Swertia chirayita (Chiraito)

Swertia chirayita

Chiraito (Swertia) is a medicinal herb found in broad leaf forests and on open slopes all along the Himalayan Mountains, from 1,600 to 2,500 meters. It reaches a height of one meter.

The plant contains "Chiratin," a bitter-tasting chemical used to treat stomach-aches, constipation, and excess urination; to eliminate parasites; and to prevent or treat malaria.

Chiraito falls under the IUCN threat category "vulnerable plant". Over-harvesting and improper and unscientific collection of S. chirayita has been taking place in Nepal for commercialization. It has contributed to rapid depletion of S. chirayita from natural habitats. [[Forest Rule 1995]] forbids both collection and trade of chiraito from May to September.

Practices for cultivation of Chiraito are recently initiated within community forest and marginal land of eastern hilly districts of Nepal.

Other Species Occurring in Nepal

Swertia angustifolia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don

Swertia tetragona Edgew

Swertia racemosa (Griseb.) C.B. Clarke

Swertia ciliata (D.Don ex G. Don) B.L. Burtt

Swertia dilatata C.B. Clarke

Swertia multicaulis D.Don

Swertia alata (Royale ex D. Don) C.B. Clarke

Swertia nervosa (G.Don) C.B. Clarke

Local Name	:	Chiraito
English Name	:	Felworts
Family	:	Gentianaceae
Scientific Name	:	Swertia chirayita
Habit	:	Herb up to 1 m height
Flowering Period	:
Fruiting Period	:
Habitat	:	Broad Leaf Forest in Eastern Hills of Nepal
Occurrence in Nepal	:	Estern Hills, Tropical and Sub tropical regions
Use	:	Used to treat stomach-aches, constipation, and excess urination; to eliminate parasites; and to prevent or treat malaria