Chitraka for Stomach Pain: Does It Work?
Does Chitraka help with stomach pain? For one pattern, yes: the stomach that aches again and again because digestion is chronically weak. Chitraka (Leadwort) is not a quick fix for a one-off cramp, and it is the wrong herb for burning, acid pain.
Ayurveda calls abdominal pain Shula (Shula), meaning "spear" or "thorn," and traces most stomachaches to indigestion and low digestive fire (Agni). That is exactly where Chitraka works. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 1) calls it one of the best digestive-fire kindling (Deepana) drugs in Ayurveda, and its Sanskrit synonyms, Agni and Jvala, mean "fire" and "flame."
The Astanga Hridaya (Chapter 6) says Chitraka is similar to fire in its digestive action. Home-remedy sources for stomachache use it in a classical mix with Trikatu and Kutki for chronic poor digestion and frequent stomachaches.
The catch is its heat. Chitraka is a very hot herb that increases Pitta, so it suits the heavy, dull, sluggish stomach rather than the burning one.
How Chitraka Helps with Stomach Pain
The Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 26) treats stomach pain as rooted in Vata, the dosha of movement, but the type of pain depends on which dosha provokes it. The heavy, dull, constant ache with nausea, poor appetite and a coated tongue is the Kapha type, and it comes from a sluggish digestive fire that leaves food sitting undigested.
Chitraka is built for that picture. Its taste is pungent and bitter, its qualities dry, light and penetrating, its potency very hot, and its post-digestive effect pungent (Katu Vipaka). It pacifies Kapha and Vata while increasing Pitta and digestive fire. The Sharangadhara Samhita (Purva Khanda, Chapter 4) classifies it as both a fire-kindler (Dipana) and a digester (Pachana).
In practice, that means it does more than warm the stomach. It helps burn through the undigested residue Ayurveda calls Ama, which builds up after long periods of weak digestion. Reference works also list it as carminative, which supports the gas and distention that often come with a sluggish gut.
The same heat is the limit. Burning pain in the upper abdomen, worse on an empty stomach, is the Pitta type, and Chitraka would add fuel to it. Our sources hold no clinical trials of Chitraka for stomach pain.
How to Use Chitraka for Stomach Pain
Chitraka is a small-dose herb, and for stomach pain it is used for recurring pain from weak digestion, not for an acute cramp. Classical practice nearly always combines it with other herbs rather than giving it alone.
The Chronic Indigestion Mix
Home-remedy sources give this blend for chronic poor digestion and frequent stomachaches: one part Trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper and long pepper), two parts Chitraka and one part Kutki. Take a quarter teaspoon before meals with a little honey and fresh ginger juice. If you have no fresh ginger, honey alone works.
| Form | Dose | When | Vehicle (Anupana) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trikatu, Chitraka and Kutki mix (1:2:1) | 1/4 tsp | Before meals | Honey and fresh ginger juice |
| Chitraka root powder | 250 to 500 mg | Before meals | Warm water or honey |
| Chitrakadi Ghrita | As labelled | As directed | Ghee base buffers the heat |
The Vehicle
The vehicle (anupana) is what you take a herb with. Honey and ginger juice suit the heavy Kapha picture and add to the fire-kindling effect.
Duration
Solo Chitraka powder should not run beyond 2 to 3 weeks without supervision. Stay at the low end and do not keep increasing the dose. Heartburn or burning is a sign of too much heat; stop and speak to a practitioner.
Pair it with the everyday basics: eat lightly, eat only when hungry, and wait three to four hours between meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of stomach pain does Chitraka suit?
The heavy, dull, recurring ache of weak digestion, often with poor appetite, nausea and a coated tongue. It does not suit burning pain or acid, because it strongly increases Pitta.
Can I take Chitraka for a sudden stomachache?
It is not the usual choice. For gas and cramping, a pinch of asafoetida in warm water or chewed ajwain are the traditional fast remedies. Chitraka belongs to the chronic indigestion mix taken before meals.
Who must avoid Chitraka?
Never use it in pregnancy, since its very hot nature can cause abortion. Avoid it with urinary tract infections or bleeding disorders, and be cautious if you already run hot. Large doses can be toxic.
Recommended: Start Chitraka for Stomach Pain
If you want to start using Chitraka for recurring stomach pain today, here is the simplest starting point.
Best form: the classical chronic indigestion mix. One part Trikatu, two parts Chitraka root powder and one part Kutki. Combining it with other herbs is how Chitraka is traditionally used, and this blend is the one named for frequent stomachaches.
Kitchen Version
Take a quarter teaspoon of the mix before meals with a little honey and fresh ginger juice. No fresh ginger? Honey alone is fine.
Match It to Your Pain
- Heavy, dull, low appetite (Kapha): this mix is a good fit.
- Burning or acid (Pitta): skip Chitraka and use cumin, coriander and fennel tea instead.
Find Chitraka on Amazon ↗ Trikatu Churna ↗
Safety note: never use Chitraka in pregnancy, and avoid it with urinary tract infections or bleeding disorders. Severe, sudden or worsening pain needs a doctor first.
Safety & Precautions
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.
Other Herbs for Stomach Pain
See all herbs for stomach pain on the Stomach Pain page.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
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
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
), 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)
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)
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.