Home › Catalogue › Kalmegh (King of Bitters / Green Chiretta)
Kalmegh (King of Bitters / Green Chiretta)
Andrographis paniculata
ଭୂଇଁନିମ୍ବ (Bhuinimba)कालमेघ (Kalmegh)Kalamegha
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Origin
- India & Sri Lanka
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Erect branched annual herb with quadrangular winged stems; lanceolate dark-green leaves, small rose-streaked bilabiate flowers in racemes, and linear capsules.
Traditional Uses
Malaria, viral fevers, hepatic disorders, upper respiratory infections, and dysentery
Parts Used
Whole plant, leaves
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Immune booster, treats upper respiratory viral infections, protects liver tissue, and reduces fever
Precautions
Avoid during pregnancy; high doses may cause gastric irritation or taste alteration
Interesting Facts
Known as 'King of Bitters'; widely researched active diterpenoid andrographolide exhibits broad antivirals