Swertia Chirata

SWERTIA CHIRATA

Swertia Chirata
Swertia Chirata is known as Chirayata in India. This annual herb is found all across India and grows up to the height of 1.5 meters. It is known to have leaves in opposite pairs which are about 10 cms in length with no stalks. In Hindi the herb is called Chiretta and in Sanskrit it is called Bhunimba or Kirata tikta.
This ancient herb is also sometimes known as the Nepali Neem because it is a common tree in the forests of Nepal. This plant was introduced to Europe in 1839 and has been used widely since. It is majorly found in the Himalayas majorly between the heights of 1200 to 1500 meters.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SWERTIA CHIRATA

The plant has flowers that are pale green in color with a ting of purple. The plant has long pink or white colored haired and sharp pointed fruits. The entire plant is used in medicines for over centuries.
The tonic made from this plant is used to relieve general weakness and also during convalescence. The infusion prepared from the Sweria Chirata must be taken in doses of 60 ml twice a day before means for relieving fever. The infusion can be prepared with the herb, cloves and cinnamon.

The Ayurvedic properties of the Swertia Chirata are:

  • Veerya: Ushna (hot)
  • Rasa: Tikta (bitter)
  • Vipaka: Katu (pungent)
  • Dosha: Balances tridosha
  • Guna: Laghu (light), ruksha (dry)

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

The plant contains glycoside chiratin which yields on hydrolysis. The ophidic acid in the plant is brown in color and is identified as a hydroscopic substance. This is a substance that is soluble in both water and alcohol. It contains tannin, resin and ash.
The chemical compounds the herb contains are amarogentin, chiratin, chiratogenin, enicoflavine, gentianine, swertianin and swerchirin.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF THE SWERIA CHIRATA

The Chirata is a beneficial bitter tasting tonic which is used as a laxative and also an appetizer. It corrects the nutrition disorders in the body and helps in bringing normality into the system. The herb is used widely to stimulate the appetite of people suffering from anorexia and other such problems. It helps in relieving acidity, nausea and biliousness. It used as a laxative, vermifuge, sedative and alterative. It has the properties to relieve cough, bronchial infections, malaria and asthma.

CARE FOR AILMENTS

  • Fever: The Chirayata is an effective remedy for reducing fever. It is beneficial in for relieving high malarial fever as well. It can also help in cases of hysteria as well as convulsions.
  • Stomach Disorders: This herb is excellent for strengthening the stomach and it helps in promoting its action. It can also be used to relieve dyspepsia and diarrhea.
  • Intestinal worms: The anathematic properties in the herb help in relieving worm issues that affect intestine.
  • The herb is also used to relieve hiccups. The root of the plant is used with honey to relieve hiccups and vomiting.

The Swertia Chirata is known to have the following benefiting effects on the body:-

  • Hepatoprotective activity due to the presence of methanol in them.
  • Leishmanicidal activity.
  • Anti ulcer activity due to the ethanol presence in the medicinal plant.
  • CNS depressant activity.
  • Hypoglycaemic properties that help in controlling blood sugar levels in the body.
  • Anti Inflammatory benefits.
  • Anti microbial activity has also been demonstrated by the herb.
  • It has blood purifying properties.
  • Beneficial for the liver and for improving appetite.
  • It is haemostatic and hence beneficial for people suffering from bleeding piles.
  • It is a proven laxative.
  • It has the properties of stimulating the liver and improving bile secretion.
  • It has the capability of helping patients suffering from anemia.
  • Studies have proven that it is an expectorant and anti asthmatic herb.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY TIPS FOR USING THIS HERB

The herb must be used only after consulting a certified herbalist. It should not be consumed by people who suffer from allergies from ethanol. We at Planet Ayurveda recommend that the herb must be used only after consulting a certified herbalist.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE THIS HERB

At planet Ayurveda we recognize the beneficial properties of this herb and have used it as an ingredient in the following products:

We at Planet Ayurveda are constantly working on revolutionizing herbal formulas. We are proud to say that we use only organically grown ingredients in our products. One must also note that we do not use any chemical or preservative in our products. We neither endorse nor practice the testing of products on animals.