Benefits of Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata)

Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) has been used since centuries for the treatment of various diseases. It is a great benefit to the Unani, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and household treatment. The chemical components present in it are Andrographolite, neoandrographolite, and deoxyandrographlide. The derivatives of it are andrographiside, andropanoside, andrographin and panicolin.
Medicinal uses of Kalmegh are interesting to know!
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is multi functional drug which acts as a Deepan & Pachan (digestive stimulant), hepatoprotective & improves liver functions, Rakta shodhak (blood purifier), reduced inflammation, laxative, apart of this Kalmegh acts on respiratory and metabolic disorders. The studies showed that Kalmegh extracts are antimicrobial, antihelminthic, and improves digestive flora.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Liver disease?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of liver problems. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. It prevents the damage of liver cells caused by the free radicals. It might also be effective against chronic hepatitis B viral infection
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh is especially useful in managing liver-related diseases. It exhibits hepatoprotective property due to Kapha and Pitta balancing nature.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Influenza (flu)?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of influenza. Andrographolide in Kalmegh has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the replication of influenza virus. It also decreases the activity of inflammatory mediators responsible for inflammation of lungs
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Sinusitis?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of sinusitis. This might be due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh helps to fight against infection and also enhances the immune system. This is due to its Kapha and Pitta balancing properties.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Appetite stimulant?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of anorexia or loss of appetite
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh is effective in managing digestive problems like loss of appetite. It helps to improve the digestive fire as well as liver functions due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Common cold symptoms?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh is beneficial in the management of common cold. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It might inhibit the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. It might also reduce nasal secretions
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh helps to fight against common cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections due its Kapha and Pitta balancing property.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Tonsilitis?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh is beneficial in the management of tonsilitis. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It might inhibit the inflammation of the tonsils. It also reduces symptoms like fever, sore throat and cough associated with tonsilitis
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh has anti-microbial activity and has a positive effect on the immune system due to its Kapha and Pitta balancing property. It helps to reduce fever and sore throat due to tonsillitis.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Inflammatory bowel disease?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh is beneficial in the management of ulcerative colitis. It is a long-term disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine. It occurs because of the improper functioning of the immune system. Andrographolide in Kalmegh has good anti-inflammatory property. It reduces inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis[
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh helps to manage inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory and Pitta balancing property. It improves the digestive fire and helps in better bowel movement.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Familial Mediterranean fever (Hereditary inflammatory disorder)?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of familial Mediterranean fever. It is a genetic disorder. It involves episodes of recurrent fever and inflammation of the tissues lining the lungs, heart and the abdomen. Andrographolide in Kalmegh has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It normalizes the level of nitric oxide and inflammatory mediators in blood. Thus, Kalmegh helps to reduce the severity and duration of these inflammatory episodes
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Rheumatoid arthritis?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune disorder. It involves pain, inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Andrographolide in Kalmegh has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It helps to reduce the pain and inflammation of joints
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joints. Amavāta starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Taking Kalmegh on a regular basis helps to control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces Ama by improving the digestive fire. It also helps balance Vata due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for HIV infection?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of HIV/AIDS. Andrographolide in Kalmegh has antiviral and anti-HIV properties. It prevents the spread of HIV infection. It also reduces the symptoms associated with HIV
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Heart disease?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of high blood pressure. It helps to dilate the blood vessels and improves the blood flow. Andrographolide in Kalmegh has antioxidant properties. It protects the blood vessels against damage caused by lipid peroxidation. It also protects the heart cells against injury due to lack of oxygen
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Parasitic infections?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of malaria. It has good antimalarial activity. Andrographolide in Kalmegh inhibits the growth of the malaria parasite
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh is useful in managing malaria. It has antibacterial and antiparasitic activities. This is due to its Tikta and Pitta balancing properties.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Stomach ulcers?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of both gastric and duodenal ulcers. Andrographolide in Kalmegh has anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It prevents the excess acid secretion in the stomach. It also fights against the free radicals and protects the gastric mucosal layer. Thus, Kalmegh acts as a gastroprotective agent
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Allergic conditions?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of allergy symptoms. This might be due to its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh is good to control allergies. It has an anti-microbial activity and has a positive effect on the immune system due to its Kapha and Pitta balancing property.
What are the benefits of Kalmegh for Skin disorders?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh might be beneficial in the management of skin diseases. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has blood purifying activity. Together, Kalmegh might be useful in managing skin eruptions, boils and scabies
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh has blood purifying property. It removes toxins from the blood and hence helps to manage skin diseases. This is due to its Tikta (bitter) taste and Pitta balancing property.
How effective is Kalmegh?
Likely effective
Common cold symptoms, Inflammatory bowel disease, Tonsilitis
Insufficient evidence
Allergic conditions, Appetite stimulant, Familial Mediterranean fever (Hereditary inflammatory disorder), HIV infection, Heart disease, Infections, Influenza (flu), Liver disease, Parasitic infections, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sinusitis, Skin disorders, Stomach ulcers
Can I take Kalmegh with honey?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, Kalmegh can be taken with honey in order to mask its bitter taste and make it more palatable. However, people with diabetes should consult a doctor before taking this combination.
Q. How can we make Kalmegh powder at home?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh powder is available in market under various brand names, however it can be made at home by following method:
1. Take complete Kalmegh plant (Panchang) from a trusted source.
2. Wash it properly and dry it in the shade.
3. Once dried completely keep it under sun for 2-3 hours.
4. Grind it using grinder to get a fine powder.
5. Store this powder in a cool, dry place and use when required.
Q. Is Kalmegh good for diabetes?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, Kalmegh is good for diabetes. Andrographolide in Kalmegh helps to reduce the blood glucose levels. It helps in the release of insulin from the pancreatic cells, thus promotes the utilization of glucose. Due to its antioxidant property, Kalmegh reduces the risk of diabetic complications[2].
Q. Can Kalmegh help reduce cholesterol?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, Kalmegh can help reduce cholesterol. Andrographolide in Kalmegh has hypolipidemic effect. It reduces the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in blood. It prevents the deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Due to its antioxidant property, it also prevents lipid peroxidation that can lead to the damage of blood vessels
Q. What are the benefits of Kalmegh for fatty liver?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh is beneficial for fatty liver. It contains certain constituents which have lipid lowering activity. These constituents lowers the serum lipid levels and prevents accumulation of lipid in the liver cells[13].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Fatty liver is a condition of accumulation of excessive fat in liver cells. This results in inflammation in the liver. Kalmegh helps to manage this condition due to its Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestion) and Shoth har (anti-inflammatory) properties. It helps to digest excessive fat and reduce inflammation in the liver cells.
Q. What are the benefits of Kalmegh syrup?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kalmegh syrup is used as a liver protectant. It stimulates the liver enzymes, regulates the production and flow of bile and thus protects the liver from any damage
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Kalmegh syrup helps to protect your liver from disorders like indigestion or loss of appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties. This helps to improve your digestion and enhance your appetite.
Q. Does Kalmegh cause rashes and itching in the skin?
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Yes, Kalmegh might cause rashes and itching if you have a hypersensitive skin. This is due to its Ushna (hot) nature.