Kalmegh is a branched annual herb. Kalamegha literally means ‘blackcloud’. Also known as bhunimba meaning ‘Neem of the earth’ referring to its bitter neem-like taste and effects. This small green annual shrub grows throughout India in the shade. Kalamegha is a very bitter herb known for its immune stimulating effect. It is commonly used to treat infections and fevers.
Benefits of Kalmegh: Hyperdipsia, chronic fever, malarial and intermittent fevers, burning sensation, wounds, ulcers, inflammations, cough, bronchitis, skin diseases, useful in leprosy, pruritis, intestinal worms, cough, oedema, thirst, skin diseases, fever, ulcer and worms
Action: Alterative, febrifuge, bitter tonic, cholagogue, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic.
Scientific name: Andrographis paniculata.
Useful part: Whole plant.
Dosage: 1–6g per day dried.
Energetics
Rasa (taste): Bitter
Vırya(energy): Cooling
Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Pungent
Guna (quality): Light, dry, pene-trating
Dosa effect: PK−, V+
Dhatu (tissue): Plasma, blood
Srotas (channel): Digestive, respiratory,circulatory,urinary
Classical and common names
Ayurvedic: Kaalmegha, Bhuunimba, Bhuuminimbaka, Vishwambharaa,Yavtikta, Kalpanaatha, Kiraata-tikta.
English: Green chiretta.