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Swertia Chirata Powder (Chirayta, Bitter Stick Herb)
Swertia Chirata Powder (Chirayta, Bitter Stick Herb)
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What is Swertia Chirata Powder?
Swertia chirata, known as Chirayta or Chiretta in India and Kiratatikta in Ayurveda, is a bitter herb of the Himalayan hills. The plant is a slender annual with a purple-tinged stem, and the whole plant is dried for use. This powder is made from the dried stems and leaves, sun-dried and finely ground, with no fillers and no additives.
In Ayurveda it is one of the best-known bitter herbs, described as a light, dry and cooling herb. It is taken in very small amounts as a simple powder with warm water. It is very bitter, so a little goes a long way.
Ayurvedic Profile
| Ayurvedic quality | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ayurvedic names | Kiratatikta, Bhunimba |
| Part used | Whole plant (stems and leaves) |
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (bitter) |
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Sheeta (cooling) |
| Vipaka (after digestion) | Katu |
| Doshas | Balances Kapha and Pitta. Vata types go gently. |
| Traditional preparation | Churna (powder) with warm water, in small amounts |
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Swertia Chirata Cut Form (Chirayta bitter sticks)
Who Commonly Uses this Herb?
- People who follow an Ayurvedic daily routine
- Those who like traditional bitter herbs
- Kapha and Pitta constitutions, in traditional practice
How to Use & Dosage
- Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon (about 1 to 2 g) of Swertia chirata powder once a day. Please do not take more than ½ teaspoon a day.
- Stir it into a glass of warm water and drink it after a meal.
- If you are new to this herb, start with ¼ teaspoon for the first week and see how you feel.
- It is very bitter. Drinking it quickly in warm water is the easiest way.
Precautions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Anyone who takes regular medicines
- Anyone with a medical condition
- Children under 12, unless a practitioner advises otherwise
- Anyone with surgery planned in the next 2 weeks
- Anyone with an allergy to this plant or to plants in the gentian family
Stop and see a doctor if you feel dizzy, shaky or faint, or if you notice nausea, a numb feeling, a rash or any new symptom. This herb is a traditional addition to a healthy routine and does not replace any medicine your doctor has prescribed.
Product Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Swertia chirata (syn. Swertia chirayita) |
| Common Names | Chirayta, Chiretta, Kiratatikta, Bhunimba, East Indian gentian, Bitter stick herb |
| Form | Fine herb powder |
| Processing | Sun-dried and finely ground. No fillers or additives |
| Taste | Bitter, with a strong bitter fragrance |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from packaging |
| Storage | Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight |
| Packaging | Hygienically packed |
| Available Sizes | 200 g, 400 g, 800 g, 1 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chirayta?
Chirayta (Chiretta) is the Hindi name of Swertia chirata, called Kiratatikta in Ayurveda. It is a bitter Himalayan herb, and the whole dried plant is used.
How do I take Chirayta powder?
Stir ¼ to ½ teaspoon (about 1 to 2 g) into a glass of warm water and drink it once a day after a meal. Start with ¼ teaspoon if you are new to it.
What does it taste like?
It is very bitter, with a strong bitter fragrance. That is why it is called a bitter herb.
What part of the plant is in this powder?
The dried stems and leaves. Nothing else is added.
Can I take it every day, or with other medicines?
Many people take it once a day as part of an Ayurvedic routine. If you take regular medicines or have a medical condition, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Gentle Herbal Reminder
Herbs are traditionally taken as part of a steady daily routine. Be patient, be consistent, and listen to your body.
Important Note
COA: Available on request (chargeable).
Customs Delay: Delivery may be affected if the parcel is held at customs for inspection.
Read more: Our blog post on Swertia chirata (Chirayta)
Not sure which herb suits you?
Every body is different. What suits a friend may not suit you, especially if you take medicines or have a health condition. Our Certified Naturopath can look at your routine and your goals and help you choose the right herbs.
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