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.
Benefits of Chir
1. Sprain
Sprain occurs when ligaments or tissue gets torn due to any external force, leading to pain and swelling which is regulated by an imbalanced Vata dosha. A decoction of Chir leaves can be applied on the affected area to reduce the symptoms of sprain like pain and swelling due to its Vata balancing property[6].
2. Crack
Cracks on the skin are the result of excessive dryness inside the body which is due to an aggravated Vata dosha. Chir helps reduce the dryness and provides relief from cracks due to its Snigdha (oily) and Vata balancing properties[6].
3. Rheumatic pain
Pain felt during rheumatoid arthritis due to the imbalance of Vata dosha is known as Rheumatic pain. Chir or turpentine oil can be applied on the affected area to get relief from the pain due to its Vata balancing property[6].
Sprain occurs when ligaments or tissue gets torn due to any external force, leading to pain and swelling which is regulated by an imbalanced Vata dosha. A decoction of Chir leaves can be applied on the affected area to reduce the symptoms of sprain like pain and swelling due to its Vata balancing property[6].
2. Crack
Cracks on the skin are the result of excessive dryness inside the body which is due to an aggravated Vata dosha. Chir helps reduce the dryness and provides relief from cracks due to its Snigdha (oily) and Vata balancing properties[6].
3. Rheumatic pain
Pain felt during rheumatoid arthritis due to the imbalance of Vata dosha is known as Rheumatic pain. Chir or turpentine oil can be applied on the affected area to get relief from the pain due to its Vata balancing property[6].
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.
Modern Science View
Yes, Chir might help in reducing inflammation. It reduces pain and inflammation in the affected area due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties[3].
Ayurvedic View
Inflammation generally occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Chir helps to reduce inflammation due to its Vata balancing and Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) properties.
Modern Science View
Chir helps manage diabetes due to its blood glucose lowering activity. It prevents the damage to pancreatic cells and increases insulin secretion, thereby managing blood sugar levels[5].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. This leads to an imbalanced insulin level in the body. Chir might help in the management of diabetes by managing the insulin levels in the body due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Chir needles help in diuresis due to its diuretic activity. It increases the production of urine and promotes diuresis[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chir needles help in diuresis due to its diuretic activity. It increases the production of urine and promotes diuresis[7].
Modern Science View
Chir might help in preventing worm infections due to its anthelmintic properties. It expels the parasitic worms from the body without causing any harm to the host[7].
Ayurvedic View
Worm infection is a condition that occurs due to weak or poor digestion. Chir helps to improve digestion and prevent the growth of worms due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) property.
Modern Science View
Chir or Chir pine tree is known to have many medicinal properties. It is a rich source of certain bioactive compounds (such as catechin, quercetin, gallocatechin) which act as strong antioxidants. It is used in the treatment of fever, cough and cold, gynecological disorders, urinary problems and diseases of ear, skin, throat, etc[10]. The bark paste is applied to burns, scalds and ulcers. The needles of Pinus roxburghii or Chir tree are crushed and mixed with water and given to patients suffering from measles[11].
Ayurvedic View
Chir has various medicinal properties according to Ayurveda. It helps to reduce the symptoms of cough and cold and gives relief in skin problems like ulcers because of its Ropan (healing) nature. Chir can be used in the form of powder for oral intake and in the form of paste or oil for external application.
Modern Science View
Yes, Chir essential oil might help manage malaria as it possesses anti-parasitic activity. Certain constituents present in Chir suppress the growth of malarial parasite, thereby managing malaria[7].
Modern Science View
Chir resin might help manage pimples due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. When applied on the affected area, it inhibits bacterial action on the skin. Certain constituents present in Chir also have anti-inflammatory property which reduces the skin inflammation occurring due to pimples[7].
Ayurvedic View
Chir resins are applied on pimples to reduce them due to its Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) property. Pimples occur due to an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha which leads to swelling or formation of a bump in that particular area. Chir helps reduce these bumps formed in case of pimples and also prevents their recurrence.
Modern Science View
Chir might be useful in the case of chronic bronchitis due to its expectorant activity. It promotes sputum secretion from the airways and helps ease breathing[4].
Modern Science View
Chir helps promote wound healing due to its healing property as it contains strong antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial components. The phytoconstituents present in Chir help in wound contraction and closing. It also helps in the formation of new skin cells and inhibits the growth of microbes, thereby reducing the risk of infection at the site of the wound[4].
Ayurvedic View
Chir helps in wound healing due to its Raktarodhak (haemostatic) property. It also helps to reduce inflammation on or around the wound due to its Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) property. This helps control the bleeding in the wound and also manages the inflammation, thereby promoting wound healing.
Modern Science View
Rheumatism is the inflammation and pain in joints. Chir oil can be applied topically on the affected area to help manage rheumatism due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The constituents present in Chir inhibit the activity of an inflammatory protein which reduces pain and swelling associated with rheumatism[4][8].
Modern Science View
Chir resin is considered to reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces burning when topically applied to the affected area. The paste of Chir can also be applied to the lower part of eyelids which keeps the eyes clean[7].
Ayurvedic View
Chir resins is beneficial in case of certain conditions like acne, pimples or wounds. Chir resins helps to reduce inflammation and pain in these conditions due to its Shothhar (anti-inflammatory) property.
Modern Science View
Chir or Chir pine is antiseptic and antimicrobial in nature. The resin of Chir pine can be applied to heel cracks and boils[12]. The oil obtained by the distillation of the needles is used in muscular pains and as an expectorant (agent helping in the clearance of mucus)[10].
Ayurvedic View
Chir oil is beneficial in reducing inflammation when applied to the affected area because of its Sothahar (anti-inflammatory) property. It also helps to reduce the joints and muscle pain due to its Vata balancing nature.
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.