Chir
Chir
Chir or Chir pine tree is an economically valuable species commonly found in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan. It is also planted in the garden for ornamental purposes. Generally, the timber part of the tree is largely used for various purposes such as house building, furniture, tea chests and musical instruments.
Chir pine (Sarala) helps manage diabetes by increasing insulin secretion due to its anti-diabetic property. As per Ayurveda, Chir is beneficial in respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma as it helps to remove sputum from respiratory passages due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Chir resin or Chir oil application reduces joint pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Chir pine resin is also useful for skin. Topical application of Chir pine (Sarala) helps in the formation of new skin cells and promotes wound healing. It also reduces the risk of infection at wounds due to its antimicrobial property.
Although Chir Pine has no side effects it is advisable to consult a physician before using Chir for medicinal purposes[2][4][9].
Chir pine (Sarala) helps manage diabetes by increasing insulin secretion due to its anti-diabetic property. As per Ayurveda, Chir is beneficial in respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma as it helps to remove sputum from respiratory passages due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Chir resin or Chir oil application reduces joint pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Chir pine resin is also useful for skin. Topical application of Chir pine (Sarala) helps in the formation of new skin cells and promotes wound healing. It also reduces the risk of infection at wounds due to its antimicrobial property.
Although Chir Pine has no side effects it is advisable to consult a physician before using Chir for medicinal purposes[2][4][9].
What are the synonyms of Chir?
Pinus roxburghii, Pita Vrksa, Surabhidaruka, Tarpin Telargaach, Sarala Gaach, Long Leaved Pine, Cheel, Saralam, Shirsal, Cheer, Sanobar[1].
What is the source of Chir?
Plant Based
Benefits of Chir
1. Asthma
Asthma is a condition of inflammation of the air passages that makes it difficult for a person to breathe. In this condition, a person faces repeated attacks of breathlessn
ess and wheezing sound from the chest. According to
Ayurveda, Asthma occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha breathing[6].
2. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition in which there is inflammation in the windpipe and the lungs, which result in the accumulation of sputum. In Ayurveda, Bronchitis is known as Kasa roga and is caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. When Vata dosha gets imbalanced, it blocks the Kapha dosha in the respiratory tract (windpipe) resulting in the accumulation of sputum. This condition further results in congestion in the respiratory tract that obstructs the air pathway. Chir helps in easy removal of sputum and reduces the symptoms of bronchitis due to its Vata and Kapha balancing and Ushna properties[6].
3. Piles
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem. It occurs as a result of chronic constipation that leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata causes slows the digestive fire leading to persistent constipation. It might then further result in pain and swelling around the anal region if ignored or left untreated and result in the formation of pile mass. Chir helps in the management of piles by providing relief from constipation due to its Vata balancing property. This helps in easy passage of stool from the body and prevents Piles[6].
4. Indigestion
According to Ayurveda, indigestion, termed as Agnimandya, occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the consumed food is left undigested due to Mand agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes indigestion. In simple words, we can say that indigestion is the state of an incomplete process of digestion of the ingested food. Chir helps in the management of indigestion by digesting the Ama due to its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) properties[6].
Asthma is a condition of inflammation of the air passages that makes it difficult for a person to breathe. In this condition, a person faces repeated attacks of breathlessn
ess and wheezing sound from the chest. According to
Ayurveda, Asthma occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha breathing[6].
2. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition in which there is inflammation in the windpipe and the lungs, which result in the accumulation of sputum. In Ayurveda, Bronchitis is known as Kasa roga and is caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. When Vata dosha gets imbalanced, it blocks the Kapha dosha in the respiratory tract (windpipe) resulting in the accumulation of sputum. This condition further results in congestion in the respiratory tract that obstructs the air pathway. Chir helps in easy removal of sputum and reduces the symptoms of bronchitis due to its Vata and Kapha balancing and Ushna properties[6].
3. Piles
Due to today’s sedentary lifestyle, Piles have become a common problem. It occurs as a result of chronic constipation that leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata dosha. An aggravated Vata causes slows the digestive fire leading to persistent constipation. It might then further result in pain and swelling around the anal region if ignored or left untreated and result in the formation of pile mass. Chir helps in the management of piles by providing relief from constipation due to its Vata balancing property. This helps in easy passage of stool from the body and prevents Piles[6].
4. Indigestion
According to Ayurveda, indigestion, termed as Agnimandya, occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the consumed food is left undigested due to Mand agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes indigestion. In simple words, we can say that indigestion is the state of an incomplete process of digestion of the ingested food. Chir helps in the management of indigestion by digesting the Ama due to its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) properties[6].
Precautions when using Chir
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
Using Chir with anti-inflammatory drugs might result in various side effects in some people. So it is generally advisable to consult a physician while taking Chir along with any other drug[9].
Recommended Dosage of Chir
- Chir Powder - 1-3 gm a day or as directed by a physician.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Chir pine is commonly used in the construction of wooden poles, windows, ventilators, cabinets and also in the leather industry.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Kumari N, Singh N, Singh B.Phytoconstituents and Pharmacological activity of Pinus-roxburghii-Sarg.: A Review.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS & DRUG ANALYSIS.2017;5(7):241-248.
- Kaushik D,Kumar A,Kaushik P.Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Pinus roxburghii.Advances in pharmacological sciences.2012;(2012):1-8.
- Shuaib M, Ali M, Ahamad J, et al.Pharmacognosy of Pinus roxburghii: A review.Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2013;2(1):262-268.
- Sharma A, Sharma L, Goyal R.A review on Himalayan pine species: ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects.Pharmacogn J.2018;10(4):611-619.
- Kaushik D, Aggarwal A, Kaushik P, et al.Pinus roxburghii- Incredible Gift in the Lap of Himalayas.IJPPR.2010;2(2):29-35.
- Singh G, Giri A, Paul S.Pinus Roxburghii sarg. (Chir pine): A valuable forest resource of Uttarakhand.Indian Forester.2017;143(7):700-709.
- Kaushik D, Aggarwal A,Kaushik P, et al.Pinus roxburghii- an incredible gift in the lap of Himalayas.International journal of pharmacognosy and phytochemical research.2010;2(2):29-35.
- Labib RM,Youssef FS,Ashour ML, et al.Chemical Composition of Pinus roxburghii Bark Volatile Oil and Validation of Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity Using Molecular Modelling and Bleomycin-Induced Inflammation in Albino Mice.MDPI.2017;22:2-14.
- Sharma A, Sharma L, Goyal R. A Review on Himalayan Pine Species: Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects. Pharmacogn J. 2018; 10(4): 611-619
- Sinha D and Tandon PK. Ethnobotanical, Pharmacological and Antimicrobial Importance of Pinus roxburghii Sargent:A Review. J Biol Chem Res Volume 35 (2) 2018 Pages No. 605-622.
- Bhagat M, Bandrall A, Bashir M and Bindu K. GC–MS analysis of essential oil of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (Chir pine) needles and evaluation of antibacterial and anti-proliferative properties. Indian J Natural Prod Res. Vol. 9(1), March 2018, pp. 34-38.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.