Benefits and Side effects of Kateri

2022-06-10 00:00:00

Various types of herbs have been used in Ayurveda since ancient times among which there are many herbs which are often found around our homes, gardens and roads but we are not able to use it due to lack of information. One such herb is Kateri or Kantakari. Its use helps to keep the body away from many diseases. Kateri is also known as Katila, Rengni, Rigani, Katali, Katyali, Bhattaiya etc.

What is Kateri?

Kateri is a thorny plant which belongs to the Solanaceae family. Its scientific name is Solanum xanthocarpum Yellow Berried Nightshade in English. Its fruits are round in shape and are edible. The flowers of Kateri are blue in color. Its leaves are oval and full of thorns.

Importance of Kateri in Ayurveda

Well, there are many species of Kateri. But in Ayurveda, mainly three species (Chhoti Kateri, Badi Kateri and White Kateri) are used to make medicine. Its roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds have medicinal properties. It is bitter or pungent in nature and hot in effect because of which Kateri is used as a medicine for asthma, respiratory diseases, cough, nausea, digestive disorders, ear inflammation, hemorrhoids, pain and infection during urination and to promote sexual health.

Benefits of Kateri

For cough-

Kateri is considered extremely beneficial for the treatment of cough. According to the research done on it, the root of Kateri has expectorant i.e, mucus-expelling properties due to which Kateri is used as an Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of cough. Apart from this, phlegm-extracting properties are also found in the seeds of Kateri. Therefore, consumption of decoction mixed with Kateri, Giloy and Pittapapada is very beneficial for boosting the immunity of the body.

Note: Before consuming any type of decoction, it is necessary to take complete information about the method of making it and the quantity of drinking it.

For fever-

Kateri plays an important role in reducing fever because it has antipyretic medicinal properties. According to researchers, the root of Kateri proves beneficial in the treatment of fever. Not only this, research has been done on this, it has been told that taking juice made from the root of Kateri mixed with whey and ginger juice provides relief in fever.

For asthma-

Kateri proves to be very effective in asthma patients. Research done on it shows that Kateri has anti-asthmatic properties, which are helpful in reducing the symptoms of asthma.

For headache-

Kateri has been used for years to relieve headaches. For this, make a decoction of Kateri and drink it. By doing this, there is instant relief in the problem of headache. Apart from this, applying the juice of the fruit of Kateri as a paste on the forehead also provides relief from pain.

For epilepsy-

Epilepsy is a neurological problem wherein the person starts having seizures. Kateri proves to be very beneficial in epilepsy as it contains a compound called solasodine which proves to be very beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy. Apart from this, anticonvulsant properties are found in the leaves of Kateri, which helps in preventing epileptic seizures to some extent.

For toothache-

According to research published on the website of NCBI, Kateri is beneficial to overcome the problem of toothache. In case of toothache, boil the root, bark, leaves and fruit of Kateri in water. Now filter this mixture and rinse it with this water. By doing this, the problem of toothache gets relieved. Apart from this, another research done on Kateri shows that it is full of analgesic i.e, pain-relieving properties. Therefore, the use of the smoke of Kateri seeds is beneficial in getting rid of pain in teeth and gums.

For stomach ache-

Kateri also proves to be very effective in relieving stomach pain. For this, consuming the seeds of Kateri flower is beneficial. Apart from this, grind the seeds of the flower of Kateri, mix it with buttermilk and consume it. By doing this, there is benefit in stomach pain. Also, if there is a problem of diarrhea, consuming its seeds is beneficial.

For Liver-

Consumption of Kateri is beneficial for liver-related problems. It is believed that Kateri is a very good tonic for the liver. Consuming a decoction made from it helps to get rid of the problem of liver inflammation and infection.

For hair-

Kateri is very beneficial for hair. Applying the paste of Kateri on the hair helps to reduce the problem of hair fall. Doing this strengthens the hair roots and reduces the problem of hair breakage and hair fall.

In Ayurveda, the use of Kateri is considered a good remedy for baldness. For this, take out the juice of the fruit of kateri and mix it with honey and make a paste. Now apply this paste on the hair. This helps in hair regrowth removing the problem of baldness.

For skin problems-

Kateri proves to be effective in skin-related problems. It relieves many skin problems such as rashes, itching and inflamed skin. For this, make a paste of the root of Kateri and apply it on the affected parts.

Uses of Kateri

• The fruits of Kateri are cleaned thoroughly and eaten directly or after drying.
• Kateri is also used in the form of a decoction(kadha).
• It is also consumed in powdered form.

Side effects of Kateri

• Consuming an excessive amount of decoction(kadha) of Kateri can cause vomiting.
• Do not give the decoction of Kateri to young children. Doing this can cause stomach ache in children.
• Pregnant women should not consume Kateri.