Uses
Edible uses
There are no edible uses listed for Swertia chirayita.
Material uses
There are no material uses listed for Swertia chirayita.
Chiretta is a traditional Ayurvedic herb. A strongly bitter tonic it is an excellent remedy for a weak stomach, especially when this gives rise to nausea, indigestion and bloating, and it has also been shown to protect the liver
[1]. It is perhaps best known in India as the main ingredient in mahasudarshana churna, a remedy containing more than 50 herbs
[1]. The plant has an interesting chemistry, similar in many respects to Gentiana lutea, a widely used restorative tonic of the digestive system
[2]. It also contains xanthones, which are reputedly effective against malaria and tuberculosis, and also amarogentin, a glycoside that may protect the liver against carbon tetrachloride poisoning
[2].
The whole plant is an extremely bitter tonic digestive herb that lowers fevers and is stimulant
[3][2]. The herb has a beneficial effect on the liver, promoting the flow of bile, it also cures constipation and is useful for treating dyspepsia
[4][2]. The plant is harvested when the seed is setting and then dried for later use
[4].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in temperatures not exceeding 10°c in a humus-rich medium
[5]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Swertia chirayita. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Succeeds in a moist humus-rich soil in damp light woodlands, streamsides or the bog garden
[5]. Grows best in areas with cool summers
[5]. Succeeds in full sun or partial shade
[2].
Plants are hardy to at least -15°c
[2].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Swertia chirayita. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Swertia chirayita.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Swertia chirayita
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
References
-
? 1.01.11.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
-
? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
-
? 3.03.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
-
? 4.04.14.2 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
-
? 5.05.15.25.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
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