Description and Composition
Chirayata, also known as Indian gentian is a robust annual herb which grows upto about 1.5 meters in height. It has leaves in opposite pairs about 10 cms long, without stalks, pointed at the tip. The plant has numerous flowers, pale green in colour, tinged with purple, with long white or pink hairs and minute sharp pointed fruits. The whole plant, collected in its flowering stage and dried, constitutes the
drug. The trade name chirayata is based on the local name of the plant. It has long been used by the Aurvedic physicians as a bitter tonic.
The plant contains a bitter glycoside chiratin, which yields on hydrolysis, two bitter principles, ophelic acid and chiratin. The latter is soluble in water. The ophelic acid is a brown hydroscopic substance which is soluble in water and alcohol. It also contains resin, tannin and 4 to 8 per cent of ash.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
Chirayata is a valuable bitter tonic. It is laxative and an appetizer. It also corrects the disordered process of nutrition and restores the normal function of the system.
Fevers
Chirayata is an effective drug for reducing
fevers
. It is specially beneficial in the treatment of malarial
fevers. It is also effective in hysteria and convulsions.
Stomach Disorders
The herb is an excellent drug for strengthening the
stomach and promoting its action. It is used in the treatment of dyspepsia and
diarrhoea.
Intestinal Worms
Chirayata possesses anthelmintic, that is, worms destroying, properties and is used in killing intestinal worms. An infusion of the herb is taken for this purpose.
General Debility
It serves as an effective tonic in case of general weakness and during convalescence. The infusion of the plant can be taken in doses of 60 ml or 4 tablespoons twice a day, before meals.
Preparation and Doses: The herb is used in the form of an infusion or tincture. The infusion is prepared in hot water with aromatics like
cloves and
cinnamon. It is generally taken in doses of 15 to 30 ml or 1 to 2 tablespoons.
Other Uses
Hiccups: The root of the plant is useful in checking hiccups and
vomiting. It is taken in doses of 0.5 to 2 grams with honey.