Picrorhiza
From Wikiwel
Other Names: Chardon de Lait Indien, Hu Huang Lian, Katki, Katuka, Katuko, Katurohini, Katvi, Kuru, Kutki, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Picrorhiza kurroia, Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Picrorhiza Urrooa, Picroriza, Xi Zang Hu Huang Lian.
Picrorhiza is a plant that grows in the Himalayan mountains. People, especially practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, use the root and rhizome (underground stem) for treatment. Picrorhiza has been harvested to near extinction.
Special Precautions of Picrorhiza
- Picrorhiza seems safe for most people, when taken for up to one year. It can cause vomiting, rash, anorexia, diarrhea, and itching.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of picrorhiza during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- “Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Picrorhiza might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using picrorhiza.
- Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with PICRORHIZA
Benefits and uses of Picrorhiza are
- Vitiligo, a disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin. Taking picrorhiza by mouth for up to one year, in combination with a conventional medication called methoxsalen, seems to help treat vitiligo in adults and children.
- Asthma. Taking picrorhiza by mouth for up to 12 weeks doesn't seem to help asthma symptoms or improve lung function.
- Parkinson's Disease (PD) : the compound known as apocynin was first extracted from the Canadian hemp plant, (apocynum cannabinum) and used to treat heart problems and edema. Now, this little-known plant derivative is being isolated from the Himalayan herb picrorhiza kurroa, and is showing promise for prevention of Parkinson's.
