CHIRATA DRUG

DESCRIPTION

• Chirata is a popular ayurvedic herb 
• it is growing in the sub-temperate regions of the Himalayas ranging 
• It is known for its bitter characteristic.
• 3-4 feet in height.
• Flower – greenish-yellow flowers with a purplish tinge. 
• It has powerful antipyretic, vermicidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, laxative, hypoglycemic, and digestive properties.
• Chirata is extensively used against various infections like liver functions, enhancing appetite, boosting digestion, improving metabolism, treating skin diseases, facilitating weight loss and more disease.
  

BOTANICAL NAME – Swertia chirata 

FAMILY – Gentianaceae

NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGE

• Hindi name- Chriayata, 
• English name- Chitretta 
• Bengali name- Chirata, Chireta 
• Tamil name- Nilavembu 
• Punjab name- Charatin, Charaita 
• Marathi name- Kiraita 
• Gujarati name- Kariyatum 
• Kannada name- Nilabevu, Kiratatikta 
• Malayalam name- Nilavipaa, Nilaveppa 
• Telugu name – Nilavemu 
• Arabian name – Kasabujajareeraa 
• Farsi name – Nainihaabandi
  

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

• Rasa (taste) – Tikta (bitter) 
• Guna (qualities) – Laghu (lightness), Rooksha (dryness) 
• Vipaka- Katu – undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
• Virya- Sheeta – cold potency 
• Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Pitta.
  

PART USED

Whole Plant is used for medicinal purpose but mostly root of Kiratatikta.

THERAPEUTIC USES

• Pittasranut – useful in bleeding disorders 
• Shophahara – useful in infflammatory conditions 
• Kasahara – relieves cough, cold 
• Trushna – excessive thirst 
• Jvarahara – useful in fever 
• Maladhwamsi – useful in easing bowel movement 
• Krumighni – useful in intestinal worm infestation 
• Balakapriya – useful in pediatric complaints 
• Sannipatari – useful in chronic and recurrent fever 
• Nidrapaha – reduces sleep 
• Mehopaha – useful in urinary tract disorders, diabetes 
• Shwasahara – useful in asthma and wheezing 
• Dahahara – useful to relieve burning sensation
• Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases 
• Vranahara – induces quick wound healing. 
• Its water decoction used in washing wounds to relieve infection.
  

USES OF CHIRATA

Chirata for Malaria

• Chirata is Ayurvedic herb used to manage the symptoms of Malaria. 
• Malaria fever is known as Vishamajwara (intermittent fever) in ayurveda. 

Clinical features of Vishamajwara 

• Fever with irregular onset and remission, 
• Excessive thirst, 
• Heaviness in the body, 
• Generalized body pain, 
• Headache 
• Rigors
• Chirata helps to reduce the symptoms of Vishamajvara because of its Jvaraghna (antipyretic) and antimalarial properties.
  

Chirata for Constipation

• Aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha caused constipation. 
• Frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, late at night sleeping, stress and depression all these factors aggravate Vata and Pitta dosha leading to constipation. 
• Chirata affluences bowel movement and helps in the removal of waste products from the body due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
  

Chirata for Worm infections

• In Ayurveda worms are called Krimi. 
• They grow in intestine and cause harm.
• Chirata powder helps to manage worm infestation due to its Krimighna (anti-worm) property. 
• It destroy the conditions that are ideal for the growth of these parasites and aids in their removal from the digestive tract.
  

Chirata for Appetite stimulant

• Chirata help to manage appetite. 
• It works as an appetizer and helps improve digestion.

Chirata for Stomach upset

• Chirata might help to manage the symptoms of an Upset stomach like acidity or flatulence due to the presence of certain constituents. 
• It improve digestion and strengthens the stomach.