Swertia Chirata is an annual herb found in Himalayan parts of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Several other varieties of this plant is found in China. Please note that Swertia Augustiflia, English name: two leaved Chirata is also known as Mitha Chirata In India.
| Andrographis paniculata is many times confused with swertia chirata in Ayurvedic literature, but both are different plants.
| Swertia Chirata is an annual herb. It grows to about 5 feet in height. The leaves are oval, pointed and lanceolet. The flowers are greenish white. The fruits are tiny capsules.
Usage:
The plant contains an alkaloid Chiretta. The plant has a bitter taste. Chiretta is useful in treatment of fevers of different types, also, it is useful in curing indigestion. All five parts of the plant, the root, bark, leaves, flowers and fruits are useful as Ayurvedic medicine.
