Kaalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) कालमेघ

कालमेघ (Andrographis Peniculata)

Common Name: कालमेघ, महातीता, महाभांग,

Part Used: Leaves and Root 

It shows hepatoprotective and potent anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant action. It improves non-specific immune response. Although both andrographis and beta glucan effective immune enhancers, Extracts of andrographis,have been shown to stimulate powerful immune responses in living creatures. The immune response may be specific directed at a microbial invader already present in the body, or generally, strengthening the immune system in preparation against future infections. Andrographis strongly stimulates phagocytosis and the production of specific antibodies.

The herb has a number of purported medicinal uses in treatment of upper respiratory infection, ulcerative colitis and rheumatic symptoms. There is no evidence of its effectiveness in cancer treatment. It shows a significant drying effect on the nasal secretions of cold sufferers in children.

***Pregnant women shouldn't use andrographis because it could terminate pregnancy.***

In one Chilean study from 1999, the herb had a significant drying effect on the nasal secretions of cold sufferers who took 1,200 milligrams of andrographis extract daily for five days. A 2012 study suggested that Andrographis paniculata extracts may have the potential to be used as a mosquito repellant. A 2006 study reported that extracts of Andrographis exhibited actions in mice.

 It has been traditionally used to treat infections and some diseases in Southern and Southeastern Asia. Mostly the leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes. It shows hepatoprotective action.

The whole plant has astringent, anodyne, antinflammatory, immunosuppressive and alexipharmic properties and useful in diarrhea, cholera, fever, diabetes, consumption, influenza, coryza, cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, ostiodynia, bronchitis, itches, artheralgia, mensural and ganorrhoea.

Remedies For
• Digestive	Promotes digestion
• Hepatoprotective	Protects the liver and gall bladder.
• Vermicidal	Kills intestinal worms & support intestine
• Anti-acne	Protect skin from pimples
• Analgesic	Pain killer
• Anti-inflammatory	Reduces swelling and cuts down exudation from capillaries
• Antibacterial	Fights bacterial activity. Although Andrographis appears to have weak direct antibacterial action, it has remarkably beneficial effect in reducing diarrhea and symptoms arising from bacterial infections.
• Expectorant	Promotes mucus discharge from the respiratory system.
• Hypoglycemic	Blood sugar reducer.
• Immune System	Emproves
• Laxative	Aids bowel elimination
• Sedative	A relaxing herb, though not with the same effect as the accepted herbal sedatives, valerian roots, hops, skullcap, etc.