Chirata
Chirata
Chirata is a popular medicinal herb native to high altitude regions of the sub-temperate Himalayas ranging from Himalayas to Bhutan. It has a bitter taste and each part of the plant has health benefits.
Chirata helps in weight loss as it increases metabolism and helps in burning more calories. It is also beneficial in managing diabetes by increasing insulin secretion and reduces oxidative stress in diabetic patients due to its high antioxidant activity. Chirata also plays a beneficial role in kidneys as it helps prevent stone formation due to its diuretic property. It also protects the kidney from damage by free radicals due to the presence of certain bioactive compounds. As per Ayurveda, taking Chirata water two times a day helps manage fever due to its Jvarghana (antipyretic) property.
Chirata is useful in managing skin problems including acne. Applying the paste of Chirata powder along with honey reduces the redness and inflammation and prevent infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chirata powder with coconut oil helps manage wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) and Pitta balancing properties in Ayurveda.
Chirata reduces blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is recommended that diabetic patients taking antidiabetic medicines should monitor their glucose levels when consuming Chitara[2][3][9][14][16][17].
Chirata helps in weight loss as it increases metabolism and helps in burning more calories. It is also beneficial in managing diabetes by increasing insulin secretion and reduces oxidative stress in diabetic patients due to its high antioxidant activity. Chirata also plays a beneficial role in kidneys as it helps prevent stone formation due to its diuretic property. It also protects the kidney from damage by free radicals due to the presence of certain bioactive compounds. As per Ayurveda, taking Chirata water two times a day helps manage fever due to its Jvarghana (antipyretic) property.
Chirata is useful in managing skin problems including acne. Applying the paste of Chirata powder along with honey reduces the redness and inflammation and prevent infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chirata powder with coconut oil helps manage wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) and Pitta balancing properties in Ayurveda.
Chirata reduces blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is recommended that diabetic patients taking antidiabetic medicines should monitor their glucose levels when consuming Chitara[2][3][9][14][16][17].
What are the synonyms of Chirata?
Swertia chirata, Kirataka, Bhunimba, Kiratatiktaka, Chirta, Chirata, Chireta, Kariyatu, Kariyatun, Nalebevu, Chirata Kaddi, Chirayat, Chiraita, Nelaveppu, Kirayathu, Nilamakanjiram, Kiraita, Kaduchiraita, Chireita, Chiretta, Nilavembu, Nelavemu, Kirata[1].
What is the source of Chirata?
Plant Based
Benefits of Chirata
Modern Science View
Chirata might be useful in managing the symptoms of Malaria as it contains certain constituents that have antimalarial properties. It might help inhibit the growth of malarial parasites. Chirata also has an antipyretic activity that helps manage malarial fever by reducing the elevated body temperature[2][15].
Ayurvedic View
Chirata is a well known Ayurvedic herb which is used to manage the symptoms of Malaria. In Ayurveda, Malaria fever is known as Vishamajwara (intermittent fever). Clinical features of Vishamajwara (Malaria) are fever with irregular onset and remission, excessive thirst, heaviness in the body, generalized body pain, headache and rigors. Taking Chirata helps to reduce the symptoms of Vishamajvara (Malaria) because of its Jvaraghna (antipyretic) and antimalarial properties.
Tip to make Chirata decoction at home to manage the symptoms of Malaria:
1. Take raw or dried Chirata (whole plant).
2. Boil it in 1 cup of water till it is reduced to 1/4th of its original quantity.
3. Filter this water and drink 3-4 teaspoons of it twice a day after meals to help manage the symptoms of Malaria.
Tip to make Chirata decoction at home to manage the symptoms of Malaria:
1. Take raw or dried Chirata (whole plant).
2. Boil it in 1 cup of water till it is reduced to 1/4th of its original quantity.
3. Filter this water and drink 3-4 teaspoons of it twice a day after meals to help manage the symptoms of Malaria.
Modern Science View
Chirata might help control constipation due to its strong laxative property. It acts as a natural laxative and helps promote bowel movement which eases excretion of stool from the body[5-6].
Ayurvedic View
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. This can be due to frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress, or depression. All these factors aggravate Vata and Pitta leading to constipation. Chirata eases bowel movement and helps in the removal of waste products from the body due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tip to make Chirata decoction at home to get relief from constipation-
1. Take raw or dry chirata (whole plant).
2. Boil it in 1 cup of water till it is reduced to 1/4th of its original quantity.
3. Filter this water and drink 3-4 teaspoons of it twice a day after meals to get rid of constipation.
Tip to make Chirata decoction at home to get relief from constipation-
1. Take raw or dry chirata (whole plant).
2. Boil it in 1 cup of water till it is reduced to 1/4th of its original quantity.
3. Filter this water and drink 3-4 teaspoons of it twice a day after meals to get rid of constipation.
Modern Science View
Chirata might lower the risk of parasitic Worm infestations due to its anthelmintic property. It suppresses the activity of parasites and helps in their removal from the body[2][7].
Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, worms are called Krimi. They grow in the intestine and cause harm to the body. Taking Chirata powder helps manage Worm infestation due to its Krimighna (anti-worm) property. It helps destroy the conditions that are ideal for the growth of these parasites and aids in their removal from the digestive tract.
Tip to use Chirata to manage Worm infestation-
1. Take 1-3 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Chirata powder.
2. Mix it with jaggery to reduce its bitter taste.
3. Swallow it with water once or twice a day to get rid of the parasitic worms and manage an infestation.
Tip to use Chirata to manage Worm infestation-
1. Take 1-3 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Chirata powder.
2. Mix it with jaggery to reduce its bitter taste.
3. Swallow it with water once or twice a day to get rid of the parasitic worms and manage an infestation.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Chirata might help manage appetite. It works as an appetite stimulant and helps improve digestion[9].
Modern Science View
Certain constituents present in Chirata might help manage the symptoms of an Upset stomach like acidity or flatulence. It helps improve digestion and strengthens the stomach, thereby providing relief from an Upset stomach[12].
How effective is Chirata?
Insufficient evidence
Appetite stimulant, Constipation, Malaria, Stomach upset, Worm infections
Precautions when using Chirata
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
Chirata is found to interfere with blood sugar levels during surgery. So, it is generally advisable not to use Chirata at least 2 weeks before surgery[4].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Chirata during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Chirata may lower blood sugar levels. So it is generally advisable to monitor your blood glucose levels while taking Chirata with antidiabetic drugs[4].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Chirata in patients with heart disease.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Chirata during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Dizziness.
2. Numbness in hands.
2. Numbness in hands.
Recommended Dosage of Chirata
- Chirata Powder - 1-3 gm twice a day or as directed by the doctor.
- Chirata Tablet - 1 tablet twice a day or as directed by the doctor.
- Chirata Capsule - 1 capsule a day or as directed by a physician.
How to use Chirata
1. Chirata powder
a. Take 1-3 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Chirata powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water once or twice a day.
c. Consume it daily to manage worm infestations.
2. Chirata Decoction
a. Take raw or dried Chirata (whole plant).
b. Boil it in 1 cup of water till it is reduced to 1/4th of its original quantity.
c. Filter this water and drink 3-4 teaspoons of it twice a day.
d. Consume it daily to get relief from constipation.
3. Chirata Tablets
a. Take 1 tablet a day or as directed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
4. Chirata Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule a day or as directed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
c. Consume it daily for blood purification.
a. Take 1-3 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Chirata powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water once or twice a day.
c. Consume it daily to manage worm infestations.
2. Chirata Decoction
a. Take raw or dried Chirata (whole plant).
b. Boil it in 1 cup of water till it is reduced to 1/4th of its original quantity.
c. Filter this water and drink 3-4 teaspoons of it twice a day.
d. Consume it daily to get relief from constipation.
3. Chirata Tablets
a. Take 1 tablet a day or as directed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
4. Chirata Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule a day or as directed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
c. Consume it daily for blood purification.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Chirata powder should be stored in clean, dry and sterile conditions[13].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chirata can be consumed on a daily basis until the symptoms disappear. Chirata powder along with the Lukewarm water can be consumed to manage certain infections. However, it is advisable to consult a physician before taking Chirata for long term use.
Ayurvedic View
Chirata is commonly available in the market in various forms such as powder, capsules and Kwath as well. However, 1-3g of Chirata powder twice a day is taken to control diabetes or as per directed by your doctor.
Modern Science View
Scientific name of Chirata is Swertia chirata, Kirataka.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Kumar V, Staden JV. A Review of Swertia chirayita (Gentianaceae) as a Traditional Medicinal Plant.Front Pharmacol. 2015; 6:308.
- Tabassum S, Mahmood S, Hanif J.An Overview of Medicinal Importance of SWERTIA lCHIRAYITA.International Journal of Applied Science and Technology.201;2(1):298-304.
- WebMD.Chirata: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Morais TC, Lopes SC, Martins KM , et al. Mangiferin, a natural xanthone, accelerates gastrointestinal transit in mice involving cholinergic mechanism.World J Gastroenterol.2012;18 (25):3207-3214.
- Negi JS, Singh P, Rawat B.Chemical constituent and Biological Importance of Swertia: A Review.2011;3(1):1-15.
- Iqbal Z,Lateef M, Khan MN et al.. Anthelmintic activity of Swertia chirata against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep.2006;77(6): 463-465.
- Khan HJ, Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA.Evaluation of Anti-proliferative and antioxidant activity of Swertia chirata : IMplications in breast cancer.International Journal of Research and Development in Pharmacy and LIfe Sciences.2016;6(1):2493-2501.
- Aleem A, Kabir H.Review on Swertia Chirata as traditional uses to its phytochemistry and pharmacological activity.2018;8(5-s):73-78.
- Saxena AM , Bajpai MB, Mukherjee SK, et al.Mechanism of blood sugar lowering by Swerchirin - containing hexane fraction (SWI) of Swertia chirayita.Indian Journal of Experimental Biology.1993;31(2):178-181.
- Imran M, Arshad MS, Butt MS, et al.Mangiferin:a natural miracle bioactive compound against lifestyle related disorders.2017;16(84):1-17.
- Kumar KP, Bhowmik D, Chairanjib, et al.Swertia chirata : A traditional herb and its medicinal uses.Journal of chemical and pharmaceutical research.2010;2(1):262-266.
- Nayak K, Vailanka MS, Sheeba E.Antibacterial activity of different extracts of medicinal plant Swertia Chirata. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences.2015;4(7): 889-897.
- Haq MD. Medicinal Importance of Swertia Chirayita in Unani system of medicine.International Journal of Unani and Integrative medicine.2018;2(2):47-51.
- Panda AK,Nandy A, Tripathy PC.Clinical evaluation of Swertia chirata for the treatment of P. Vivax malaria.Phytomedica.2004;5(1):15-18.
- Bhowmik P.Anti-diabetic potential of crude extracts of medicinal plants used as substitutes for Swertia chirayita using in vitro assays. Botanica Orientalis – Journal of Plant Science.2010;7:48-55.
- Parmar RK, Kachchi NR, Tirgar P et.al.Preclinical evaluation of antiurolithiatic activity of Swertia chirata stems. Int Res J Pharm.2012;8: 18-202.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.