Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Tikta (bitter) — extremely bitter
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Ruksha
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Key Constituents
- C₁₃H₂₀O₁₀ (Chiratin (C₅₂H₅₆O₂₃), Ophelic acid)
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: किरातक्त, भूनिम्ब, कैरात, अनार्यतिक्ता
Hindi: चिरायता, किरायता
What is Chirata / Kiratakta?
Found in Himalayas at 1200-2400m. Whole plant used. Widely used as bitter tonic and febrifuge. Often adulterated. Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) is the most common substitute.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Jwara hara (antipyretic)
- Deepana, Pachana
- Krimighna
- Kushtha hara
- Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
- Pitta-Kapha Shamaka
- Prameha hara (anti-diabetic)
- Daha hara
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.