Family Name: Gentianaceae
Botanical Name(s): Swertia chirata
Popular Name(s): Kirata-tikta, Kiryat-charayatah, Bhunimba,
Bhuchiretta, Charayatah, Chiretta, Chiraita, Indian Gentian, Kiriath,
Kiriyattu, Kiryat Charayatah, Mahatita, Nila-vembu, Qasabuz-Zarirah
Parts Used: The complete plant
Habitat: Chirayata is widely found in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
Description: Chirayata has erect stems which grows about 2-3 ft
long. Its stems are orange brown or purplish in colour and contain large
continuous yellowish pith. Its root is simple, stout, short, about 7 cm
long and usually half an inch thick. The tiny flowers are green-yellow
in colour. The fruits are small, one-celled capsule with a transparent
yellowish pericarp.
Uses: Chirayata is bitter in taste. Chirayata is used as a
stomachic, laxative, febrifuge and anthelmintic substance. It is used to
cure intermittent fevers, bronchial asthma, skin diseases and to
regulate the bowels.
