Overview
Chirata is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. Found in Himalayas at 1200-2400m. Whole plant used. Widely used as bitter tonic and febrifuge. Often adulterated. Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) is the most common substitute.
How Chirata Helps with Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Chirata has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter) — extremely bitter
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu, Ruksha
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Tikta (bitter) — extremely bitter
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Ruksha
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Key Constituents
- C₁₃H₂₀O₁₀ (Chiratin (C₅₂H₅₆O₂₃), Ophelic acid)
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: किरातक्त, भूनिम्ब, कैरात, अनार्यतिक्ता
Hindi: चिरायता, किरायता
Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: Pregnancy; high vata
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
Other Herbs for Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.