Chirata: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Gentian (Gentiana sp.), known in Sanskrit as Kirata, Katuki, or Trayamana (several bitter herbs are used almost as equivalents), is a classic bitter herb of worldwide usage and a typical bitter tonic. Its energetics are bitter with a cooling virya and pungent vipaka, reducing Pitta and Kapha while potentially aggravating Vata. Its actions include bitter tonic, antipyretic, alterative, antibacterial, anthelmintic, and laxative properties, working on plasma, blood, muscle, and fat tissues through the circulatory and digestive systems.

Like most bitter herbs, gentian destroys Ama in fever and inflammation. It is a strong herb for sedating hyperactivity of the liver and spleen, and it heals genital area sores and infections. It is good for ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. It is considered one of the best anti-Pitta herbs.

For reducing fever it may be given with equal amounts of dry ginger or black pepper. For regulating liver-spleen function it combines well with aloe vera. Key indications include fever, debility after fevers, jaundice, hepatitis, enlargement of liver and spleen, genital herpes, acne, rash, obesity, ulcers, venereal sores, diabetes, and cancer. Those with general debility, nervousness, muscle spasms, or high Vata should use caution.

• Raktados• a: Cures impurities of the blood
• Tr.: s.n.a-śodhana Relieves thirst
• Kus• t• am: Used in skin diseases
• Jvarahara: Alleviates fever
• Kr.: mināśaka Anthelmintic
• Biomedical: Bitter tonic, febrifuge, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, alterative, cholagogue, vermifuge

Contraindications: Pregnancy; high vata

Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.

Dosage: 250mg–3g per day or 3–10ml per day of a 1:5 @ 25% tincture.

Combinations:

• Cardamom, turmeric, kutki for GIT inflammation.
• Neem, manjishtha, gotu kola for skin problems.
• Ginger in fevers. Chapter 6 PLANT PROFILES