This article is reviewed by an expert
Swertia Chirata, commonly known as Chirata or Nepali Neem, is a potent Ayurvedic herb known for its bitter tonic properties. Its digestive, hepatic, and tonic properties help treat numerous health conditions (1).
Let’s find out more about Chirata and its benefits in this article.
Ayurvedic Properties of Chirata (1)
According to Ayurveda, Chirata is bitter (Tikta) in taste and exhibits cooling (Sheeta), easily digestible (Laghu) and dry (Ruksha) properties. It is an incredible medicinal herb with numerous health benefits and uses.
The Many Benefits & Uses of Chirata (2)
Blood Sugar Levels
Primary Benefits: Chirata has been found to be effective in regulating blood sugar levels, making it an excellent herb for diabetes.
Secondary Benefits: Chirata can be a safe alternative to other medications that can cause hypoglycemia due to excessive dosage.
Digestion and Nausea
Primary Benefits: Chirata is highly beneficial in promoting digestion. Its astringent flavour stimulates the production of saliva and gastric enzymes, which helps to cure bloating, hiccups, and nausea. In addition, Chirata also encourages the secretion of bile which promotes digestion as well as improves appetite.
Secondary Benefits: Apart from alleviating nausea, Chirata can also help treat dyspepsia, diarrhoea, and constipation, by boosting digestion.
Fever
Primary Benefits: Chirata contains xanthones which makes it an effective drug for reducing fever.
Secondary Benefits: Chirata is, therefore, supposedly effective against malaria and tuberculosis, as well as hysteria and convulsion.
Intestinal Worms
Primary Benefits: Chirata possesses potent anthelmintic or worm-destroying properties. It is, therefore, one of the best herbs to kill intestinal worms.
Secondary Benefits: As such, it helps prevent malnutrition, anaemia, and other digestive issues caused by intestinal worms.
Dosage of Chirata (2)
It’s important to use the correct dosage of Chirata to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Typically, an infusion of the herb is used, but it may also be given as a tincture. A dose of 5 to 30 grains of its root with honey is usually recommended. However, it’s suggested to avoid taking the decoction form of Chirata.
Keep in mind that Chirata is often used as part of many compound remedies, so it’s essential to consult with an Ayurvedic doctor before taking it.
Side Effects & Cautions (2)
Chirata is generally safe to use, and there are no major side effects of taking this herb. However, if you have gastric or duodenal ulcers, it is recommended to avoid using Chirata to prevent any possible aggravation of these conditions.
The Final Takeaway
Chirata is a potent Ayurvedic herb that offers numerous health benefits and uses. It is beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels, improving digestion, reducing fevers, and destroying intestinal worms.
However, it is important to use the correct dosage of Chirata and consult with an Ayurvedic doctor before taking it.
References
- https://rjpponline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacognosy%20and%20Phytochemistry;PID=2013-5-4-7
- https://www.jocpr.com/articles/swertia-chirata–a-traditional-herb-and-its-medicinal-uses.pdf
