# Bhutika

> Bhutika (Cymbopogon citratus) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Primarily used in external and fumigation applications traditionally. Bioavailability: Limited modern pharmacokinetic data. Volatile aromatic compounds are rapidly absorbed via inhalation (fumigation route) and transdermally.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cymbopogon citratus

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bhutika |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Lepa (paste), Dhupana (fumigation)

**Standard Dosage:** 2-4g powder twice daily; 10-20ml juice; 30-60ml decoction. Primarily used in external and fumigation applications traditionally.

**Bioavailability:** Limited modern pharmacokinetic data. Volatile aromatic compounds are rapidly absorbed via inhalation (fumigation route) and transdermally. Oral bioavailability of terpenoid constituents is moderate. Traditional use in Dhupana (fumigation) bypasses first-pass metabolism for volatile fractions. Note: limited modern evidence—further research needed.

**Optimal Timing:** Fumigation as needed for environmental purification; internal use before meals with warm water; external paste as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil yield NLT 1.5% v/w; whole plant extract standardized to volatile oil content. Further standardization research recommended.

**Shelf Life:** 18 months (powder); 2 years (essential oil in sealed container); 1 year (paste preparations)

**Storage:** Airtight, light-protected containers. Essential oils in amber glass with minimal headspace. Temperature below 25°C. Volatile components dissipate in open storage.

**Marker Compounds:** [Thymol](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#thymol), [Carvacrol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carvacrol), Para-cymene, Gamma-terpinene, Beta-pinene, Terpinen-4-ol

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation for essential oil
- Hydrodistillation for aromatic fractions
- Aqueous decoction for internal use
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for general extract

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) for Dhupana (fumigation) formulations
- With [Neem](/herb/neem/) for [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and insecticidal applications
- With [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) for aromatic and cognitive formulations
- With [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) for respiratory health

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/bhutika/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.