Common Name:

General Information

Swertia multicaulis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing around 4 - 18cm tall with many spreading stems, branching from the base and arising directly from the stout rootstock[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas of Nepal, eastern India and southern Tibet

Habitat

Shrubberies, open slopes, alpine meadows; at elevations from 4,000 - 4,900 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m

Cultivation Details

Swertia species are generally plants of moderate to high elevations where they are often found on damp slopes and humus-rich, peat mosses. They grow best in areas with cool summers and perennial species are generally cold-hardy to temperatures down to around -15°c[].
Swertia species generally grow well in humus-rich soils in damp, open woodland, by streams or in bog gardens[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the roots is taken to treat fever, cough, cold, bodyache and internal injuries[, ].
The powdered root, or a paste made from it, is applied topically to heal cuts and wounds[].
The root juice, powder or paste is applied topically to prevent bleeding and infection from cuts and wounds[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in trays in spring in a humus-rich medium in temperatures not exceeding 10°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
Division of large clumps in spring, taking care not to damage any taproots[].