Chiretta
Swertia chirayita

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Swertia chirayita is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Pastures and slopes in the Himalayas to 3,000 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 3

Chiretta is a traditional Ayurvedic herb. A strongly bitter tonic it is an excellent remedy for a weak stomach, especially when this gives rise to nausea, indigestion and bloating, and it has also been shown to protect the liver. It is perhaps best known in India as the main ingredient in mahasudarshana churna, a remedy containing more than 50 herbs. The plant has an interesting chemistry, similar in many respects to Gentiana lutea, a widely used restorative tonic of the digestive system. It also contains xanthones, which are reputedly effective against malaria and tuberculosis, and also amarogentin, a glycoside that may protect the liver against carbon tetrachloride poisoning. The whole plant is an extremely bitter tonic digestive herb that lowers fevers and is stimulant. The herb has a beneficial effect on the liver, promoting the flow of bile, it also cures constipation and is useful for treating dyspepsia. The plant is harvested when the seed is setting and then dried for later use.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).

Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in a moist humus-rich soil in damp light woodlands, streamsides or the bog garden. Grows best in areas with cool summers. Succeeds in full sun or partial shade. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in temperatures not exceeding 10°c in a humus-rich medium. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Do not exceed recommended dose.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gentiana chirayita Roxb. ex Fleming. Ophelia chirata