Scientific Name
Swertia cordata (Wall. ex G. Don) C. B. Clarke
Synonyms
Family
Gentianaceae
Local Name
Chirayata
Habit Habitat
An annual erect herb up to 15-80 cm tall, found in temperate and sub-
alpine zones.
alpine zones.
Taxonomic Features
Stem branched, quadrangular. Leaves simple, opposite, heart-shaped sessile, entire. Inflorescence broadly paniculate. Flower actinomorphic, 8mm broad. Calyx and corolla lobes are ovate, acute. Petals-5, white with purple specks with a greenish-yellow spot at base. Fruit a capsule, 6-8mm.
Flowering Fruiting
July-October
Harvesting Time
August-November
Medicinal Value
Used as antibiotic, blood purifier and bitter tonic. The plant is bitter, cooling, anthelmintic, antipyretic, laxative and cures leukoderma, inflammation, ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, leucorrhea, piles, bad taste in mouth, good for vomiting in pregnancy. Locally used in fever, malaria, hysteria, stomach disorders. It has extremely bitter taste used in powder and infusion form. One to half gram is recommended dose.
Parts Used
Whole plant
Future Prospective
Collection, Drying, Packing, Herbal Pharmacy, Allopathic Pharmacy.
Plant Images
Swertia cordata (Wall. ex G. Don) C. B. Clarke