SCIENTIFIC NAME: Andrographis Paniculata
HINDI NAME: Kalmegha, Kalpanath
ENGLISH NAME: The Creat, Green Chiretta
FAMILY: Acanthaceae
SHORT DESCRIPTION
The herb's dry and penetrating properties help to break through vitiated increased kapha, as well as reduce pitta and kapha, allowing the body to function normally. Kalmegh seeds are yellowish-brown in colour and have a bitter taste. About 26 Ayurvedic herbal formulations contain it. Due to its tikta (bitter) taste and pitta balancing properties, it has detox and blood purifying properties.
USES & HEALTH BENEFITS
- Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Anti-diabetic
- Amazing for liver health
- Anti-arthritic herb
- Helps in common cold
- Aids in digestion
- Kills intestinal worms effectively
- Blood purifier
PRECAUTIONS & SIDE EFFECTS
- Might cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting if taken in overdosage.
- Kalmegh should be taken with a natural sweetener because it has a bitter taste.
- While taking Kalmegh with anticoagulant and immunomodulatory drugs, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using it.
HOW TO USE
- Mix kalmegh powder with coconut oil and apply it to the skin to treat eczema, boils, and skin infections.
- Externally, apply a ground paste of Kalmegh leaves and turmeric to infected wounds. You can also use the juice extract from the leaves directly.
- To manage diabetes and liver health, mix 1-2 teaspoons of Kalmegh juice with a glass of water and drink once a day, preferably before a meal.
- Crush 5-10 Kalmegh leaves with 3-4 black peppercorns if your menses are painful. For 7 days, take it once a day.
- Take ¼-½ teaspoon Kalmegh powder with 1-2 teaspoon honey 1-2 times a day after taking food for blood purifying action.