Chitrak
Chitrak, also called Doctor Bush or Ceylon, is one of the oldest plants known for its medicinal value and is considered as Rasayana in Ayurveda. This plant is a perennial shrub with stout roots, which are cylindrical.The Plumbago Zeylanica has light blue and white flowers which rise in the late summers of India. A light yellow juice is within the yellowish brown root. It’s nickname is the “spotted one,” in correlation to the leopard who catches it’s prey with swiftness, as does citraka, having the ability to quickly cure disease. It is grown throughout India in the wild or cultivated state.
The botanical name of chitrak is Plumbago zeylanica which belongs to Plumbaginaceae family.
Chemical Composition –
Roots of the plant contain an acrid crystalline principle called plumbagin. Besides, it contains chloroplumbagin and biplumbagin
Properties –
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Appetizer
• Digestive
Parts Used –
Root and root bark are the part used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
• Decoction – 50 to 60 ml
• Churna – 3 to 6 gm
Ayurvedic formulations –
• Chitrakadi Vati
• Chitak Haritaki Avaleha
• Chitrak root powder
Benefits –
• Indigestion
Chitrak helps to manage indigestion by digesting the Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) due to it’s Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It even helps to balance the Pitta dosha.
• Piles
Chitrak helps give relief from constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property and also reduces painful Piles due to its pain relieving as well as Vata and Pitta dosha balancing properties.
• Obesity
Chitrak helps to reduce fat accumulation because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
• Skin Diseases
Paste of root of chitrak can be applied externally over affected parts in skin diseases like dermatitis, scabies etc.
• Sexual weakness
Sexual weakness is the condition in which a person faces either loss of libido (low sexual desire in one or both partners) or early discharge of semen (in case of male partner). This condition usually occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha. Chitrak helps to manage Sexual weakness due to it’s Vata balancing and aphrodisiac properties
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pain felt during Rheumatoid arthritis due to the imbalance of Vata dosha is known as rheumatic pain. Application of Chitrak leaves paste on the painful area helps to manage the rheumatic pain due to it’s Vata balancing property.
Contraindications –
Chitrak suppresses ovulation, implantation and can cause abortion that’s why it is contraindicated in pregnancy.
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