Chitrak
Chitrak is a pungent herb used in Ayurveda to improve digestion and circulation, and to detoxify the GI tract.
Described in Ayurvedic medicine as being heating and bitter or pungent, chitrak balances Kapha and Vata doshas but may aggravate Pitta. If you would like to read more about doshas and digestion check out the California College of Ayurveda’s page here: http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/articles/drhalpern/clinical/digestive
Often known as Ceylon leadwort and, tellingly, doctorbush, chitrak has been shown to fight H. pylori, the bacteria that most commonly causes stomach ulcers: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15708315
According to the Herbal Encyclopedia, Western research is once again playing catching up with “traditional” Chinese and Indian medicine where chitrak has been used for 2,500 years.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Human Oncology are studying the anti-cancer properties of this woody, herbaceous tropical plant. Plumbagin, a compound found in the root of this member of the plumbago species, has shown results against certain prostate and breast cancers in the lab, though much more research is needed.
The Herbal Encyclopedia has an amazing amount of information on Ayurvedic herbs and good articles on the uses and benefits of chitrak if you would like to read more: http://www.herbcyclopedia.com/index.php?option=com_zoo&task=tag&tag=GUJARATI:%20ચિત્રક%20CHITRAK&app_id=5&Itemid=193
Chitrak’s scientific name, Plumbago zeylanica, reflects how the plant’s pale flower resembles the color of lead. It is spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, notably India, Hawaii, Southeast Asia, the southeastern United States and Central America.
In English folk medicine, the root of a closely related plant, chitrak’s European cousin, was used to make a special brew to relieve toothaches and other swellings and touted for its natural antibiotic properties, according to the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s website: http://ntbg.org/plants/plant_details.php?plantid=11896
Because of this herb’s potency, pregnant women should avoid it, and everyone should check with their doctor for any potential medication interactions.
Touted by Ayurvedic medicine for increasing Agni, or digestive fire, and its effect on spreading up metabolism, it is commonly used for weight loss.
The Indian city website for Chandigarh, http://chandigarh.gov.in/green_herb_gudu.htm, recommends chitrak for fever, gout, anemia, jaundice/ hepatitis, diabetes, itching, dyslipidemia, obesity, piles and geriatric problems. The wording is a little off to American English readers, but the information is pretty interesting.
Containing even further information about for chitrak’s use as medicine for thousands of years, consult a health care practitioner in case you might be thinking chitrak might be the herb you need to light a little fire in your belly.
Of course, here’s something else that could light a little fire in your belly, a beautiful smoothie recipe from reciperunner.com.
Sunrise Smoothie
Serves 2
Ingredients:
Mango Pineapple Layer
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 t. honey
Strawberry Banana Layer
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 t. honey
Instructions:
Place all of the ingredients for the pineapple mango layer of the smoothie in the blender and blend until smooth.
Pour the pineapple mango layer into 2 glasses and place in the freezer.
Rinse out the blender and place all of the ingredients for the strawberry banana layer in it and blend until smooth.
Pour the strawberry banana mixture on top of the pineapple mango mixture.
Top with shredded coconut if desired.
Serve immediately.
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