Swertia chirata

Description

An annual herb. The stems are robust and branching. They become angular towards the top of the stems. The stems contain a large pith. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and have short stalks. The flowers are in large panicles. They are greenish yellow with a purple tinge. The fruit are egg shaped capsules. They have many sides and sharp points. The seeds are smooth and many angled.

Edible Uses

Extracts of the plant are used to flavour both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The leaves are also used for flavouring and medicine.

Traditional Uses

Extracts of the plant are used to flavour drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The plant is used in medicine to reduce fevers.

Known Hazards

Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant. In Sikkim it grows between 1,500-2,500 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim,

Notes

It is used in medicine. It reduces fevers.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Chiraita, Chirauto, Chirayata, Chirayta

References (6)

• Aryal, K. P., et al, 2018, Diversity and use of wild and non-cultivated edible plants in the Western Himalaya. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2018) 14:10
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 119
• J. D. Hooker, Fl. Brit. India 4:124. 1883
• Kumar, R. & Saikia, P., 2020, Wild edible plants of Jharkhand and their utilitarian perspectives. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol 19 (2), April 2020, pp 237-250
• Sundriyal, M., et al, 1998, Wild edibles and other useful plants from the Sikkim Himalaya, India. Oecologia Montana 7:43-54

More from Gentianaceae

Gentiana scabra

Japanese Gentian

Gentiana scabra buergeri - (Miq.)Maxim.

Gentiana scabra var. buergeri

Rindo

Gentiana szechenyii

Gentiana thunbergii

Gentiana tianschanica