| Biological Name: Swertia chirata, Gentiana chirayitaGentianaceae |
| Other Names: Chirayata, Kirata-tikta, Kiryat-charayatahBhunimba, Bhuchiretta, Charayatah, Chiretta, Chiraita, Indian Gentian, Jwaran- thakah, Kirata, kiraita, Kiriath, Kiriyattu, Kiryat-charayatah, Mahatita, Nila-vemu, Nila-vembu, Qasabuz-Zarirah |
| Description:This herb is indigenous to temperate Himalayas at altitudes above 4000 feet from Kashmir, Nepal and Bhutan. It is sometimes found in other parts or India. Tinnevelly ‘nilavembu’ is the best form of the herb. |
| Parts Used: Leaves and whole plant |
ConstituentsThis herb contains two bitter principles:
Other constituents are:
It contain no tannin. |
| Medicinal Uses Action
Bitter tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic, appetizer, laxative, Action & Uses in Ayurveda and Siddha Tikta-rasam, metha veeryam, lagu, ruksham. In sannipatham, swasam, kasam, raktadosham, trishna sodham, kushtam, jwaram, krimi Action & Uses in Unani Tonic to heart, liver and eyes, resolvent, drying, astringent, liquifying, balgham, cough, scanty urine, melancholia, dropsy, sciatia, skin diseases. According to G. K. Nair and M. Mohanan, authors of “Medicinal Plants of India,” this herb is an excellent drug for:
An infusion of the herb made in hot water with aromatics like cloves, cinnamon etc. is given in doses of half to one fluid ounce. Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe this infusion in doses of two ounces twice a day before meals as a tonic to check hiccup and vomiting. |
| Dosage:An infusion of the herb is generally employed. It is also given as tincture.
Its decoction is not recommended. The root is taken in doses of 5 to 30 grains with honey. This herb is used as part of many compound remedies. |
| Safety:This herb may result in high “vayu”. Use with extreme caution. Do not take except under the supervision of a qualified professional. |