HERBAL GARDEN
Vivek college of Ayurvedic Sciences & Hospital Bijnor UP
कुश
Classification
Synoyms
Kusha
Dharbha (Sanskrit)
Pavitra Ghaas (Sacred Grass)
Eraka (Ayurvedic name)
Kus, Kusa (vernacular)
Habit
Perennial, tall, tufted grass.
Habitat
Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical India. Commonly found in dry, sandy, and arid regions, along riverbanks.
Morphology
- Erect, tall grass reaching 1–1.5 meters in height
- Stems: Upright and stiff
- Leaves: Narrow, long, linear, rough-edged
- Flowers: In terminal panicles; spikelets are arranged in pairs
- Root system is fibrous, tough, and penetrates deep into soil
Chemical Composition
Flavonoids
Alkaloids
Tannins
Glycosides
Phenols
Saponins
Silica
Minerals: Potassium, Calcium
Guna-Karma
Rasa- Kashaya, Tikta
Guna- Laghu, Ruksha
Virya- Sheeta
Vipaka- Katu
Karma- Mutrala, Stambhana, Dahaprashamana, Shothahara, Jwaraghna, Raktaprasadana
Doshakarma- Pitta-Kaphahara
Medicinal uses
Used in urinary tract infections, burning micturition.
Beneficial in bleeding disorders: epistaxis, hematuria, menorrhagia.
Reduces inflammation and fever.
Used traditionally for wound healing.
Useful Part
Whole plant (especially roots and leaves)
Doses
Swarasa (juice): 10–20 ml
Churna (powder): 1–3 g
Kwatha (decoction): 20–40 ml
Important Formulation
Kusha Kashaya.
Durvadi Ghrita.
Shloka
कुशा लघवो दिग्धा बहुप्रजाः शुभप्रदाः।
त्रैलोक्यं अपि ये शुद्धं कुशहस्तेन गच्छति॥ (अथर्ववेद)
कुशः शीतगुणो वृष्यः स्तम्भी ग्रहिणिरुक्तिदः।
तृष्णाकासहरो गुल्मशूलपाण्डुविनाशनः॥
(भावप्रकाश निघण्टु, तृणवर्ग)
Hindi Name
कुशा घास
English Name
Halfa Grass / Sacred Grass / Big Cordgrass
Botanical Name
Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf
Family
Poaceae (Gramineae)