Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent, bitter
- Quality (Guna)
- Dry, light, penetrating
- Potency (Virya)
- Very hot
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent
- Dosha Effect
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- Key Constituents
- Naphthalene derivatives Plumbagin, chitranone, zeylinon Triterpenes Lupeol, lupenyl Amino acids (Williamson 2002)
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: चित्रक, अग्नि, वह्नि, ज्वालक, दहन, पावक, अनल
Hindi: चीता, चित्रक - Dhatu
- Plasma, blood, bone, reproductive
- Srotas
- Digestive, nerve, reproductive
What is Chitraka?
If your digestion feels cold, slow and heavy, and the usual kitchen spices have stopped making a difference, Ayurveda has a herb it treats with real respect: Chitraka. Its Sanskrit synonyms say it plainly. It is called Agni (fire), Vahni (fire), Jvala (flame), Dahana (burner) and Anala (fire), all names that point to its power to rekindle the digestive fire (Agni).
In English it is known as Leadwort or White Leadwort, botanically Plumbago zeylanica, and in Hindi as Chita. The name Chitraka means "the spotted one," perhaps a nod to the spotted leopard, which catches its prey quickly just as chitraka is said to act quickly against disease.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it one of the best digestive-fire kindling (Deepana) drugs in Ayurveda, and the root is the part used. It is also a very hot-natured herb, so the classical advice is to use it sparingly. Think of it as a precise tool for cold, sluggish digestion rather than an everyday supplement.
Benefits of Chitraka
Chitraka's uses all flow from one dominant trait: it is pungent and bitter in taste (Katu, Tikta Rasa), very hot in potency (Ushna Virya), and dry, light and penetrating in quality. Those properties make it a strong balancer of Kapha and Vata, while it increases Pitta.
Digestion and Appetite
This is chitraka's home ground. The Sharangadhara Samhita describes it as both a digestive-fire kindler (Dipana) and a digestive (Pachana), meaning it both wakes up the appetite and helps break down what you eat.
Ayurvedic practitioners reach for it in indigestion, loss of appetite, gas and bloating, stomach pain and spastic colon. It is also described as absorbent (Grahi), which explains its traditional use in diarrhea and sprue.
Chitraka (leadwort) is similar to fire in digesting things and cures dropsy, haemorrhoids, worms and skin diseases.
Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa
Hemorrhoids
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists chitraka as a destroyer of hemorrhoids (Arshoghna). In Ayurvedic thinking, many piles start with weak digestion, so a herb that restores the digestive fire addresses the root. See hemorrhoids and piles for the wider picture.
Swelling and Fluid Retention
The Astanga Hridaya names dropsy among the conditions chitraka cures, and the Charaka Samhita includes it in several recipes in its chapter on edema treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa). Its dry, hot nature works against the heavy, wet quality of Kapha-type edema and swelling.
Worms and Parasites
Chitraka is classed as anthelmintic (Krimighna), and its traditional actions include antiseptic and antiparasitic effects. It is used for parasites and worms.
Skin Conditions
Classical texts call it a remedy for skin diseases (Kushtha hara). Applied externally as a paste, it was traditionally used to open abscesses and for ulcers and skin disorders.
Joints and Liver
Chitraka is traditionally indicated for rheumatism, joint pain and arthritis, and it is regarded as one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for increasing the digestive power of the liver. It is linked with liver disorders and anemia in our knowledge graph, and the Sharangadhara Samhita includes it in Mandura Vataka, a pill for jaundice.
Varieties
| Variety | Region | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shveta Chitraka (White) | ||
| Rakta Chitraka (Red) | ||
| Neela Chitraka (Blue) |
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
How to Use Chitraka
Chitraka is a small-dose herb. The root is used, and it comes as a powder, pills, paste and tincture. Classical texts nearly always combine it with other herbs rather than giving it alone.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root powder | 250 to 500 mg | Low appetite, slow digestion, gas | Before meals, with warm water or honey |
| Pills and classical formulas | As labelled | Ongoing digestive support | As directed by a practitioner |
| Paste (external) | Small area only | Abscesses, skin conditions | Applied to the affected spot |
| Tincture of root bark | As directed | Intermittent fevers (traditional use) | Under supervision |
Combinations in the Classical Texts
The Sharangadhara Samhita lists chitraka in Vyoshadi Churna alongside Trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper), Triphala and Vidanga. The Astanga Hridaya groups it with ginger and long pepper in the pungent group known as Panchakola.
For a gentler option, Chitrakadi Ghrita carries chitraka in a ghee base.
Keep the Dose Small
Large doses can be toxic, so stay at the low end and do not keep increasing it. If you feel heartburn or burning, that is a sign of too much heat; stop and speak to a practitioner.
Safety & Side Effects
Chitraka is safe only when you respect its heat. It is a very hot herb that increases Pitta, so the main rule is simple: use it in small doses.
Do Not Use
- During pregnancy. Because of its very hot nature, it can cause abortion.
- With urinary tract infections.
- With bleeding disorders.
Dose Caution
Large doses can be toxic. Typical powder doses are 250 to 500 mg. Exceeding that without guidance is not advised.
Signs You Are Overdoing It
Since chitraka raises Pitta, signs of excess heat such as burning, acidity or irritation mean you should stop. People who already run hot should be particularly cautious.
No specific drug interactions are recorded in our sources. If you take prescription medicines, check with your doctor before starting.
Recommended: Start Here
If your digestion is cold and sluggish, with low appetite, heaviness after meals and gas, the simplest way to start with chitraka is a small dose of root powder before meals.
Start here: 250 mg of chitraka root powder with warm water or a little honey before your main meal. Stay at that dose and see how your appetite and digestion respond over a couple of weeks.
Prefer something gentler? Look for Chitrakadi Ghrita, which carries chitraka in a ghee base, or a classical digestive formula that includes it.
Find Chitraka Root Powder on Amazon ↗ Chitraka Capsules ↗ Chitrakadi Ghrita ↗
Safety note: never use chitraka during pregnancy, with urinary tract infections or with bleeding disorders, and keep the dose small. Large doses can be toxic.
Chitraka vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Chitraka is often compared with other pungent digestive herbs. Here is how it stacks up against the ones it appears alongside in the classical texts.
| Comparison | Chitraka | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chitraka vs Ginger | Very hot, dry, penetrating; one of the strongest digestive-fire kindlers | A familiar kitchen spice that also appears with chitraka in Panchakola and Trikatu | Start with ginger for everyday digestion. Choose chitraka only when digestion is deeply cold and slow, and in small doses. |
| Chitraka vs Pippali (Long Pepper) | Used mainly for digestion, hemorrhoids, worms and skin | Pungent partner in Trikatu and Panchakola | Classical texts pair them rather than pick between them. Pippali is commonly taken as part of Trikatu; chitraka adds more heat. |
| Chitraka vs Danti | Not a purgative | Similar in taste, but a purgative | The Astanga Hridaya makes this exact point. Choose chitraka to kindle digestion; Danti is for clearing the bowels. |
| Chitraka vs Trikatu | A single, very hot herb | A three-pepper blend of ginger, black pepper and long pepper | Trikatu is the broader, more commonly used digestive blend. The Sharangadhara Samhita combines both in Vyoshadi Churna. |
Chitraka for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Do not use chitraka during pregnancy. Its very hot nature can cause abortion. Our sources do not address nursing, so the safe course is to avoid it while breastfeeding unless a qualified practitioner advises otherwise.
Children
Our sources give no child dosing. Given how hot and potent this herb is, and that large doses can be toxic, do not give it to children without the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Elderly
Older adults with weak, cold digestion and low appetite fit the Vata and Kapha pattern chitraka is used for. Keep to the low end of the 250 to 500 mg range, and avoid it if you have bleeding disorders or urinary tract infections.
Athletes
Our sources do not describe any specific use for athletes. If you train hard and run hot, remember chitraka increases Pitta; it is not a performance herb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chitraka called in English?
Chitraka is known as Leadwort or White Leadwort, botanically Plumbago zeylanica. In Hindi it is called Chita or Chitrak. The Sanskrit name means "the spotted one."
Which part of the plant is used?
The root is the part used medicinally. It is prepared as a powder, pills, paste or tincture of the root bark.
Why is chitraka called Agni?
Agni means fire, and chitraka has many fire-related Sanskrit names such as Vahni, Jvala and Anala. They reflect its very hot nature and its reputation as one of the best herbs for kindling the digestive fire.
Is chitraka toxic?
It can be in large doses. That is why the classical advice is to use it sparingly, typically 250 to 500 mg of powder, and to avoid it in pregnancy, urinary tract infections and bleeding disorders.
Can chitraka be used on the skin?
Traditionally, yes. As an external paste it was used to open abscesses and for skin diseases and ulcers. Because it is caustic, apply it only to a small area and under guidance.
How to Use Chitraka by Condition
Explore how Chitraka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya
च को अि न समः पाके शोफाशः कृ मकु ठहा Chitraka (leadwort) is similar to fire in digesting thing and cures dropsy, haemorrhoids, worms and leprosy (and othe skin diseases).
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food
Example – द ती रसा यै तु या प च क य वरे चनी मधुक य च म ृ वीका, घ ृतं ीर य द पनम ् Danti and Chitraka – Though Danti – Baliospermum montanum is identical with Chitraka (plumbago zeylanica) in respect of Rasa (taste) etc, Danti is a purgative while Chitraka is not.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9: Dravyadi Vigyaniya
Katu Gana – group of pungents:कटुको ह गु म रचकृ मिजत प चकोलकम ् कुठे रा या ह रतकाः प तं मू म करम ् Hingu- Asa foetida Maricha – Black pepper, Krimijit – Vidanga, Panchakola – Chitraka, Pippalmoola, Pippali, Chitraka and ginger, leafy vegetables such as Kutheraka and others (mentioned in verse 103 of chapter 6 earlier), Pitta (bile of animals), Mutra (urines), Arushkara etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
21-24 योषकटवीवरा श ु वड गा त वषाि थराः ह गुस ौवचलाजाजीयवानीधा य च काः नशी ब ृह यौ हपुषा पाठामूलं च के बुकात ् एषां चूण मधु घ ृतं तैलं च सदशांशकम ् स तु भः षोडशगुणैयु तं पीतं नहि त तत ् अ त थौ या दकान ् सवा ोगान यां च त वधान ् ोगकामलाि व वासकासगल हान ् बु मेधा म ृ तकरं स न या ने च द पनम ् Powder of Vyosha- (Trikatu – pepper, long pepper and ginger), Katvi, Vara (Triphala), Shigru (drum stick), Vidanga (False black pepper – Embelia ribes), Ativisha, Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum), Hingu – (A
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 14: Dvividha Upakramaneeya
For preparing Teekshna Kshara – alkali of strong potency the admixture should be similar to that of previous – alkali of medium potency and also the paste of Langalika, Danti, Chitraka, Ativisha, Vacha, Svarjika, Kanakaksiri, Hingu, sprouts of Putika, Talapatri and Bida salt and alkali prepared as usual and used after a lapse of seven days.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 30: Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 6, Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 14, Ch. 30
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
च को अि न समः पाके शोफाशः कृ मकु ठहा Chitraka (leadwort) is similar to fire in digesting thing and cures dropsy, haemorrhoids, worms and leprosy (and othe skin diseases).
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Example – द ती रसा यै तु या प च क य वरे चनी मधुक य च म ृ वीका, घ ृतं ीर य द पनम ् Danti and Chitraka – Though Danti – Baliospermum montanum is identical with Chitraka (plumbago zeylanica) in respect of Rasa (taste) etc, Danti is a purgative while Chitraka is not.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya
Katu Gana – group of pungents:कटुको ह गु म रचकृ मिजत प चकोलकम ् कुठे रा या ह रतकाः प तं मू म करम ् Hingu- Asa foetida Maricha – Black pepper, Krimijit – Vidanga, Panchakola – Chitraka, Pippalmoola, Pippali, Chitraka and ginger, leafy vegetables such as Kutheraka and others (mentioned in verse 103 of chapter 6 earlier), Pitta (bile of animals), Mutra (urines), Arushkara etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
21-24 योषकटवीवरा श ु वड गा त वषाि थराः ह गुस ौवचलाजाजीयवानीधा य च काः नशी ब ृह यौ हपुषा पाठामूलं च के बुकात ् एषां चूण मधु घ ृतं तैलं च सदशांशकम ् स तु भः षोडशगुणैयु तं पीतं नहि त तत ् अ त थौ या दकान ् सवा ोगान यां च त वधान ् ोगकामलाि व वासकासगल हान ् बु मेधा म ृ तकरं स न या ने च द पनम ् Powder of Vyosha- (Trikatu – pepper, long pepper and ginger), Katvi, Vara (Triphala), Shigru (drum stick), Vidanga (False black pepper – Embelia ribes), Ativisha, Sthira (Desmodium gangeticum), Hingu – (A
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dvividha Upakramaneeya
For preparing Teekshna Kshara – alkali of strong potency the admixture should be similar to that of previous – alkali of medium potency and also the paste of Langalika, Danti, Chitraka, Ativisha, Vacha, Svarjika, Kanakaksiri, Hingu, sprouts of Putika, Talapatri and Bida salt and alkali prepared as usual and used after a lapse of seven days.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food; Dravyadi Vigyaniya; Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their; Dvividha Upakramaneeya; Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
References in Charaka Samhita
), chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
280 Kg of gandeera, bhallataka, chitraka, trikatu, vidnaga, kantakari and brihati and add 1.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
024 Kg natural-mastu (prepared by adding water in curd), 4 kg of sugar-candy and put in a pitcher lined with paste of chitraka and pippali and leave this pot at a high-open place for 10 days for fermentation to prepare arishta.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Make a decoction of 120 gm each of two types of punarnavā, balā, pāṭhā, dantī, guḍūchī, chitraka, kantakāri and triphalā by adding water (about 4.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Make decoction from the coarse powder of 160 gm each of triphala, ajawan, chitraka, pippali, iron bhasma and vidanga.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) is both Dipana and Pachana.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
Vyoshadi Churna: Vyosha (Trikatu — dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper), Triphala (three myrobalans), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Chavya (Piper retrofractum), and Pippalimula (root of Piper longum) — these should be prepared as a powder.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
— Chitraka, Trivrit, Danti, and Tejohva each one Pala separately;
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
— Musali (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), each eight parts separately.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Mandura Vataka [for Kamala/jaundice and related conditions]: Triphala, Trikatu (Trishosana — dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper), Chavya (Piper retrofractum), Pippalimula (root of long pepper), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Daru (Cedrus deodara), Attvika Dhatu, Tvak (cinnamon), Darvi (Berberis aristata), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), and Vidanga (Embelia ribes) —.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Ghee with trivrit (Operculina), indra-yava, chitraka, and danti paste, finely powdered with trikatu.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
A medicated ghee (Ghrita) cooked with Pippali, Ativisha, Draksha, Sariva, Bilva, Chandana, Katuka, Indrayava, Ushira, Simhi, Amalaki, Ghana, Trayamana, Asthira, Dhatri, Vishva-bheshaja, and Chitraka -- when consumed, conquers irregular digestion, chronic fever, headache, abdominal tumors, splenic disease, anemia, fear, cough with burning, and flank pain.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
PANCHATIKTA GHRITA (Five-bitter Ghee): Triphala, Chitraka, Musta, Haridra (turmeric), Ativisha, Vacha, Vidanga, Trikatu, Chavya, and Suradaru -- prepared with Panchagavya (five cow products), this destroys irregular fever.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
PARISARPA-JVARA GHRITA: Prepared with Triphala, Ushira, Shampaka, Katuka, Ativisha, Ghana, Shatavari, Saptaparni, Guduchi, Neem, Chitraka, Trivrit, Murva, Patola, Arishta, Balaka, Kirata-tikta, Vacha, Vishala, Padmaka, Utpala, Sariva, Yashtya-hvva, Vikara, Raktachandana, Duralabha, Parpataka, Trayamana, Aturushaka, Rasna, Kudu, Kumanjishtha, Pippali, Nagara, and Dhatri-phala juice -- this ghee eliminates spreading fever, dyspnea, tumors, and skin diseases.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
Musta, tejovati, patha, katphala, katuka, vacha, mustard, pippali root, pippali, saindhava salt, agni (chitraka), tuttha (copper sulfate), karanja seeds, salt, and bhadradaru — a decoction made from these should be used for gargling (kavala).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 24: Chapter 24
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.