| Andrographic Paniculta |
Kalmegh, also known as the “King of Bitters”, is a powerful medicinal herb widely used in Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Common name: King of Bitters
Botanical name: Andrographis paniculata
Family: Acanthaceae
Sanskrit name: Bhunimba
Hindi name: Kalmegh
Taste: Extremely bitter
🌱 Description
- Appearance:
- Small annual herb (30–110 cm tall)
- Green, lance-shaped leaves
- Small purple or pink flowers with white markings
- Native to:
- India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and China
🔬 Active Compounds
- Andrographolide (main bioactive compound)
- Diterpenoids
- Flavonoids
- Polyphenols
These compounds give Kalmegh its strong anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immune-boosting properties.
💊 Medicinal Uses
| Condition | Action |
|---|---|
| Liver disorders (e.g., jaundice, hepatitis) | Hepatoprotective |
| Common cold, flu, sore throat | Immunomodulatory & Antiviral |
| Fever & inflammation | Antipyretic & Anti-inflammatory |
| Indigestion, loss of appetite | Digestive stimulant |
| Diabetes | May help lower blood sugar |
Also used as a natural antibiotic alternative in many traditional systems.
🧪 Formulations
- Tablets or capsules
- Powder (churna)
- Decoction (kadha)
- Syrups
- Extracts and tinctures
⚠️ Precautions
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Excessive use may cause gastric irritation
- Always consult a healthcare provider for dosage and suitability