SITHARATHAI – சித்தரத்தை (कुलंजन) / CHITHARATHAI / KULANJAN

🌿 Sitharathai – Product Description

Common Name: Sitharathai
Botanical Name: Alpinia officinarum
Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)
Plant Part Used: Rhizome (underground stem)

Form Available:

• Whole dried rhizome

• Powdered form

• Capsules or tablets

• Decoction (Kashayam)

• Herbal oil or paste

Taste (Rasa): Pungent and slightly bitter
Energy (Virya): Heating
Post-digestive Effect (Vipaka): Pungent

Aroma & Texture:

• Warm, spicy aroma similar to ginger

• Hard, fibrous texture when dried

✅ Health Benefits of Sitharathai

1. Respiratory Health

• Excellent for coughs, cold, bronchitis, and sore throat

• Acts as a natural expectorant and decongestant

• Commonly used in Siddha cough syrups and herbal teas

2. Digestive Aid

• Promotes digestion and relieves indigestion, bloating, and gas

• Stimulates appetite

• Useful in managing nausea and vomiting, including morning sickness

3. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant

• Reduces inflammation in the body

• Protects cells from oxidative stress

• Supports joint and muscle health

4. Pain Relief

• Provides mild pain relief for headaches, joint pain, and muscle cramps

5. Fever Management

• Used in traditional herbal decoctions to reduce fever and fight infections

6. Boosts Immunity

• Strengthens the immune system, especially during seasonal changes

• Often used in traditional kashayams (herbal decoctions) for children and elders

📛 Other Common Names for Sitharathai

⚠️ Precautions

• Safe when used in moderate amounts

• May cause irritation in sensitive stomachs if taken in excess

• Not typically recommended in high doses during pregnancy without medical advice

• Should be used under guidance for children