A CRITICAL REVIEW OF KIRATATIKTA (SWERTIA CHIRATA) IN THE AYUR-VEDIC TREATISE OF LAGHUTRAYI AND BRIHATTRAYI

Abstract

The relationship between plants and human beings has been ever since human existence. Man has learned a lot from the nature and has familiarized himself with the wealth and diversity of flora and fauna existing around him. This has not only fulfilled his basic needs of livelihood but has also proved to be remarkable for its longevity. This plant’s wealth has enabled him to successfully cope with human suffering and prevent diseases. As the knowledge of utility of plants for disease prevention refined it accelerated the pace to know about the traditional medicinal wealth. This triggered the need for documenting their valuable experiences of utilizing drugs as herbal medicines. One such drug which has been widely used since ancient times is Kiratatikta, Swertia chirata. The herb Kiratatikta, commonly known as ‘Chirayita’ is well reputed for its multifarious therapeutic values. The entire plant has been traditionally used to cure various ailments. The present study highlights the comprehensive literary review of the references of Kiratatikta in Ayurvedic treatise that throw light on the use and utilization of the plant in various disorders