Benefits of Chirata (Swertia Chirata) And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Jul 15, 2020
Chirata is a herbaceous plant. The plant parts that grow above the ground is used by the people to make medicines. Chirata is helpful in treating fever, upset stomach, constipation, anorexia (appetite loss), skin diseases, intestinal worms and cancer. It is also used as a bitter tonic by a few people as it is helpful in stimulating appetite. Chirata is also used in the manufacturing of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Chirata (Swertia Chirata)
Chirata is a flowering herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of 3 to 4 feet in the northern mountainous region of India and Bhutan. The ancient Vedic text Charaka Samhita mentions about this plant and enlisted its medicinal benefits. It has a bitter, hot and pungent taste. Its scientific name is Swertia Chirata.
Nutritional Value of Chirata
Chirata is power-packed with a number of ingredients that gives it its benefits. This healthy plant contains antioxidants, alkaloids and glycosides. The type of glycosides present are xanthones, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, chiratanin, xanthone, swertiamarin, amarogentin, chiratol, gentiopicrin, swertanone, swerchirin and certain other compounds
Health Benefits of Chirata
Lowers Fever
Protects the Liver
Chirata has hepatoprotective properties in abundance. The word hepatoprotective is self-explanatory (Hepato- related to liver + protective). It helps to get rid of toxins from the body and also contributes towards a healthy liver. It also helps in the regeneration of new liver cells.
Anti-parasitic
Skin Care
Cures Anaemia
Chirata helps create more blood in the body. Anaemia can be treated using this plant. Anaemic conditions can lead to a list of health problems which can become serious to the extent of being life threatening. Anaemia is common in women as losing blood is a monthly affair for them. This takes a heavy toll on their body especially during and after pregnancy.
Checks Diabetes
Anti-cancer
Chirata due to the presence of powerful antioxidants prevents the precancerous lesions from progressing and puts a check on cancer. It is most effective in case of liver cancer. This is one of the most important properties of this plant as the search of remedies for cancer has been a matter of great priority among doctors and scientists.
Side-Effects of Chirata
Chirata is an extremely bitter plant. Some people can’t stand the bitterness and may vomit as an effect of it. While chirata works miracles to lower blood sugar it should be kept in mind that the sugar level does not fall below the desired limit. This shall lead to hypoglycaemia which can affect your health badly. Watch out for sudden dizziness, numbness of hand and feet after consuming chirata or its extract.
References
- Saha P, Das S. Highlighting the anti-carcinogenic potential of an ayurvedic medicinal plant, Swertia Chirata. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2010 Jan 1;11(6):1445-9. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Jauhari N, Bharadvaja N, Sharma N. Swertia chirata: A Comprehensive Review with Recent Advances. Current pharmaceutical biotechnology. 2017 Jul 1;18(9):730-9. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Negi JS, Singh P, Rawat B. Chemical constituents and biological importance of Swertia: a review. Curr Res Chem. 2011;3(1):1-5. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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