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Ceylon Leadwort (Chitrak / White Leadwort)
Plumbago zeylanica
ଧଳା ଚିତାପାରୁ (Dhala Chitaparu)चित्रक (Chitrak)Chitraka
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
- Origin
- Tropical Asia
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Scandent perennial subshrub with rambling striate branches; alternate oblong-lanceolate smooth leaves, and terminal glandular-viscid spikes of pure white flowers.
Traditional Uses
Digestive sluggishness, obesity, hemorrhoids, chronic sinusitis, and vitiligo
Parts Used
Root bark, roots
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Katu
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Teekshna
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Powerful digestive fire booster, reduces body fat, digests toxic Ama, and shrinks piles
Precautions
Toxic and corrosive in excess; contains plumbagin; must be processed properly in lime water
Interesting Facts
Considered in Ayurveda to carry the divine Agni (Fire) principle; cooks away metabolic toxins