While Ayurveda provides us with a number of, primarily easy strategies to develop a robust immune system, life still happens. When basic self-care has been neglected, Ayurvedic herbs might be beneficial. The health of the liver is impacted by dietary and lifestyle changes, however there is a plant called Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) that can protect the liver. This herb is well-known for its immune-boosting, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and numerous other qualities, which we shall cover in more detail along with its complete description.

Systemic Classification

Botanical Name - Andrographis Paniculata

Family - Acanthaceae

Genus - Andrographis

Species - A.paniculata

Synonyms

Bhunimb

Yavatikta

Yavakharaphala

Kalpanath

Shankini

Mahatikta

Other Vernacular Names

• English Name  - Creat
• Hindi Name - Kalmegh
• Gujarati Name - Kariyatu
• Bengali Name  - Kalamegh
• Tamil Name - Nelavemu
• Kannada Name - Nelabevu
• Urdu Name  - Bhooinimo

Habitat

The species is prevalent in scattered spots throughout tropical Asian nations. It inhabits a variety of habitats, including plains, hillsides, and coastal regions in addition to cultivated and disturbed places like farms and roadsides. Native populations of Andrographis Paniculata can be found in South India and Sri Lanka, which may represent the origin and diversity hub of the species. Northern India, Malaysia, Java, Indonesia, and other regions of the Americas have all received the herb. The species is also found in various Asian nations, whether they are native or not, including Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei.

Morphology

The herb develops as an upright plant to a height of 30-110 cm in damp, shaded locations. The square cross-section of the thin, dark green stem is sliced longitudinally and has wings across the angles. The lance-shaped leaves have blades up to 8 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. Pink single flowers are arranged in loosely branching spikes or racemes. The fruit is a capsule-shaped fruit that is about 2 cm long and a few millimeters wide. It produces a large number of rugose, subquadrate, and glabrous yellow-brown seeds. From September to December is the blossoming season.

Ayurvedic Properties

	Hindi / Sanskrit	English
Rasa (Taste)	Tikta	Bitter
Guna (Physical Property)	Ruksha, Laghu	Dry, Light
Virya (Potency)	Ushna	Hot
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Taste)	Katu	Pungent

Effect on Doshas

It balances the Kapha and Pitta Dosha.

Practical Uses

Kalmegh is referred to as the "Green Chiretta" and the "King of Bitters". Let's go over some of the medicinal uses it is used for below. It has a bitter taste.

• This herb's bitterness makes it extremely effective at treating liver conditions like jaundice, fatty liver, cirrhosis, ascites, etc.
• Honey and Kalmegh paste are effective in reducing nausea and vomiting.
• Blood purification is aided by a 40–50 ml cold Kalmegh infusion.
• Many different types of skin diseases, including eczema, psoriasis, acute dermatitis, and others, can be treated with plant paste.
• This herb's 20–30 ml decoction aids in lowering fever, boosts immunity, and aids in the treatment of infections like the flu, cold, and cough, among others.
• Take one teaspoon of kalmegh powder twice a day to control blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
• On a regular basis, Kalmegh Swaras is useful in promoting kidney health.

Part Used

Whole Plant

Chemical Composition

Whole Plant Contains: Andrographolide, 14-deoxy, 14-deoxy 11, 14-deoxy andrographolide, 12-didehydro-andrographolide and me andrographolide, 5-hydroxyl - 3, 11-oxo andrographolide, iridoid glucoside, 78 2'-tetrahydroxyflavone, 8-dimethoxyflavone glycoside ncoandrographolide, flavonoid 5-hydroxy-7.

Root Contains Apigenin, flavonoid glucoside 2'5 dihydroxy-7, Panicolin, Andrographin, andrographolide, flavone andrographone, 8-dimethoxyflavone 2-0 beta glucoside.

Dosage

Internal Use

Kwath/Decoction: 20-30 ml

Vati/Tablets: 1-2 tabs

Swaras/Juice: 10-20 ml

Churna/Powder: 3-6 gm

Capsules: 1-2 caps

External Use

Local applications of kalmegh paste or its powder when combined with coconut oil are both options.