Information and Overview about Ayurvedic Herbals - Details of their Properties, Usage, Benefits and Availability

Ayurvedic Herbal Information About Chirayata : Its Origins, Properties, Usage and Health Benefits

Chirayata, Kirata-tikta, Kiryat-charayatah Bhunimba, Bhuchiretta, Charayatah, Chiretta, Chiraita, Indian Gentian, Jwaran- thakah, Kirata, kiraita, Kiriath, Kiriyattu, Kiryat-charayatah, Mahatita, Nila-vemu, Nila-vembu, Qasabuz-Zarirah

Action:
Bitter tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic, appetizer, laxative, alterative, antidiarrhoeic and antiperiodic.

Action & Uses in Ayurveda and Siddha:
Tikta-rasam, metha veeryam, lagu, ruksham. In sannipatham, swasam, kasam, raktadosham, trishna sodham, kushtam, jwaram, krimi

Action & Uses in Unani:
Tonic to heart, liver and eyes, resolvent, drying, astringent, liquifying, balgham, cough, scanty urine, melancholia, dropsy, sciatia, skin diseases.

According to G. K. Nair and M. Mohanan, authors of "Medicinal Plants of India, " this herb is an excellent drug for:
- intermittent fevers
- skin diseases
- intestinal worms
- bronchial asthma
- burning of the body
- regulating the bowels

An infusion of the herb made in hot water with aromatics like cloves, cinnamon etc. is given in doses of half to one fluid ounce. Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe this infusion in doses of two ounces twice a day before meals as a tonic to check hiccup and vomiting.

This herb is indigenous to temperate Himalayas at altitudes above 4000 feet from Kashmir, Nepal and Bhutan. It is sometimes found in other parts or India. Tinnevelly 'nilavembu' is the best form of the herb.

- An infusion of the herb is generally employed. It is also given as tincture.
- Its decoction is not recommended.
- The root is taken in doses of 5 to 30 grains with honey.
- This herb is used as part of many compound remedies.

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