Medicinal Plants : Gentiana chirayita

Name

Chirayata

Biological Name

Swertia chirata, Gentiana chirayita
Gentianaceae

Other Names

Chirayata, Kirata-tikta, Kiryat-charayatah
Bhunimba, Bhuchiretta, Charayatah, Chiretta, Chiraita, Indian Gentian, Jwaran- thakah, Kirata, kiraita, Kiriath, Kiriyattu, Kiryat-charayatah, Mahatita, Nila-vemu, Nila-vembu, Qasabuz-Zarirah.

Parts Used

Leaves and whole plant

Active Compounds

This herb contains two bitter principles:

Ophelic acid, an amorphous bitter principle
chiratin a yellow bitter glucoside

Other constituents are:

resins
gum
carbonates and phosphates of potash
lime and magnesia
ash 4 to 6 p.c.

It contain no tannin.

Remedies For

Action

Bitter tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic, appetizer, laxative,
alterative, antidiarrhoeic and antiperiodic.

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:

• intermittent fevers
• skin diseases
• intestinal worms
• bronchial asthma
• burning of the body
• regulating the bowels

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.

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.

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.