Found in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, this herb called Chirata or bitter stick is highly endangered on the planet. It grows in cold mountainous regions and has purple colored flowers. If we look into its vegetation areas, it is usually seen at an altitude of 1200 to 2100 meters between Kashmir and Bhutan. The books with ancient theories on the human body system, like Charaka Samhita, count this herb with numerous health benefits and healing properties.
Today, many people use modern medications, but many still consider the Vedic system of human health treatment. Believe it or not, these herbs are a great boost to the immune system and help in alleviating different sorts of infections, promoting overall well-being.
What Is Chirata?
Growing 0.5-1.5 metres above ground in mountainous regions, the chirata herb has several properties that help prevent diseases. From ancient times to the professional Ayurvedic doctors of modern age. Chirata is often used in manufacturing medicines for different uses. It has properties such as:
- Antiinflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antioxidant
- Antipyretic, etc.
Generally, Chirata is used to make medicines for several chronic health problems. With different names around the world, Chirata is also known as “Nepali Neem” as it commonly grows in the forests of Nepal.
Common Names Of Chirata
Chirata is known by several names across the different regions. Some of the names that are commonly known are:
- Scientific Name: Swertia chirayita
- Other names: Kirataka, Kiratatiktaka, Chirta, Chirata, Chireta, Kariyatu, Kaddi, Chirayat, Chiraita, Nelaveppu, Nelavemu, Kariyatun, Nalebevu, Bhunimba, Chirata, Kirayathu, Nilamakanjiram, Kiraita, Kaduchiraita, Chireita, Chiretta, Kirata.
Ayurvedic Properties of Chirata
Botanically known as Swertia Chirayita, it is a well-known bitter herb registered in the textbooks of Ayurveda. It generally has properties such as fever-reducing, digestive, and detoxifying. Some of its properties are:
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Tikta Rasa (Bitter Taste)
This is what it tastes like when you touch chirata with your tongue. Its bitter taste reduces body heat and dries out excess moisture. Along with this, it is widely used to kill the worms and microbes from the body, helping in detoxifying the blood and tissues.
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Guna (Qualities)
The physical qualities of chirats are remarked as Lahgu (light) and Ruskha (dry). It is light on digestion and improves sluggish digestion. Chirata also absorbs excess fat, oil, and moisturiser, for which it has a dry nature. For excess Kapha, heaviness, metabolism, etc., Chirata is one of the best herbs.
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Virya- Sheeta (Potency- Cooling)
The overall cooling effect after intake of this herb means:
- Reduces Internal Heat
- Reduces Inflammation
- Helps with fever or burning sensation
Chirata does not create a heat effect as other spicy herbs do; it cools down while cleansing.
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Dosha Effect (Balancing Pitta & Kapha)
For all three doshas, Chirats is observed to reduce Pitta and Kapha, while it may increase Vata if it is overused.
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Reduces Pitta (Heat/Fire)
Helps with fever, anger, inflammation, etc.
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Reduce Kapha (Mucus/Water)
Helps with heaviness, congestion, or slow digestion
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May increase Vata
As it is dry and light
Ayurvedic Indications Of Chirata
In Ayurveda, Chirata is highly valued for its medicinal and functional properties. Some of them are:
- Bitter Taste (Tikta)
- Digestive & Appetizer
- Blood Purifying
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Fever Reducing
- Antioxidants
- Cooling Nature
Biochemical Constituents Of Chirata
What is the source of Chirata?
Chirata has a plant-based source found in Northern India, like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. It can also be seen in parts of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. They prefer cool climates, moist and forested slopes with a height of 0.5 to 1.5 meters.
To get chirata, one needs to visit the places mentioned above, or can easily get it in dried-bundled form from the herb market. It is plucked, dried, and stored to be sold in parts of the world. Due to high demands and overharvesting, the wild population of such plants has declined in some regions, so emphasis is placed on sustainable harvesting practices.
How to Use Chirata
Consuming chirata can be highly beneficial for your health. But it depends on factors like age, severity, or the condition of the patient. It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic expert to get the right amount to be consumed and extract maximum benefits from the dosage taken. Some of the common ways to consume Chirata are:
1. Chirata Powder:
You can consume chirata in powder form, 1-3 grams, before consuming the meals. It can be consumed with water or honey to overpower its bitter taste.
2. Chirata Decoction:
The decoction or kadha is great to get relief from abdominal issues like constipation. To make the decoction:
- Use raw or dried chirata
- Boil it in a cup of water and reduce it to 1/4th.
- Now, strain it and drink 3-4 teaspoons twice a day.
- Consume it daily to get the best results.
3. Chirata Tablets:
Consume tablets as directed by a physician. The safe amounts are 1 tablet, once or twice a day, swallowed with water. Now, keep in mind to consult a doctor for better results and avoid any side effects.
Benefits of Chirata
Chirata herb has several health benefits, which is why this herb is so commonly used in manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines. Here are some of the most common benefits of the chirata herb:
1. Chirata for Diabetes
While diabetes is one of the major concerns growing worldwide, people are experimenting with several modern medicines and drugs to combat it. Though it can be dangeruous for long run, Ayurveda offers holistic care to give long-term relief. Similarly, a herb called chirata is widely used in Ayurvedic medicines to control the blood sugar levels in the human body. The researchers have found that more insulin is secreted from pancreatic cells with the use of chirata, hence, lowering the blood sugar.
2. Chirata for Liver
With numerous functions throughout the body, the liver is one of the most important organs involved in digestion. Chirata herb can protect the liver from various disorders and help restore its health. It also has antioxidant properties and safeguards the liver from hepatitis and its destruction to the body. But it is advised to consult an expert before you replace any liver medicines with the chirata herb.
3. Chirata for Fever
Chirata has been used since ancient times to treat conditions like fever or its symptoms. In several studies on animals, it has been discovered that chirata has the potential to reduce temperature to a significant level, as compared to modern medications like paracetamol.
4. Chirata for Anemia
Anemia, the lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the body, can lead to symptoms like fatigue or weakness. Today’s treatment involves supplements or a diet that is rich in iron, but the traditional system of medicine has amazing herbs to resolve the condition of anemia. Chirata significantly improves the condition of anemia by increasing the production of RBC or hemoglobin. Though studies still need to confirm the efficiency of the chirata herb in the treatment of iron deficiency.
5. Chirata for Malaria
Studies found that chirata is capable of reducing the symptoms of malaria, caused by a type of mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include fever, fatigue, low cell count, etc., which can be highly dangerous. India records several deaths per year due to malaria. Therefore, the chirata herb in the form of powder or tablets has shown results in reducing the danger of malaria within a week without showing any side effects.
6. Chirata for Cancer
Life-threatening issues like cancer have affected several people. These people adopt several modern therapies and medicines. Our ancient Ayurvedic system still believes in the power of nature in combating cancer diseases. Cancer cells increase at multiple speeds in the human body, and it has been found that the chirata herb reduces their growth. Also, it helps relieve its other symptoms to some extent. Though there is no human study completed on this but chirata herb is also efficient in reducing skin cancer cells.
7. Chirata for Stomach Issues
For people suffering from stomach issues like constipation, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, chirata can be beneficial. The properties of chirata help to secrete the digestive juices in the stomach and liver, which ultimately enhances the digestion process. Therefore, chirata strengthens the lining of the abdomen, improving digestion.
8. Chirata for Skin Disorders
Chirata has blood-purifying and antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for addressing skin issues. If you face skin problems like acne, rashes, or eczema, this herb can help you feel better. The compounds present in it heal the wounds and reduce inflammation. Generally, it is consumed orally or applied as a paste, but ask a doctor before using.
Side Effects of Chirata
Chirata is a safe herb that has no major side effects usually. But apart from its traditional medicinal uses, it can react with some human bodies, causing health issues. Some of the side effects are:
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advised not to consume it. Though not enough studies have been done yet, it is advised to avoid them.
- As chirata is given to diabetic patients to control the excess sugar levels. If you consume any medicines or suffer from low sugar levels in the body, try avoiding them to safeguard yourself from complications.
- You may feel nauseous or experience vomiting due to its bitter taste.
- If surgery is planned, avoid consuming chirata as it can interfere with your sugar levels.
- If you face any digestive issues, it's better to take advice from a doctor before consuming.
Conclusion
Chirata is an amazing herb found in the traditional Ayurvedic health care system that contains several benefits. It is an excellent herb that works in several health conditions and is usually used to manufacture Ayurvedic medicines. To add Chirata to your diet or routine, Dr. Sharda Ayurveda recommends that you consult an expert doctor. For more information or any health knowledge, you can contact Dr. Sharda Ayurveda through online consultation or a visit.
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