Photo: Lalithamba from India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Chitraka चित्रक
Plumbago zeylanica · Plumbaginaceae
Also known as: Chitrak, Ceylon Leadwort, Chitrak Mool, Chitrak Mool Chhal
Part used: Root
Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) is a shrub whose root is Ayurveda's strongest digestive stimulant. Classical texts call it the foremost Deepana drug — the one that kindles digestive fire most powerfully. It is used for very low appetite, piles and oedema, and is potent enough to require purification before use.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Plumbago zeylanica
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Purified root powder 0.5–1 g within compound formulas; not for high-dose self-use.
Chitraka in other languages
Introduction
Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) is Ayurveda's premier Agni-kindling herb — its root is the strongest classical stimulant of the digestive fire, used for weak digestion, Ama and metabolic sluggishness.
Classification
Of the Plumbaginaceae family, Chitraka heads the Deepana (Agni-kindling) dravyas. Its pungent taste, sharp penetrating quality and strong heating potency burn Ama and clear Vata-Kapha; it is the base of Chitrakadi Vati.
Uses & benefits
Chitraka is the strongest of the Deepana drugs — the classical texts call it the kindler of Agni. It is used in loss of appetite, sluggish digestion and abdominal heaviness, and in Arshas (piles) where digestion is the underlying problem. Because it is sharply heating it is used in small doses and rarely alone.
Chitraka for digestive fire
The classical Agni-deepana drug above all others. Used where appetite and digestion have failed rather than merely slowed.
Chitraka for piles
A principal Arshas drug, the lead ingredient of Chitrakadi Vati, addressing the sluggish digestion that underlies the condition.
Chitraka for oedema
Named in Shotha, used where fluid accumulates alongside weak digestion.
Chitraka for enlarged spleen and liver
Used in Pliha and Yakrit enlargement, always within compounds and at small dose.
Chitraka for worms
A Krimighna drug, its sharpness being the traditional basis for expelling intestinal parasites.
Chitraka for skin disease
Applied externally in chronic skin conditions and vitiligo — the root paste is a counter-irritant and must be used carefully.
Chitraka for rheumatic pain
Used in Amavata, where its heat is directed at pain with stiffness and poor digestion together.
Chitraka in Panchakola
One of the five pungent digestive drugs, contributing the strongest Deepana action of the group.
Chitraka for absorption
Improves the assimilation of the drugs alongside it, which is why it appears in so many compound formulations.
Chitraka in Chitrakadi Vati
The lead drug of the classical digestive tablet used for appetite, bloating and irregular bowel habit.
Dosage — how much to take
Purified root powder 0.5–1 g within compound formulas; not for high-dose self-use. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
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 Chitraka?
The citations held for Chitraka in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Deepaniya context); Sharangdhara Samhita (Chitrakadi Vati).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Chitraka?
Cited among the strongest Agni-kindlers. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Deepaniya context.
What does the Sharangdhara Samhita record about Chitraka?
Base of the classical digestive formula. Reference: Sharangdhara Samhita — Chitrakadi Vati.
What is Chitraka traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Chitraka is the strongest of the Deepana drugs — the classical texts call it the kindler of Agni. It is used in loss of appetite, sluggish digestion and abdominal heaviness, and in Arshas (piles) where digestion is the underlying problem. Because it is sharply heating it is used in small doses and rarely alone.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Chitraka?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Chitraka classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Chitraka carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Chitraka is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Chitraka is taken, and how?
Purified root powder 0.5–1 g within compound formulas; not for high-dose self-use. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Chitraka be avoided?
Potent and heating; use only in small, purified doses. Avoid in pregnancy, high Pitta, ulcers and bleeding. Use under guidance.
Where does Chitraka grow?
Chitraka is a perennial shrub with slender branches, found across the plains and lower hills of India and grown in gardens.
Classical references
- Sharangdhara Samhita — Chitrakadi Vati
Base of the classical digestive formula. - Charaka Samhita — Deepaniya context
Cited among the strongest Agni-kindlers.
Modern research
-
Phytochemistry and pharmacological studies of Plumbago zeylanica L.: a medicinal plant review
(see source). Clinical Phytoscience (2021)
A review of Plumbago zeylanica (Chitraka) documenting its digestive-stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and plumbagin-related pharmacology.
View study doi:10.1186/s40816-021-00271-7
Safety & precautions
Potent and heating; use only in small, purified doses. Avoid in pregnancy, high Pitta, ulcers and bleeding. Use under guidance.
Where it grows
Chitraka is a perennial shrub with slender branches, found across the plains and lower hills of India and grown in gardens.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chitraka used for?
Chitraka is the strongest classical digestive stimulant, used for very low appetite, piles, oedema, enlarged liver and spleen, and worms. It is potent and is given in small doses within compounds such as Chitrakadi Vati.
Does Chitraka need purification before use?
Yes. The raw root is irritant and classical practice requires Shodhana — traditionally soaking in lime water — before internal use. Only purified material from a licensed manufacturer should be taken.
What is the dose of Chitraka?
Purified root powder 500 mg – 1 g per day, within a compound. This is a small dose by Ayurvedic standards and reflects the drug's potency — it is not a herb to take freely.
Who should not take Chitraka?
Avoid in pregnancy — it has a documented abortifacient reputation. Avoid in hyperacidity, peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease and any bleeding condition. Not for children or for self-medication.
Can Chitraka be applied to the skin?
The root paste is used externally in chronic skin disease and vitiligo, but it is a strong counter-irritant that blisters skin if left too long. Use only under a physician's direction and never on broken skin.
What is Chitraka called in Hindi?
Chitrak. In English it is Ceylon leadwort or white leadwort. A red-flowered variety, Plumbago rosea, is also used and is considered stronger still.
Why is Chitraka in so many formulations?
Because it improves the digestion and assimilation of whatever accompanies it. Classical formulation logic uses it as much to make the other drugs work as for its own action.
