Chitraka Powder (Plumbago Zeylanica)

*Chitraka translates into the spotted one and is compared to a Cheetah. In the wild, a Cheetah would hunt down its prey by chasing it aggressively. Similarly, Chitraka is thought to have the ability to navigate and remove unnecessary toxins in the body quickly. In Ayurveda, Chitika is one of the best herbs to promote metabolism quickly. Also, the active compound found in Chitraka is useful in helping with healthy cholesterol levels and thought of as an anti-oxidant. The roots of the Chitraka plant helps with irregular menstrual cycles due to weak digestion.

*Benefits include supporting digestive health, maintains a healthy immune system, supports regular cycles in women, keeps gut bacteria healthy, supports weight management, promotes liver health, eliminates toxins from deep tissues and joints.

Suggested Use: 1/2 to 2/3 teaspoon in powdered form, once or twice daily or use as directed by your health practitioner.

Botanical Name – Plumbago Zeylanica
Family – Plumbaginaceae
English Name – Lead Wort

Morphology –
Chitraka is a plant that grows all over the year; it grows up to a height of 3-6 feet. Leaves are dark green in color, ovate and are about 2 to 3 inches in length and 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Flowers are white in color. The root is light brown in color from outside and is white from outside.

Physical and chemical properties of Chitraka –
Taste – Pungent
Quality – Light, dry, piercing, strong
Potency – Hot
Post Digestive Effect – Pungent

Bhavaprakasha – Haritakyadi Varga
चित्रकः कटुकः पाके वह्निकृत्पाचनो लघुः |
रूक्षोष्णो ग्रहणीकुष्ठशोथार्शःकृमिकासनुत् |
वातश्लेष्महरो ग्राही वातर्शःश्लेष्मपित्तहृत् ||६४||