Chitrak is also known as Jvala, meaning flame or Agni meaning fire due to its incredibly heating and intense energy. Generally, the roots of chitrak are commonly used and purified in lime water.
Chitrak blooms in September with white (Plumbago Zeylanicum) or red flowers (the red variety, Plumbago Indica is even hotter than the white) and like fine wine, Chitrak gets better with age.
Chitrak is also known as Jvala, meaning flame or Agni due to its incredibly heating and intense energy. Generally, the roots of chitrak are commonly used and purified in lime water.
Chitrak is excellent for stimulating the appetite and is a must-have for improving digestion. It is specifically suitable for slow, Kapha type, digestion as its hot light and drying qualities absorb excess water from the digestive tract and help to absorb nutrients. It is particularly good in cases of colic, stomach pain and bloating.
~ Equal amounts of chitrak, vidanga, musta and honey stimulates and aids digestion, helps with constipation and worms.
~ For non-bleeding haemorrhoids drink 1 gram chitrak in a tall glass of buttermilk, Traditionally one would add the powdered herb to boiling milk and make buttermilk from this. This remedy is also highly beneficial for colitis when taken for 4 -6 months.
~ For Kapha type digestion mix with pipplii, ginger and make a milk decoction.
~ For Vata, type digestion, add chitrak to milk, ghee and turmeric.
Chitrak should be used in small quantities and mixed with other herbs as It is remarkably hot and sharp and can cause irritation both internally and externally.
If one does develop a reaction to Chitrak, like skin issues, allergies or pitta issues, stop using it immediately and eat rice, milk and ghee to cool the system down.
Chitrak is particularly good for tumours its hot and scraping qualities breakdown mass and digest Ama or toxins.
Chitrak removes stagnation of any kind, it can be used for uterine stagnation its irritating nature stimulates contractions moving and cleaning the uterus. For this reason, never use chitrak during pregnancy or if you think you are pregnant. It is, however, effective in postpartum to clear and tone the womb. This herb is also useful in cases of impotency to clear stagnation and blockages in the male reproductive system.
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Note: Articles on Inner Farmacy are solely for the purpose of sharing the knowledge of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on holistic living. Please do not substitute this information for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner.