Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is annual herb which occurs throughout India. Kalmegh is bitter tonic and is useful in treating fever, liver disorders, worms, abdominal gas and constipation.
Kalmegh has antipyretic (lowers fevers), anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiparasitic and hepatoprotective (liver proteccting) activities.
It can also be used to treat children suffering from liver and digestive system related problems.
Kalmegh Information
- Botanical name: Andrographis paniculata
- Indian name: Bhunimba, Yavatikta, Kalamegha, Kirata
- English name: Kriate, Kariyat, Creat
- Bengali name: Alui
- Gujrati: Lilun kariyatun
- Telugu: Nelavemu
- Tamil: Nila vembu
Kalmegh uses in ayurveda:
- Chronic fever : Take Kalmegh panchang(all parts of plant), clean and dry in shade. Make decoction by boiling 3-4 gm of it in water. Drink this decoction twice a day after mixing misri.
- Liver related problems, Infection in intestine
Take leaves of Kalmegh (1 gm), Bhumi amla (1-2 gm powder), mulethi (2 gm) in 200 ml water. Boil till water reduces to 50 ml. Then filter and drink. - Chronic constipation, Indigestion, abdominal gas
Take amla powder (2 gm), kalmegh (2 gm), mulethi(2 gm) and make decoction by boiling in 400 ml water till water reduces to 100 ml. Filter and drink. - Diarrhoea, gas and low appetite in children
Take leaves of kalmegh and cook in water till it thickens. Then add jaggery. When it cools down make small pills. Give these pills to children in diarrhoea, gas and liver related problems. - Skin problems
Soak amla (2 gm) and kalmegh (3 gm) in a glass of water at night. Next morning filter and drink.