Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Based on the provided texts Bhunimba is frequently identified as Kiratatikta or Swertia chirata though occasionally listed as a distinct ingredient,,. It is a bitter herb acting as a powerful febrifuge used extensively in treating high fevers including chronic and intermittent types,. It balances Kapha and Pitta doshas making it effective for burning sensations thirst and blood disorders,. Clinically it is indicated for skin diseases like leprosy and erysipelas as well as for liver and spleen disorders edema and digestive impairments,. It is a key component in potent formulations like Sudarshana Churna and Mahatiktaka Ghrita often prescribed to purify the blood and support metabolic function,.
Kiratatikta, scientifically known as Swertia chirata, is a highly valued herb in Ayurveda, famous for its intensely bitter taste. It is considered a premier Jvaraghna (fever-destroying) and Raktaśodhaka (blood-purifying) agent. In the provided texts, it is synonymous with Bhunimba (Neem of the earth), highlighting its potent purifying and bitter properties similar to Neem. It is a key ingredient in the famous formulation Sudarshana Churna.
Kiratatikta is an erect, annual herb, growing 60–125 cm tall, found in the temperate Himalayas. The drug consists of the whole plant, which has a peculiar shining yellowish tinge. It is extremely bitter in taste. In Ayurveda, it is valued as a powerful cooling agent and blood purifier, extensively used to treat fevers, skin diseases, and burning sensations.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Kiratatikta is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Kiratatikta is generally safe when used in the recommended dosage. It is a core ingredient in Sudarshana Churna, a widely used formulation for fever.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Andrographis paniculata
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Kalmegha
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Andrographis paniculata Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Andrographis+paniculata
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Kalmegh
https://link.springer.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Andrographis paniculata)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Andrographis paniculata
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is primarily a medicine for fever and blood purification. Long-term daily use should be under the guidance of a physician due to its drying properties.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is typically taken during fever or skin flare-ups. Formulations like Sudarshana Churna are often taken with warm water.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder is commonly taken with warm water. In some fever formulations, it is processed with other cooling agents or digestive spices.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Based on the provided texts Bhunimba is frequently identified as Kiratatikta or Swertia chirata though occasionally listed as a distinct ingredient,,. It is a bitter herb acting as a powerful febrifuge used extensively in treating high fevers including chronic and intermittent types,. It balances Kapha and Pitta doshas making it effective for burning sensations thirst and blood disorders,. Clinically it is indicated for skin diseases like leprosy and erysipelas as well as for liver and spleen disorders edema and digestive impairments,. It is a key component in potent formulations like Sudarshana Churna and Mahatiktaka Ghrita often prescribed to purify the blood and support metabolic function,.
Kiratatikta, scientifically known as Swertia chirata, is a highly valued herb in Ayurveda, famous for its intensely bitter taste. It is considered a premier Jvaraghna (fever-destroying) and Raktaśodhaka (blood-purifying) agent. In the provided texts, it is synonymous with Bhunimba (Neem of the earth), highlighting its potent purifying and bitter properties similar to Neem. It is a key ingredient in the famous formulation Sudarshana Churna.
Kiratatikta is an erect, annual herb, growing 60–125 cm tall, found in the temperate Himalayas. The drug consists of the whole plant, which has a peculiar shining yellowish tinge. It is extremely bitter in taste. In Ayurveda, it is valued as a powerful cooling agent and blood purifier, extensively used to treat fevers, skin diseases, and burning sensations.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Kiratatikta is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Kiratatikta is generally safe when used in the recommended dosage. It is a core ingredient in Sudarshana Churna, a widely used formulation for fever.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Andrographis paniculata
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Kalmegha
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Andrographis paniculata Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Andrographis+paniculata
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Kalmegh
https://link.springer.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Andrographis paniculata)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Andrographis paniculata
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is primarily a medicine for fever and blood purification. Long-term daily use should be under the guidance of a physician due to its drying properties.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is typically taken during fever or skin flare-ups. Formulations like Sudarshana Churna are often taken with warm water.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder is commonly taken with warm water. In some fever formulations, it is processed with other cooling agents or digestive spices.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem