What is Indrajav?

Indrajav, also known as Holarrhena antidysenterica, are the seeds of Kutaj herb and is  one of the most respected herbs in Ayurveda. Traditionally valued for its ability to manage digestive issues like diarrhea and dysentery, this tree has earned the nickname “Kutaj” in Sanskrit, meaning “that which destroys worms.” Beyond its digestive benefits, Indrajav is also praised for supporting immunity, reducing inflammation, and maintaining overall gut health.

This blog explores Indrajav’s vernacular names, Ayurvedic wisdom, medicinal uses, chemical composition, and modern research that makes it a timeless healer.

Latin Name: Holarrhena antidysentrica
Vernacular Names:

• Hindi: Kuda, Kudaiya
• Bengali: Kurachi
• Tamil: Veppalai
• Telugu: Kodisepala, Kodaga
• Kannada: Korachi
• Malayalam: Kodagapala
• Marathi: Kuda
• Gujarati: Kudo
• Punjabi: Kenara
• English :  Kurchi, Conessi tree, Conessi bark
• Sanskrit Names:

Kutaja – Kuta means mountains. The tree is usually found in mountain regions.
Girimallika – the flowers resemble jasmine.
Indravriksha – Found in Mahendraparvata area
Chakrasakhi – Plant grows gregariously
Pravrusheshya – Blossoms in rainy season
Mallikapushpa – Flowers are white that of jasmine
Mahagandha – Flowers are aromatic
Yavaphala – Seeds are barley shaped
Samgrahi – Stops diarrhea
Varatikta – One of the best drugamong tikta dravya
Vatsaka – Found in Vatsaka place (Vindhya mountain region)
Vrukshaka – it is a small tree
Kalinga – it is found in Kalinga place – Orissa region of India.

Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Indrajav

Ras

• Tikta (Bitter)
• Kashay ( Astringent)

  Veerya ( Potency) 

• Sheet (Cold)

Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)

• Katu (Pungent)

 Guna ( Qualities)

• Laghu (Lightness)
• Rooksha (Dry)

Also read Basics of Ayurveda: Learn about Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Dosha Effect

• Balances: Pitta and Kapha dosha

Classical Categorization

In Charak Samhita –  It is categorized as

• Arshoghna –  a group of herbs used in the treatment of Arsha – piles.
  Kandughna – a group of herbs used in relieving itching
  Stanyasodhana – a group of herbs used in cleansing and detoxifying breast milk.
  Asthapanopaga – group of herbs used in Asthapana type of Basti treatment (enema).
  Sushruta Aragvadhadhi, Pippalyadi, Haridradi, Lakshadi
  Vagbhata Aragvadhadi, Pippalyadi
  Bh. Pr. Ni – Guduchyadi varga

Health Benefits of Indrajav powder

Useful in diarrhea & dysentry

• Its astringent (Kashaya rasa) and bitter (Tikta rasa) taste helps reduce excessive intestinal secretions, controls watery stools, and combats infection.

• Alkaloids like conessine have proven antimicrobial and antidiarrheal effects.

Fever and Infections

• Indrajav is used as a febrifuge (fever reducer).Decoctions of the bark are given in fevers related to gastrointestinal infections.Its antimicrobial action fights gut pathogens like Shigella and E. coli.

Useful in Skin problems

• External application of bark/seed powder paste is used for:

  • Eczema

  • Itching

  • Psoriasis-like conditions

• Its cooling (Sheeta Virya) and anti-inflammatory qualities reduce redness, irritation, and pus formation.

General health & Immunity

• Acts as a rasayana (rejuvenative herb) for the gut, ensuring proper digestion and absorption.

• Modern studies suggest it has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties.

• This supports long-term gut health and strengthens resistance to recurrent infections.

Actions (Karma) of Indrajav in Ayurveda

Tridoshaghna –  balancing all the three Doshas
Samgrahi – absorbs moisture
Katu – pungent taste
Sheetala – coolant
Jvara – useful in fever
Atisara – useful in diarrhea
Vatarsha – useful in Vata type of Arshas – associated with pain
Vamihara – useful in vomiting
Visarpakushtanut – useful in skin diseases including herpes.

How to use Indrajav

Indrajav can be consumed in various forms, including:

• Decoction:  To make the decoction you need 2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of Indrajav powder. Now add this powder in 2 cup of water and boil till one glass is left. Then filter it, your decoction is ready.
• Dosage : 20 to 30 ml two times a day.
• Indrajav powder:  1-2  teaspoon two times daily after meals with water.
• Part Used :  Seeds

What are the side effects of Indrajav

 Like any other Ayurvedic herb indrajav is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include

Allergic Rashes

If someone is sensitive to indrajav they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .

Precautions

During breast feeding avoid consuming indrajav

Avoid consuming Indrajav during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.

Always use Indrajav in recommended dosage  to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.

If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using indrajav. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.

Don’t use indrajav continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.

Store indrajav in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.

Home Remedies of Indrajav

In kidney stone

To make this will following ingredients:

• Indrajav powder – 1 tsp

• Nishot – 1/2 teaspoon

• Milk or Water – 1 glass

How to use:
Mix both powders together and take it with 1 glass of water or milk

It helps to relieve the pain and helps in removing the stone.

For Bloating and Gas

To make this you need following ingredients:

• Indrajav powder – 1 tsp

• Honey – 1 tsp

• Ghee–  1/2 teaspoon to mix

How to Use:
First roast the indrajav powder and mix honey and ghee in it. Consume this two times a day after meals

This remedy helps in improving digestion and relieves bloating and gas.

For gastritis & peptic ulcers

To make the  you need following ingredients: – 5 to 10 drops

• Indrajav powder– 1 teaspoon

• Lukewarm – 1 glass

How to Use
Take 1 teaspoon of Indrajav churna with 1 glass of lukewarm water two times a day.

This helps in soothing the gastric mucosa and there by aids in healing of ulcer in stomach.

Frequently asked question

1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?

Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.

2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?

Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.

3. With western/modern medicine

Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.

When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.

4. How long does indrajav take to start showing benefits ?

It depend on  any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly indrajav powder benefits are seen.

5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?

Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.

6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?

No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.

Conclusion

Indrajav is a classic example of how Ayurveda blends nature and science. From easing digestive troubles to strengthening immunity, this herb has been trusted for centuries. Modern research continues to validate its healing power, making it relevant even today.

Whether used in the form of powders, decoctions, or classical formulations, Indrajav remains a cornerstone herb for digestive and overall wellness.

Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.

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Disclaimer  :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.

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