Description
The whole plant is used medicinally but the root is rich in active principles. It is bitter. It has long been used in Ayurveda as bitter tonic, anthelmintic and antipyretic. 

Swertia chirtata is also recognized by British and United States Pharmacopoeia. 

Unlike, most other medicines of this class, it does not constipate the bowels, but tends to produce a mild laxative effect. It promotes the flow of bile. In gastrointestinal disorders it is used as digestive. It also finds use as an anti-malarial.