Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as Creat or Kalmegh, is an annual herb belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It can be found in both plains and hilly regions up to 500 m elevation. It originates from India and Sri Lanka and has been widely cultivated in Southern and Southeastern Asia, including Nepal. It is also known for its very bitter taste and is sometimes called the “King of Bitters”.
The plant grows in an upright erect position and can be up to 30-110 cm tall. The stem of the tree is slender and dark green in colour. The leaves feature hairless blades and small pink flowers appear solitarily. The fruit contains many yellow-brown seeds that have a smooth surface. Flowering usually occurs from September through December. This species thrives in different environments such as plains, hillsides, coastlines, and even areas disturbed by human activities like roadsides and farms.
In traditional medicine systems and Ayurveda, especially in countries like China, India, and other south-east Asian countries, including Nepal, this plant and its extracts are used for its potential benefits for health since ancient times. It has been historically used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers, leprosy, bronchitis, skin diseases, influenza, dysentery, malaria, etc. among others. The plant contains diverse compounds like flavonoids, labdane diterpenoid lactones, and miscellaneous compounds that can be used in medicinal formulations.
Some amazing benefits and uses of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) and its extracts include:
- Treating illnesses like jaundice, typhoid, common cold, and influenza.
- Boosting your immune system.
- Reducing the risk of blood clots.
- Effective in combating malaria.
- Protecting the liver and gallbladder while reducing inflammation.
- Improving digestion, thanks to its laxative properties.
- Useful for treating gastrointestinal tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and more.
- Acting as a pain reliever.
- Serving as an antidote for poisonous insect stings and is even known to have been used in snake bites
- Helping to remove toxins from your body.
- Assisting with urinary tract infections.
- Helping to lower blood sugar levels.
Various commercial products of Andrographis paniculata are available in the market. Some of which are:
- Kalmegh Extract Tablets
- Kalmegh Stomach Cleanser
- Kalmegh Dried Bitter sticks
- Kalmegh Digestive Syrup
- Kalmegh Liver Tonic
- Kalmegh Juice
We can clearly observe that Andrographis paniculata(Kalmegh), holds a significant place in traditional medicine. Its extensive range of uses indeed emphasizes its value.
However, as with any herbal treatment, it's wise to consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional before using any related products.
