Common Name:

General Information

Swertia thomsonii is a herbaceous perennial plant with erect, hollow stems; it usually grows around 30 - 90cm tall[, ]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Himalayan regions of Pakistan and northwest India

Habitat

; at elevations from 3,000 - 3,800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

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

The whole plant is used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, stomach-aches, and stomach disorders[, , ].
A decoction or a powder of the roots and leaves is used to remedy malarial fever[, ].

The leaves are used in the treatment of abdominal pain[, ].

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[].