Monday 23 March 2020

Chirata (swertia)

Swertia is a genus in the gentian family containing plants sometimes referred to as the felworts. Some species bear very showy purple and blue flowers.





What other names is Chirata known by?

Bitter Stick, Bitterstick, Chirayta, Chiretta, Chirette, Chirette des Indes, East Indian Balmony, Genciana de la India, Gentiana chirata, Gentiana chirayita, Indian Bolonong, Indian Gentian, Kairata, Kirata, Swertia chirata, Swertia chirayita, Yin Du Zhang Ya Cai.

What is Chirata?

Chirata is an herb. People use the parts that grow above the ground to make medicine.
Chirata is used for fever, consiption upset stomach , loss of appetite, intestinal worms, skin diseases, and cancer. Some people use it as “a bitter tonic.”
In India, it has been used for malaria, when combined with the seeds of divi-divi (Guilandina bonducella).
In manufacturing, chirata is used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for.

  • Fever.
  • Malaria.
  • Constipation.
  • Worm infestations.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Skin diseases.
  • Cancer.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of chirata for these uses.

Are there safety concerns?

Chirata is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in the amounts found in beverages. However, there isn't enough information available to know if chirata is safe in larger medicinal amounts.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking chirata if you are pregnant or brestfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Diabetes ;  Chirata might lower  blood sugar  levels in some people. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your  blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use chirata as a medicine.
Intestinal (duodenal) ulcers: Chirata can make ulcers in the intestine worse.
Surgery. Chirata might lower blood sugar. In theory, chirata might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using chirata as a medicine at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. 

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