Kalmegh, (Andrographis Paniculata)-Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

A plant called Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) is widespread in India and other Asian nations. Kalmegh ‘green chiretta’ is a well-known medication that is the main component of a common domestic remedy used as an astringent tonic.

During the 1919 Indian flu outbreak, andrographis was utilized because it was believed to be able to stop the disease’s spread. The ability of andrographis to treat colds is now well established worldwide.

Table of Contents

Description

Kalmegh Because of its well-established therapeutic benefits—particularly as a potent liver tonic—kalmegh is a commonly utilized medicinal herb in Ayurveda. The herb’s many medicinal qualities enable it to support optimal health and general well-being. It can help the body fight infections, especially those of the upper respiratory tract, and boost immunity.

Botanical Name:

Andrographis Paniculata

Family:

Acanthaceae

Leaves:

The hairless blades on the lance-shaped leaves can reach a length of up to 8 cm (3.1 in) by 2.5 cm (0.98 in).

Flowers:

The tiny pink flowers are solitary and grouped in panicles or loosely spreading racemes.

Taste:

The whole plant has a bitter taste.

Habitat:

Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) is an annual herbaceous plant that grows in hedgerows on planelands, hillsides, waste grounds, farms, damp habitats, seashores, and roadsides. It is branching and upright. It can be grown in gardens as well.

Parts Used:

Leaves
Aerial parts
Roots

Dosage:

Powder – 1 to 3 gm
Decoction – 20 – 30 ml
Juice – 5 to 10 ml

Chemical Constituents

It contains numerous significant bioactive substances, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and diterpenoids. The primary factors that determine the quality of Andrographis paniculata are diterpenoids, such as andrographolide, neoandro-grapholide, and dehydroandrographolide. The most widespread and plentiful kind is andrographolide.

Kalmegh Medical Properties

In Ayurvedic medicine, kalmegh is considered the ultimate liver stimulant. The following is a list of some of the herb’s most important medicinal qualities:

Antioxidant
Anti-microbial
Anti-bacterial
Anti-ulcer
Anti-allergic
Anti-angiogenic
Anti-infective
Blood-purifying
Liver enzymes modulation
Sexual function modulation
Anti-parasitic
Immunomodulatory
Anti-diabetic
Anti-inflammatory
Hepato-renal protective
Analgesic
Anti-viral
Anti-HIV

Other Language Names of Bhanga (Cannabis Sativa)

English name – The creat

Urdu name – Bhooinimo

Gujarati name – Kariyathu, Litu Kariyat

Kannada name – Nelabevu

Marathi name – Kiriath

Hindi name – Kalamegha, Kalpanath

Bengali name – Kalamegh

Tamil name – Nelavemu, Nilavembu, Nilavempu, Nilavembu kudinneer

Telugu name – Nelavemu

Malayalam name – Nelavepu, Nelavemu, Nilavaepu

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Dicotyledonae
Order	Scrophulariales
Family	Acanthaceae
Genus	Andrographis
Species	Andrographis paniculata

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter)

Guna (Quality) – Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry)

Virya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)

Vipaka (Metabolic property, after digestion) – Katu (pungent)

Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) Uses

Kalmegh is taken as syrup, tablets, and capsules.
You can consume kalmegh powder with water.
Leaves of Kalmegh plant can be used to make juice.

Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) Benefits

Cures Liver Disorders:

This traditional bitter composition has potent hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative qualities that make it a miraculous treatment for jaundice, which primarily affects the liver. In addition to lowering blood bilirubin levels, kalmeghasava also helps to support liver function by detoxifying and cleaning the Yakrit, or liver.

Kalmegh as an Antioxidant:

Kalmegh has a lot of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that fight oxidative stress, in addition to andrographolide. Oxidative stress is a key factor in aging and disease and refers to cellular damage brought on by free radicals. Kalmegh extract is an antioxidant that helps maintain essential cell components and shields vital organs from damage caused by free radicals, including the liver, kidneys, and brain cells.

Beneficial for Influenza (Flu):

Andrographolide, the main ingredient in Kalmegh Powder, has antiviral and anti-inflammatory qualities. It strengthens the body to combat viral illness and strengthens the immune system.

Heart Diseases:

Taking Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) Powder is unquestionably an effective strategy to control blood pressure. The andrographolide characteristic lowers the risk of high blood pressure and enhances blood flow. Good blood flow management thereby lowers the danger of harm to heart cells anytime the heart experiences a shortage of oxygen.

It alleviates typical cold symptoms:

It is believed that andrographis, taken either on its own or in combination with other herbs, may provide relief for certain people experiencing coughing and sore throats.

It helps with digestion:

Appetite loss is among the digestive problems that Kalmegh helps to appropriately manage. It may also help to improve the functioning of the liver and the digestive fire because of its ushna (hot) nature.

Remedies Anemia:

An amazing first-choice treatment for iron deficient anemia, also known as microcytic anemia, is kalmegh. It is also very important for treating the symptoms of anemia that are related to it, such as headaches, dizziness, headaches, jaundice, headaches, general weariness, physical weakness, and shortness of breath.

Kalmegh as an Anti-Cancer Agent:

The andrographolide in kalmegh inhibits the growth and spread of some cancer cells, such as leukemia, colon, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer, according to findings from test tubes and animals. By disrupting the pathways used by malignant cells to communicate with one another, andrographolide causes cancer cells to die.

It may even prevent acne:

The Ayurvedic herb’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help treat skin ailments as well. Rich in antioxidants, kalmegh helps fight against harmful free radicals, which can lead to a number of health issues as well as cosmetic ones.

Don’t miss: Kadamb / Burflower-tree (Anthocephalus Indicus) – Ayurvedic Properties, Benefits & Side Effects

Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) Side Effects

Bleeding Problem:

It raises the possibility of heavy bleeding and slows blood coagulation. So, this medication shouldn’t be used by those who have bleeding disorders.

Pregnancy Issues:

It is not advised for pregnant women to use orally because miscarriages can happen.

Lower Blood Pressure:

People who already have low blood pressure should avoid using this medication because it can drop blood pressure levels.

Children:

The kids can consume it by mouth. However, on rare occasions, it triggers an increase in immune system activity, ultimately leading to auto-immune illness.

Conclusion

One such bitter-tasting concoction that has the amazing properties of Kalmegh along with a plethora of health advantages is Kalmeghasava. Because of the beneficial effects of the vital bioactive ingredients in the herbs used to make this, Kalmeghasava is frequently used to treat liver abnormalities, feverish and flu-like illnesses, anorexia, prevent anemia, aid in digestion, and many other ailments.

FAQS

What is the purpose of Kalmegh Andrographis paniculata?

Hepatoprotective: shields the gallbladder and liver. Vermicidal: Promotes gut health and eradicates intestinal worms. Prevent acne by shielding skin from breakouts. Anti-inflammatory: Diminishes capillary exudation and reduces edema.

Does Kalmegh have hepatic benefits?

A fatty liver can benefit from kalmegh. Some of its ingredients have the ability to reduce cholesterol. These ingredients prevent fat buildup in the liver cells and reduce serum lipid levels.

Hemoepathic kalmegh is it safe?

Yes, for the majority of people, homeopathic Kalmegh is safe. But before taking it, you should see a doctor, especially if you have an autoimmune disease, are pregnant, or are nursing a baby.