Botanical Overview
Swertia chirata, commonly known as Chirata or Indian gentian, belongs to the Gentianaceae family. This medicinal herb is native to the Indian subcontinent, Himalayas, and parts of Southeast Asia. The whole plant and aerial parts are traditionally used for their medicinal properties.
Energetics
This herb is characterized by a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality. It possesses a distinctly bitter taste and acts as a tonifying agent primarily influencing the qi aspect of the body.
Primary Actions
- Bitter tonic
- Antipyretic
- Hepatoprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Digestive upset
- Loss of appetite
- Liver dysfunction
- Skin infections
Syndromes
- Febrile conditions
- Dyspepsia
- Hepatitis
- Jaundice
TCM
- Heat signs
- Fever
- Thirst
- Bitter taste in mouth
Syndromes
- Damp-heat
- Toxic heat
- Liver yang rising
Ayurveda
- Fever
- Indigestion
- Liver disorders
- Skin diseases
Syndromes
- Pitta imbalance
- Ama accumulation
- Fevers
- Jaundice
Unani
- Fever
- Digestive disturbances
- Hepatic ailments
Syndromes
- Balgham dominance
- Hot diseases
- Liver disorders
Constituents & Mechanisms
Swertia chirata contains bitter glycosides such as swertiamarin and amarogentin, iridoids, and xanthones which contribute to its hepatoprotective, antipyretic, and antimicrobial actions.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction 2-4 g 2-3 times daily
- Powder 1-3 g 2 times daily
- Extract standardized to bitter glycosides 250 mg 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe with appropriate use. Avoid use during pregnancy and with caution during lactation due to limited safety data. May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant known drug interactions but caution advised with antipyretic and hepatic medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No verified planetary or elemental rulers documented in the available authoritative sources.
Selected References
- Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Swertia chirata – Singh et al., 2014
- Swertia chirata (Chirata): Edible & Medicinal Uses – PFAF Database
- Gentian and Gentian-like Herbs – Bisset & Wichtl, 2004
- Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Swertia chirata – Khan et al., 2017