedy for liver health, healthy digestion, and the clearing of heat and toxins.
Benefits
Protects and supports the liver, stimulates bile flow, aids liver detoxification, helps with jaundice and sluggish liver, kindles digestion, relieves bloating and constipation, supports the immune system, eases inflammatory and allergic conditions, supports respiratory and skin health, clears heat and toxins
How to Use & Dosage
250-500 mg of kutki powder, taken 1-2 times daily (very bitter).
250-1000 mg per day, divided into 1-2 doses.
1-3 ml (about 20-60 drops), taken 2-3 times daily.
Simmer 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried kutki rhizome in water for 15-20 minutes. Drink 1 cup daily.
More Info
Frequently asked questions
What is Kutki used for?
Kutki is a small perennial herb that grows in the high Himalayas, and its bitter rhizome has been used for centuries in both Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine. It is classified as intensely bitter and cooling, and is regarded as one of the most effective herbs for clearing heat and supporting the liver and digestion. The foremost medicinal use of kutki is as a liver protector and detoxifier.
What are the benefits of Kutki?
Protects and supports the liver, stimulates bile flow, aids liver detoxification, helps with jaundice and sluggish liver, kindles digestion, relieves bloating and constipation, supports the immune system, eases inflammatory and allergic conditions, supports respiratory and skin health, clears heat and toxins
How do you take Kutki?
Common preparations include powder, capsules, tincture, decoction. See the dosage guidance above, and consult a qualified practitioner for amounts suited to you.
This information is for general wellness and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
Learn more — more Pain Management herbs
