Bitter Stick, Bitterstick, Chirayta, Chiretta, Chirette, Chirette des Indes, East Indian Balmony, Genciana de la India, Gentiana chirata, Gentiana chirayita, Indian Bolonong, Indian Gentian, Kairata, Kirata, Swertia chirata, Swertia chirayita, Yin Du Zhang Ya Cai.
Chirata is an herb. People use the parts that grow above the ground to make medicine.
Chirata is used for fever, constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, intestinal worms, skin diseases, and cancer. Some people use it as “a bitter tonic.”
In India, it has been used for malaria, when combined with the seeds of divi-divi (Guilandina bonducella).
In manufacturing, chirata is used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
How does it work?
Chirata contains a chemical that may help reduce swelling (inflammation) and might also fight malaria.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Fever.
- Malaria.
- Constipation.
- Worm infestations.
- Upset stomach.
- Loss of appetite.
- Skin diseases.
- Cancer.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowDiabetes. Chirata might lower blood sugar levels in some people. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use chirata as a medicine.
Intestinal (duodenal) ulcers: Chirata can make ulcers in the intestine worse.
Surgery. Chirata might lower blood sugar. In theory, chirata might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using chirata as a medicine at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Chirata might lower blood sugar in some people. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking chirata as a medicine along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
The appropriate dose of chirata for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for chirata. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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