Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has been consistently working on Chitrak to find out more medicinal properties of the plant.
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ShareChitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica) – Uses and Benefits
Introduction
Chitrak, commonly known as Ceylon leadwort is one of the most widely used herb in Ayurvedic treatment purposes. The name Chitrak means that the plant is very potent that it tears of unwanted growth and is sharp like a spotted Leopard. The plant is very hot in nature and can be used to treat a number of diseases. The word Plumbago indicates that the plant can cure lead palsy.
Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has been consistently working on Chitrak to find out more medicinal properties of the plant. Our experts have successfully proven the activities like Antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, appetizer, digestant, irritant properties of Ceylon. Chitrak can be used to treat diseases like Skin disorders, Worn infestations, Cough, Itching, Piles etc. Our IAFA experts are also studying on the antifertility activity of plumbagin free alcohol extract of the plant and found to be successful in initial stages. The root extract of Ceylon can be effectively used as a antimicrobial agent. The crude extracts also have mosquito larvicidal property. Nowadays studies are also conducting to prove the antitumor property of Chitrak.
Action of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica) in Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant Chitrak. The plant contains phytoconstituents like Yielded plumbagin (A naphthoquinone derivative) isozeylinone, chitranone, zeylinone, elliptinone, droserone, B-sitosterol, vanillic acid, plumbagic acid, steroidal glycoside, catechol, tannin, plumbazeylanone and naphthalenone and these helps in it’s antiallergic action. Chitrak can be used to treat skin allergic conditions.
Vernacular Names
| Sanskrit Name | Chitrak |
| Hindi Name | Chita |
| English Name | Ceylon leadwort |
| Malayalam Name | Vellakkoduveli |
| Kannada Name | Chitramula |
| Marathi Name | Chitramula |
Botanical Name
Plumbago Zeylanica
Family
Plumbaginaceae
Morphology of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
- Stem – 1.5-4 ft. long, somewhat woody, spreading, and glabrous.
- Leaves – Thin. 4-7 cm long, 2-4 cm wide, ovate, sub-acute, entire, glabrous, glaucous beneath, reticulate veined, shortly and abruptly attenuated into a short petiole.
- Inflorescence-Elongated spike
- Flowers – Arranged in glandular rachis, white in color
- Fruit – Capsule, oblong, pointed, pericarp is thin below and hardened.
Ayurveda Reference of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
Geographical Distribution of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
South Indian states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu & Andhra Pradesh also in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh.
Phytoconstituents of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
Yielded plumbagin (A naphthoquinone derivative) isozeylinone, chitranone, zeylinone, elliptinone, droserone, B-sitosterol, vanillic acid, plumbagic acid, steroidal glycoside, catechol, tannin, plumbazeylanone and naphthalenone.
Parts Used of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
- Root
- Root bark
Dosage of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
- Decoction (kwatha) – 60 ml
- Powder (churna) – 5 g
Medicinal Properties of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
- Kushtaghna – alleviate skin disorders
- Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
- Kandughan – relieves itching
- Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
- Vranahara – useful in wounds
- Kasahara – relieves cough
- Sulahara – relieves pain
- Sophahara – relieves swelling
- Swasahara – relieves asthma.
Have A Health Issue?
Consult Online
- Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home Remedies of Chitrak (Plumbago Zeylanica)
Ayurveda is an ancient treatment system that uses naturally available herbs and materials for the purpose of alleviating diseases. The herbs used in Ayurvedic treatments are toxic-free and have no side effects at all. Chitrak is one of the most commonly available herbs and can be used to treat diseases like –
- In Piles (Arsas) – Chitrak root is taken and grinded well along with water to obtain paste form. This paste is applied to the vessels and then curd or buttermilk is prepared in this vessel is taken internally.
- In Worm infestations (Krimi) – The root of Chitrak is powdered and taken internally along with honey at a dose of 5g daily.
- In skin diseases (Kushta) – Finely powdered Chitrak is taken along with urine orally. Drinking this for a period of 7 days can cure skin diseases.
- In Diabetes (Prameha) – Decoction prepared with Chitrak and Amalaki can be used to control diabetes.
- In Vitiligo(Swithra) – in a jar, Chitrak and Piper longum, Piper nigrum and Zingiber officinale taken. To this, cow’s urine and ghee added and kept for 15 days. Then it is taken internally.
- In Diarrhoea (Atisara) – Regular usage of Chitrak with buttermilk will prevent Diarrhoea.
- In Fever (Jwara) – Decoction made with leaves of Chitrak and Tulsi taken internally at a dose of 60 ml.
- In Inflammation (Sopha) – Paste prepared from Chitrak root and ghee is applied over the skin part.
IAFA, guided by Dr. Gupta mainly aims in promotion of Ayurvedic science. We use naturally available herbs to cure diseases, especially allergic conditions. IAFA follows guidelines that are purely based on Ayurveda textbooks for treatment purposes. By consistently hard-working, we are able to provide you risk-free medicines.
Reach IAFA for safe herbal remedies for all your ailments!!!
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