# Kusha

> Kusha (Desmostachya bipinnata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Triterpene saponins are hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to bioactive sapogenins. Kshara preparation provides highly bioavailable alkaline mineral salts. Root decoction offers pre-hydrolyzed actives with improved absorption.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Desmostachya bipinnata

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kusha |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kshara (alkali preparation), Capsule, Swarasa (juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g root powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; 250-500 mg Kshara; 10-20 mL juice

**Bioavailability:** Flavonoid C-[glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) ([orientin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#orientin), [vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin)) show moderate oral bioavailability with good intestinal stability. Triterpene [saponins](/reference/saponins/) are hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to bioactive sapogenins. Kshara preparation provides highly bioavailable alkaline mineral salts. Root decoction offers pre-hydrolyzed actives with improved absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Decoction: before meals for urinary conditions; Kshara: between meals with water; juice: morning on empty stomach for [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) effect

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract standardized to minimum 2% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (as orientin equivalents); Kshara standardized to pH 9.0-10.5 and minimum 60% water-soluble alkaline content

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for root powder; 36 months for Kshara; 18 months for capsules; decoction consumed same day

**Storage:** Root powder in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Kshara in moisture-proof glass containers (highly hygroscopic). Protect from humidity.

**Marker Compounds:** Orientin, Vitexin, [Isoorientin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoorientin), [Tricin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tricin), Cylindrin, Arundoin, [Potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) carbonate (Kshara), Silicic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional)
- Kshara preparation (calcination, dissolution, filtration, evaporation)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold pressing for fresh root juice

### Synergistic Combinations

- Darbha (complementary Kusha grass for sacred/ritual-therapeutic use)
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for urinary health synergy
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for renal support
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) for lithotriptic formulations
- [Yavakshara](/herb/yavakshara/) for alkali therapy combination

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

## 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.