Andrographis paniculata has extremely bitter taste. In Ayurveda herb it is known as Kalmegh or Kalamegha, meaning “dark cloud”. It is also known as Bhui-neem, meaning “neem of the ground”, since the plant, though being a small annual herb, has a similar strong bitter taste as that of the large Neem tree (Azadirachta indica).
In short-
Parts used – Whole plant
Uses – The whole plant of Kiratatikta is used in the form of powder and decoction to treat fever, sprue, oedema, for purifying breastmilk, intrinsic haemorrhage, vomiting.
The therapeutic value of Kalmegh is due to its mechanism of action which is perhaps by enzyme induction. The plant extract exhibits antityphoid and antifungal activities. Kalmegh is also reported to possess antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, antihepatitic, antithrombogenic, antiinflammatory, anti-snake venom, and antipyretic properties to mention a few, besides its general use as an immunostimulant agent.
In fever
Hot infusion of kiratatikta mixed with dhanyaka(Coriandrum sativum) leaves alleviates fever immediately (40-60ml) (SB.4.32)
In Oedema
Paste of kiratatikta and sunthi (zingiber officinale) destroys chronic oedema (10-15 gms) (CS.Ci.12.42)
So Lets identify and preserve herbs as it is the beauty of Ayurveda.
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