The primary benefit of Shankhpushpi is that it is a brain tonic and improves memory and intellect. Besides that it can be used to treat epilepsy and headache. It also controls vomiting and helps to cure diabetes.
Chirata (Swertia Chirata)
Chirata is a flowering herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of 3 to 4 feet in the northern mountainous region of India and Bhutan. The ancient Vedic text Charaka Samhita mentions about this plant and enlisted its medicinal benefits. It has a bitter, hot and pungent taste. Its scientific name is Swertia Chirata.
Nutritional Value of Chirata (Swertia Chirata)
Chirata is power-packed with a number of ingredients that gives it its benefits. This healthy plant contains antioxidants, alkaloids and glycosides. The type of glycosides present are xanthones, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, chiratanin, xanthone, swertiamarin, amarogentin, chiratol, gentiopicrin, swertanone, swerchirin and certain other compounds
Health Benefits of Chirata (Swertia Chirata)
Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Chirata (Swertia Chirata)
Lowers Fever
Chirata has been seen to reduce fever caused due to cold and flu very efficiently. It also works on malarial fever, hysteria, and convulsions. So the next time you feel unwell and run a temperature try having some chirata extract to get well sooner.
Protects the Liver
Chirata has hepatoprotective properties in abundance. The word hepatoprotective is self-explanatory (Hepato- related to liver + protective). It helps to get rid of toxins from the body and also contributes towards a healthy liver. It also helps in the regeneration of new liver cells.
Anti-parasitic
Chirata helps to eliminate parasites like helminths, roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes from the body. It also helps to heal the symptoms caused due to the parasite invasion in the body. Diarrhea, anemia of the lungs and liver and other such terrible side effects can be treated using chirata.
Skin Care
Chirata is the skins best friend. Their antioxidant property helps clear the skin. It comes handy in treating various skin conditions such as rashes, inflammation, itching, burning sensation, and redness. It can also be diluted by mixing with water and used for cleaning oozing on the skin.
Cures Anaemia
Chirata helps create more blood in the body. Anaemia can be treated using this plant. Anaemic conditions can lead to a list of health problems which can become serious to the extent of being life-threatening. Anaemia is common in women as losing blood is a monthly affair for them. This takes a heavy toll on their body especially during and after pregnancy.
Checks Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that has spread like wildfire due to increased stress, irregular food habits and improper lifestyle of this generation. Chirata helps reduce the amount of sugar present in the blood by stimulating the pancreatic cells to secrete more insulin.
Anti-cancer
Chirata due to the presence of powerful antioxidants prevents the precancerous lesions from progressing and puts a check on cancer. It is most effective in the case of liver cancer. This is one of the most important properties of this plant as the search for remedies for cancer has been a matter of great priority among doctors and scientists.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Chirata (Swertia Chirata)
Chirata is an extremely bitter plant. Some people can’t stand the bitterness and may vomit as an effect of it. While chirata works miracles to lower blood sugar it should be kept in mind that the sugar level does not fall below the desired limit. This shall lead to hypoglycemia which can affect your health badly. Watch out for sudden dizziness, numbness of hand and feet after consuming chirata or its extract.