The herb chitraka or chitrak belongs to the family of Plumbaginaceae and has the scientific name Plumbago zeylanica. This is also known as Leadwort and grows in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Texts of Ayurveda describe three varieties of this plant. They are white, red, and blue. White and red varieties are best for medicinal use.
The roots of this plant are used for therapeutical purposes in Ayurveda. These roots are highly heat-generating. There are incidences, where while harvesting they have burnt the palms of the harvester.
The benefits and Uses of Chitrak are as follows.
Helps in the Management of Liver Health
This herb is known for its liver health-boosting properties. The roots of this plant stimulate the liver and help it to expel toxins accumulated in it. Hence this is recommended for liver detox. This herb also improves “agni” or body fire. When Agni is improved the metabolism gets boosted and it metabolizes the accumulated fat too. Hence this herb is recommended by ayurvedic physicians for fatty liver. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to reduce inflammation or swelling in the liver.
This is used along with other liver-protective herbs like Rohitaka, Punarnava, Chitraka, Giloy (amruta), Brungaraj ( brunga), katurohini and bhumyamalakai, it helps to metabolize fat accumulated in the liver and reverse the condition fatty liver. The best ayurvedic medicine for liver detox – Livobeam Capsules- ayurvedic medicine for liver detox and fatty liver contains all these herbs. This herb is also an ingredient in Obenil – ayurvedic capsules for weight loss
Improves Digestion
This herb is administered for conditions like indigestion, loss of appetite, and sluggish digestion. It breaks the body toxin ama and expels it. It improves appetite and eases digestion. The other signs of indigestions like bloating, flatulence, pain in the stomach, etc also get relieved. It helps to ease the bowel movement and relieve constipation. This herb is widely used in the treatment of IBS or irritable Bowel Syndrome. Chitraka helps to expel intestinal parasites too.
Helps in weight management.
Obesity occurs when there is an imbalance of Kapha dosha, Vata dosha, and medha dhatu ( body tissue). Since chitraka helps to balance all three, it helps in the treatment of obesity to cause weight reduction. Various studies have shown that this herb helps to reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Another benefit of this herb is it helps the body to absorb excess water and dry up fat tissues.
Helps to control blood sugar levels in diabetes
Much research has shown that this herb help to stimulate the secretion of insulin. It also helps in the management of obesity. When both these causative factors are addressed, the blood sugar levels can be brought under control. The herb chitraka act on these triggering factors and helps the body to manage diabetes.
Helps men to gain stamina and energy
This herb plays a very important role in expelling toxins from the body. When body toxins are eliminated, the body recovers and rejuvenates. A toxin-free body quickly absorbs nutrients and gains stamina and energy. This herb is used as a body detox for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and male infertility.
Other Health Benefits
Chitraka helps to solve the skin issues like vitiligo, warts, and chronic wounds. Ayurvedic preparations made out of this herb are administered externally and internally to address these skin conditions.
It is the most-wanted herb to treat painful hemorrhoids.
Since it balances Kapha dosha and vata dosha, it helps in respiratory conditions like colds, coughs, asthma, and bronchitis.
Caution to use this herb
This herb when used in excess may cause burning of the tongue, throat, and stomach. Hence always consult an Ayurvedic physician before using this herb.
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