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Be it its laxative properties or the fact that it aids digestion, Kalmegh is a herbaceous plant that comes with a range of health benefits. It is one of the most popular medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of diseases such as cold, fever, diabetes, hypertension, ulcer, bronchitis, skin diseases, diarrhea, and malaria.
This herbal formulation is also traditionally used to help in the maintenance of a healthy immune and respiratory function, and also regulates body temperature. It has antibiotic properties as well and is anti-inflammatory.
Scientifically known as andrographis paniculata, it is a seasonal herb native to India and Sri Lanka. In the Indian system of medicine, kalmegh is also widely used for its anti-fertility, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immuno-stimulatory properties. A study, published in the Journal of Pharamcology and Phytochemistry, states that Kalmegh is one of the most important medicinal crops in India and Sri Lanka. The fresh as well as dried leaves and juice is used to make medicines.
Kalmegh comes in the form of yellowish-brown seeds with a very bitter taste. It is used in about 26 Ayurvedic herbal formulations. This herb has been potentially used to treat many conditions. Some of its benefits include:
It is believed that taking andrographis alone, or as part of a herbal combination product is likely to improve cough and sore throat in some people. A study, published in the Complementary Therapies of Medicine, states that Kalmegh decreases nasal mucous and can help with upper respiratory tract infections.
Taking andrographis extract daily helps to reduce pain and stiffness in people with mild or moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. A study, published in Clinical Rheumatology, states that kalmegh can help reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Kalmegh is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols that may help to fight the harmful free radicals in our body. This, in turn, seems to protect the body cells from harmful bacteria and viruses.
The anti-inflammatory properties of kalmegh potentially allow the body to fight infections effectively. Moreover, this herb may also help the body to repair tissue damage, and thus proves to be extremely useful. Kalmegh also helps to reduce swelling and pain caused by inflammation in the body.
Kalmegh helps to effectively manage digestive problems like loss of appetite. It may also help to improve the digestive fire as well as liver functions, due to its ushna (hot) nature.
Kalmegh also helps in the management of liver problems. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties, and may help to prevent the damage of liver cells caused by free radicals. A study, published in Pharmacognosy Reviews, states that Kalmegh prevented decreases in the amount of bile.
It is believed that kalmegh helps in killing intestinal worms and supporting good intestinal health, states this study, published in Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources. It kills filarial worms, thus, keeping the body health.
The Ayurveduc herb also helps to treat skin ailments with its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Loaded with antioxidants, kalmegh also helps in fighting harmful free radicals that are responsible for various health and skin ailments.
The anti-bacterial properties in kalmegh may allow the body to fight bacterial infections. Although andrographis appears to have weak direct antibacterial action, it may possibly have beneficial effects in reducing diarrhea and symptoms arising from bacterial infections.
Andrographolide in kalmegh helps reduce blood glucose levels. It may help in the release of insulin from the pancreatic cells, thus promoting the utilisation of glucose. Since it is loaded with antioxidants, kalmegh could also help in lowering the risk of diabetic complications, states this study, published in the Journal of Non Timber Forest Products.
Kalmegh has blood purifying properties. It may help remove toxins from the blood, and manage skin diseases. This is due to its tikta (bitter) taste and pitta balancing properties. This study, published in the International Research Journal of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, states that Kalmegh is a potential blood purifier and also increases blood circulation.
The andrographolide in kalmegh has antiviral properties. In fact, China mandated the use of andrographis by all doctors to overcome coronavirus, regardless of their training. However, there is no clinical proof that this herb can help combat the deadly disease.
Take a PollTake a PollThe side effects of Kalmegh include allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes as well as anaphylaxis in severe cases. It can also terminate pregnancies, and needs to be consumed with care. Other Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, as well as loss of appetite. It can lower blood pressure too.
The daily dosage of Kalmegh is one to two teaspoons of Kalmegh juice per day and one to two capsules of Kalmegh per day.
Today, kalmegh is used all over the world. The plant still grows natively in India and is useful for more than just immune support. The dry and penetrating properties of the herb help to break through dense phlegm caused by increased kapha, and it also reduces pitta and kapha in the head and chest, helping to maintain a normal body temperature.
In addition, it potentially promotes a healthy respiratory tract, sinuses and throat, and may also be used externally to help balance excess pitta in the skin. Owing to the bitter and calming qualities of kalmegh, it possibly helps to regulate increased pitta in the blood and stagnant pitta in the liver, to enhance liver function and to stimulate bile production.
With these amazing benefits, kalmegh’s bitter taste just got sweeter! Whether you choose to use kalmegh on its own or as a supplement, you’ve got an ally to help you maintain your health throughout the season.
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