Swertia cuneata

Swertia cuneata
Family : Gentianaceae
Vernacular names : Tikta, Chak tik (Am).
Habitat & distribution : Meadows, open slopes;
3600-5000 m, WCE Nepal. Distributed in the
Himalaya (Uttar Pradesh to Sikkim), NE India, China
(Xizang). Locally found in Jagdulla, Dokpa, Kagmara,
Pungmo, Ringmo areas.
Diagnostic characters : Erect perennial herb.
Leaves spathulate; lower long stalked, the upper
nearly stalkless. Flowers lurid blue, long stalked;
corolla lobes 5, narrow-elliptic, with 2 linear basal
nectaries surrounded by long hairs, or hairless.
Capsules narrowly oblong.
Occurrence : Common.
Flowering & fruiting : Aug.-Oct.
Parts used : Whole plant.
Taste/Potency : Bitter (kha)/Cool (sil).
Use : Bile disease, liver
disease, cough, cold,
fever, wind fever, bone
fever and headache.
Toxicity : Non-toxic.
Mode of use : Used with other herbs.
Harvesting : It is collected in Nov.-Dec.
National status : Threat not known.
Local status : Not vulnerable.
Commonly found and
mostly used by amchis.
Major documentation : Chophel (1993),
Dawa (1993).