Winter marks a significant rise in different types of flu and feverish conditions accompanied with cough, cold, sore throat, headache etc. According to Ayurveda, the holistic science of healing, the Vata Doshas pertain to regulating the overall immunity of the body. Due to the varying levels of ojas (i.e. immunity) in every individual, people having a poor balance of ojas easily falls prey to the common cold virus. Although people go for modern medications, there are many who prefer the natural way and believe it or not a good boost to the immune system using herbs can really alleviate all sorts of infections and feverish symptoms and promote overall health and wellness. Well, one such incredible herb known for its bitter taste that mimics the properties and therapeutic efficacies of neem and kalmegh is chirata.

What Is Chirata?

Chirata is a popular ayurvedic herb that is chiefly found growing in the sub-temperate regions of the Himalayas ranging from India to Bhutan. Known for its characteristic bitter taste, it goes by the scientific name Swertia chirata. It usually has a height of 3-4 feet and has greenish-yellow flowers with a purplish tinge. Imbued with powerful antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vermicidal, hepatoprotective, laxative, hypoglycaemic, digestive, and cholagogue properties, chirata is extensively used for combatting against various infections, promoting liver functions, enhancing appetite, boosting digestion, improving metabolism, treating skin diseases, facilitating weight loss and more.

Common Names Of Chirata

This bitter-tasting herb is known by different names in different parts of the world including Bitter stick, East Indian Balmony, Genciana de la India, Gentiana chirata, Chirette des Indes, Indian Bolonong, Indian Gentian, Swertia chirata, Swertia chirayita.
In the Indian subcontinent, this herb goes by the names Kirataka, Kiratatiktaka, Chirta, Chirata, Chireta, Kariyatu, Kaddi, Chirayat, Chiraita, Nelaveppu, Nelavemu, Kariyatun, Nalebevu, Bhunimba, Chirata, Kirayathu, Nilamakanjiram, Kiraita, Kaduchiraita, Chireita, Chiretta, Kirata.