Holarrhena antidysenterica: Bitter oleander or Kutaja stops amoebic dysentery

Syed Akbar
Holarrhena antidysenterica is popularly known as Kutaja among Ayurveda doctors. As the name antidysenterica suggests, this herb has properties that fight against dysentery of all types including the one caused by Entamoeba histolytica. In English this herb is called Bitter oleander or dysentery rose. The bark and seeds of the plant are used for treatment of a number of ailments particularly those related to stomach and intestines. Holarrhena is a good appetizer too and helps in easy digestion of food.
This is an ancient herb and finds mention in ancient Ayurvedic texts written by Charaka. Since it is considered good for digestive system, extracts from Holarrhena are used for treatment of bleeding piles and diarrhea too. Practitioners of herbal medicine believe that Kutaja is a divine herb bestowed by the Almighty. The herb should be used in limited and prescribed quantity only.
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Home remedies
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Decoction obtained from bark is prescribed for killing harmful worms in the digestive tract. The decoction also gives relief from fever. Readymade capsules and tonics prepared from Kutaja are available in market for treatment of dysentery.
Take seeds and powder them in a grinder. Sieve it to obtain fine powder. It can be sprinkled on wounds for quick healing. Ayurvedic doctors use the seed powder of Holarrhena for dressing of wounds. Paste obtained from the bark of the plant can be used for relief from painful boils
It can also be taken as a general health tonic. Take a few grams of the bark of Holarrhena, wash it properly. Put it in a glass of water and boil it for 10 minutes to obtain decoction. Take a tablespoon of decoction twice a day for good health, and to fight stomach disorders and bleeding piles.