Unani & Herbal, Decoded

Chitrak Root: The Burning Digestive Herb You Must Avoid (Video)

1:59 minWatch on YouTube

Read the full written guide: Chitrak (Plumbago Root): The Digestive Herb That Can Blister →

We break down what chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) really is, why its raw root can burn skin, gut and even be dangerous in pregnancy. Learn the key safety rules and how to spot the plant.

This isn’t medical advice, it’s a practical guide. For the full details read the post on thecareonline.com.

Show the full transcript

Transcript

Did you know chitrak can cause blisters and harm pregnancy?

Did you know chitrak can cause blisters and harm pregnancy?

Chitrak: Fire Herb

We’ll explain why chitrak can be dangerous and the one rule you need to remember.

What is Chitrak?

Chitrak, also known as plumbago zeylanica, is a shrub whose root Ayurveda calls a fire for weak digestion. The raw root is sharply burning and can damage mouth, throat and stomach. It should never be used at home, and definitely not during pregnancy.

Pregnancy & Raw Root

Pregnancy is an absolute no-go. The sap can scorch the mouth, throat and gut, and it has historically been used to end pregnancies. If anyone chews or swallows raw root, go to the emergency department and bring the plant or its packaging.

Spotting Chitrak

A quick way to tell chitrak from garden plumbago is the sticky green tube on its white flowers, tiny hairs trap insects. The root is reddish brown and tastes sharply burning. Most texts refer to the white-flowered variety.

Why It Burns

The root is packed with plumbagin, a yellow irritant. When made into a paste it reddens, blisters and peels skin within hours. Healers once used it on purpose to cause miscarriages, a practice that caused severe injury.

Common Myths

Social media touts chitrak powder for fat burning, piles and quick weight loss, but no herb actually melts fat. The burning powder may suppress appetite temporarily, and many online mixes hide prescription drugs that can harm the heart.

If It Touches You

If raw chitrak contacts skin or eyes, rinse under cool running water for fifteen to twenty minutes, removing any paste and contaminated clothes. If swallowed, don’t make the person vomit; rinse the mouth and sip a little water, then head straight to the hospital with the plant or packet.

Choosing Safe Products

When you need a digestive aid, choose finished products from licensed manufacturers that list batch numbers and expiry dates. Look for chitrak, chitraka or Plumbago on the ingredient list, and keep anything out of kids’ reach like any medicine.

The one rule

The single most important rule: never handle or ingest raw chitrak yourself, it’s too risky.

Like, subscribe and comment

Like, subscribe, and share your own experience in the comments below.

Read the full guide

Read the complete guide on thecareonline.com. This is general information, not medical advice.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.