Photo: Prasanths / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Chiraita चिरायता
Swertia chirata
Also known as: Chirayata
Part used: Whole Plant, Plant
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Sheeta (Cold) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Pitta |
| Prabhava | Jwaraghna (Anti-pyretic) |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Swertia chirata
- Part used: Whole Plant, Plant
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Pitta
- Typical dose: Powder: 1-3g.
Chiraita in other languages
Introduction
Chiraita (Swertia chirata) is an intensely bitter herb sourced from the high altitudes of the Himalayas. It is a premier detoxifying and fever-reducing herb in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.
Classification
Belonging to the Gentianaceae family, Chiraita is grouped under the Tikta Skandha (bitter group) by Charaka. It is found in the Haritakyadi Varga of Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
Uses & benefits
Classically indicated for chronic and intermittent fevers (including malaria), liver disorders, skin diseases, and blood purification. It strongly stimulates liver function and digestion.
Chiraita for fever and immunity
A potent bitter tonic, Chiraita is traditionally used to manage chronic fevers and malaria. It cleanses the blood and strengthens the immune response.
Chiraita for liver health
It stimulates liver function, helping in the management of jaundice and general sluggishness of the digestive system.
Dosage — how much to take
Powder: 1-3g. Decoction: 20-30ml as prescribed.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Chiraita?
The citations held for Chiraita in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 4 — Tiktaskandha); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga — Kiratatikta).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Chiraita?
Grouped with the bitter drugs used in fever and liver disorders. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Tiktaskandha.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Chiraita?
Tikta rasa, sheeta virya; jwaraghna and used in kamala. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga — Kiratatikta.
What is Chiraita traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Classically indicated for chronic and intermittent fevers (including malaria), liver disorders, skin diseases, and blood purification. It strongly stimulates liver function and digestion.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Chiraita?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Sheeta (Cold), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Pitta. Prabhava: Jwaraghna (Anti-pyretic).
Why is Chiraita classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Chiraita carries Sheeta (Cold) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Pitta.
Which part of Chiraita is used medicinally?
The part used is Whole Plant, Plant.
How much Chiraita is taken, and how?
Powder: 1-3g. Decoction: 20-30ml as prescribed. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Chiraita be avoided?
Due to its extreme bitterness and cold, dry nature, it can aggravate Vata if used in excess. Best avoided during pregnancy and by those with severe Vata disorders (like high anxiety or dryness).
Where does Chiraita grow?
Native to the temperate Himalayas, found at altitudes between 1200m and 3000m.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga — Kiratatikta
Tikta rasa, sheeta virya; jwaraghna and used in kamala. - Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Tiktaskandha
Grouped with the bitter drugs used in fever and liver disorders. - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Kiratatikta
Whole plant of Swertia chirata; identity and dose.
Safety & precautions
Due to its extreme bitterness and cold, dry nature, it can aggravate Vata if used in excess. Best avoided during pregnancy and by those with severe Vata disorders (like high anxiety or dryness).
Where it grows
Native to the temperate Himalayas, found at altitudes between 1200m and 3000m.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Chiraita so bitter?
Its intense Tikta (bitter) rasa is the source of its Pitta and Kapha pacifying properties, essential for detoxifying the blood and liver.
