Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) comes in a herbal jam form. It is particularly significant in treating respiratory anomalies including cough, cold, difficulty breathing (dyspnoea), asthma and chronic rhinitis. It also aids in the management of intestinal worm infestation, bloating, constipation, and improved digestion.
Chitrak root helps in diabetes management. Its anti-diabetic and antioxidant qualities increase insulin secretion, which reduces blood glucose levels. Additionally, chintrak lowers triglyceride and blood cholesterol levels, which aids with weight loss.
Description
Chitrak is an herbaceous plant that grows upright, climbs, and has many stems. Its stems are glabrous. This plant can reach a height of three to four feet. The leaves are oval, lance-elliptic, thick, meaty, sessile, and have hairy edges. They measure 4 cm in length. The leaf’s apex is either acute or obtuse, with an attenuate base.
Botanical Name:
Plumbago zeylanica
Family:
Plumbaginaceae
Leaves:
Oval, dark green, up to 6 inches long and half that width The leaves have oblong, lance-elliptic, or spatulate to oblanceolate blades and can be petiolate (having a stalk) or sessile (without having a stalk). There may be hair on the leaf margins.
Flowers:
Beautiful white blooms that are produced all year long in dense racemes, or elongated clusters.Each blossom have a diameter of around ½ inch, or little more than 1 cm.
Roots:
When fresh, the interior is light colored; when dried, it turns reddish brown. The root’s outer layer is striated and dark.
Habitat:
Plumbago zeylanica grows in Australia and India as well as other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It grows in Australia from sea level to 900 meters up in the understory of vine thickets and monsoon forests. This species is frequently observed growing on Olea trunks in Dhofar, Oman.
Parts Used:
- Root
- Leaves
Dosage:
- Root Powder – 1 – 3 gm
Chemical Constituents
naphthoquinones, tri-terpenoids, tannins, fixed oils, fats, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, proteins, etc.
Synonyms in the Sanskrit language
Synonyms for fire include Anala, Vahnisajnaka, Hutasana, Pithi, Agnika, Agni, Dahana, Nirdahana, Jyothi, Vahni, Sikhi, and Vyala. This herb strengthens the digestive system. It is also known as Dahana (burning) since, after gathering it, it is typically discovered that the heat is causing a burning feeling in the palms.
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) Varieties
- Asita Chitrak
- Peeta Chitrak
- Shweta Chitrak
Medicinal uses as per Ayurveda
Vahnikrut– Increases digestive strength
Vatarsha– treats hemorrhoids due to Vata dosha (with pain)
Shothahara– works as anti-inflammatory
Pachana– works as a digestive
Grahanihara– treats sprue and malabsorption syndrome,
Kushtahara– treats skin diseases
Laghu– it is light to digest
Kruminut– treats intestinal worm infestation
Kasanut– relieves cough and cold
Other Language Names of Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica)
Kannada name – Bilichitramula, Chitramula
Arabian name – Sheetaraj
Tamil name – Chittira, Chittiri, kodivel, Penchitar
English name – Leadwort
Hindi name – Chitra, Chitavur, Chitraka, Cheeta, Chita, Chitaraka
Punjabi name – Chitra
Malayalam name – Kotubeli, Vellakotuveri
Bengali name – Chitu, Chita
Marathi name – Chitramul, Chitraka
Gujarati name – Chitra, Chitro, Pitaro
Telugu name – Agnimatha, Chitramulamu, Tellachitra
Farsi name – Sheetar
Oriya name – Chitamula
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Plumbaginaceae |
| Subfamily | Plumbaginoideae |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Katu
- Guna -Laghu,Rooksha,Tikshna
- Virya -Ushna
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Pungent
- Physical Property-Light, Rough,Sharp
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) Uses
Diarrhea:
Chitrak root powder, one to two grams, should be administered to the patient three times a day if they have loose motion or diarrhea.
Obesity:
In cases of obesity, 1-2 grams of chickroot powder combined with honey are administered.
Arthritis:
Sarpgandha and chitrak roots are boiled in mustard oil to create medicinal oil for arthritis, which is then administered to the afflicted areas.
Dermatitis:
For dermatitis, paste made of roots and water should be applied to the affected regions.
Scabies:
It is necessary to mix a paste of plumbago bark and leaves with turmeric and apply it externally to the affected areas.
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) Benefits
Fights Respiratory Issues:
Blessed with strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-asthmatic properties, chinkapin is useful in the treatment of a variety of respiratory conditions. It works well for treating sore throats, colds, coughs, and flu symptoms. As a herb with a pacifying characteristic for Kapha and infused with scraping components, Lekhaniya, it thins and loosens the deposits of phlegm in the nasal and chest cavities, hence promoting easy breathing.
Overweight:
Toxic amabuilds up as fat in obesity connected to dyspepsia. Constipation can also exacerbate this issue by creating an imbalance between obesity and Meda dhatu, or irregularities in adipose tissue. Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) helps prevent the production of fat because of its Deepan properties. It also helps manage weight by treating constipation because of its laxative properties.
Obesity:
Obesity is caused by an accumulation of toxins in the form of fat. According to Ayurveda, constipation results in an imbalance in Medha dhatu, which leads to fat production. This herb acts as a laxative and appetizer to prevent the accumulation of fat by increasing digestive fire.
Supports the Immune System:
Due to its high plumbagin content, chrysanthemum aids to bolster your immune system and shield your body from dangerous toxins and free radicals. Additionally, it can help lessen the likelihood of common diseases like colds and coughs by clearing your body of thick mucus. Plumbago zeylanica regularly consumed is recognized to increase the body’s defenses against common ailments and to prevent or control the development of cancer, particularly prostate cancer.
Manages Diabetes:
Plumbagin, a potent naphthoquinone component included in Chitrak root powder, not only gives the root its distinct flavor but also plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. Consuming powdered chitrak root activates the production of insulin by β-pancreatic cells. This herb slows the breakdown of carbs into glucose, which helps manage diabetes when taken in moderation.
Sexual weakness:
A person suffering from sexual weakness experiences early semen discharge or libido loss. This illness is typically brought on by an imbalance in the Vata dosha. Chitrak’s aphrodisiac and Vata-balancing qualities aid to alleviate sexual weakness.
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Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) Side Effects
Digestive Issues:
At large quantities, the chemical plumbagin, which is present in the root extract, can irritate the stomach and produce cramps.
Skin Irritation:
Excessive consumption might cause skin irritation and redness.
Muscle and Nerve Problems:
Dilated pupils, myotonia (stiffness) or hypotonia (weakness) in the muscles, an irregular pulse, and even respiratory failure can be serious side effects of chitrak.
Pregnancy:
Chitrak’s anti-fertility qualities make it extremely forbidden during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) has digestive qualities and is a fantastic appetizer. Additionally, this herb demonstrates analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Due to the possibility of burning sensations throughout the body, it should not be used during pregnancy or menstruation. One to two grams is the recommended dosage for its root bark powder.
FAQS
How is constipation treated with Chitrak?
Chitrak functions as a laxative, increasing the amount of fluid in the colon and facilitating the easy passage of waste products out of the body.
What adverse effects does Chitrak have?
When taken in excess, chitrak can make the body feel scorching? It should not be used when pregnant or having a heavy menstrual cycle.
How does Chitrak function in Ayurveda?
The roots are used in Ayurveda medicine to treat seminal weakness, skin conditions, urinary calculi, migraines, and jaundice. In addition, it has anthelmintic, febrifuge, antibacterial, and detoxicant properties.
What advantages does Chitraka offer?
Chitrak root helps in diabetes management. Its anti-diabetic and antioxidant qualities increase insulin secretion, which reduces blood glucose levels. Additionally, chintrak lowers triglyceride and blood cholesterol levels, which aids with weight loss.