Chitharathai is a grass like plant grows mostly in hot places of India. Currently it is being imported from China also. Its roots parts are used in the name Chitharathai Roots. It is dried well, ground into very fine powder and then filtered to make it free from unground roots. It is being used by our ancient Siddhars since ancient days.

Chitharathai is actually a type of its parent variety Arathai. Perarathai is another type of the same parent plant. Both looks same in appearance and their properties are also nearly same.

Sitharathai is called as Lesser the Galangal in English, Kulanjan in Hindi, Dumbarastakam or Sannarastamu in Telugu, Chitharatha in Malayalam, Sannarasmi in Kannada. Its Botanical Name is Alpinia Officinarum.

Disclaimer: Before taking any herbal as an intake, you are requested to consult with a Siddha or Ayurveda Doctor or any other Traditional Siddha Physician to avoid further health related problems. They will help you to understand the procedure, the effect of other herbs and foods to avoid if any, upon consuming the herbs.