Swertia chirata is a medicinal herb indigenous to the temperate Himalayas and belongs to the family Gentianaceae. It is an erect, annual, branched herb, reaching up to 1.5 m high. The stem is robust and cylindrical below, but four-angled upwards. Leaves are lance-shaped, opposite, sessile, about 10 cm long. The flowers are greenish yellow in color with a tinge of purple. Swertia chirata is a bitter tonic, carminative, laxative, hepato-protective, hepato-stimulant, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, and anthelmintic. Chirata is used to maintain overall good liver health and to remove toxins from the body. It also helps to regenerate new liver cells. Hypoglycemic property of this herb helps to maintain blood glucose levels in the body. 
 
Ayurvedic significance:
	
Rasa (taste): Tikta (Bitter)
	
Veerya (nature): Sheeta (Cold)
	
Vipaka (taste developed through digestion): Katu (Pungent)
	
Guna (qualities):Laghu, Ruksha (Light,Dry)
	
Doshas (effect on humors): Balances Pitta & Kapha