Andrographis is a native plant to South Asian countries like India and Sri Lanka. It is called kalmegh or BhuiNeem in Hindi and has been used in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine system, for centuries.
Indian echinacea, Chuan Xin Lian, and King of bitters are some popular names for Andrographis paniculate.
The herb is famous for its anti-viral properties that help with respiratory problems. It helps to reduce fever, common cold, oxidative stress, combat inflammation, and prevent flu virus.
Kalmegh stem and leaf stimulate your immune system and can help treat other health conditions like throat infection, colitis, osteoarthritis, etc.
Andrographis Benefits
Taking Andrographis supplements has many health benefits and helps treat many health conditions. Here are some of the benefits that Kalmegh offers:
Helps with Common Cold
Andrographis has been used for decades in Indian Ayurveda for treating the common cold, cough, and sore throat. It helps to curtail the duration of the symptoms.
Research suggests that extracts from the plant are beneficial and safe for treating respiratory-related issues [1].
Helps in Treating Fever
Kalmegh has cold properties that help lessen the body’s heat, thereby reducing fever. Research shows that the herb helps to disperse toxins from the body [2]. Andrographis aids as an antipyretic that helps fight inflammation, combat infections, and boosts immunity.
Treats Throat Infection
BhuiNeem can help to treat tonsillitis and tuberculosis. Studies show that taking it daily helps relieve sore throat pain and aids infections.
Helps Fight Upper Respiratory Infections
Kalmegh has been used to treat respiratory infections in many parts of Asia for years. It can help to treat medical cases like lung infection, chronic bronchitis, infectious diseases, pneumonia, etc.
Contains Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties
Andrographis is high in anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that act like a pain killer. It can also help reduce blood loss and swelling.
Improves Digestion
It has laxative properties that help in excreting waste from the body. It also has choleretic properties, which help increase the flow of bile in the system, aiding in better digestion.
Helps with Gastrointestinal Tract Infection
Research shows that kalmegh is very good for managing diarrhea and other symptoms that arise from bacterial infections.
Protects Liver
Andrographis supplements are pretty effective against liver toxicity. It produces a cleaning solvent and obstructs the growth of free radicals that can destroy the cellular membrane. If free radicals grow, it can lead to coma or even death of a person.
Studies suggest Kalmegh protects the liver and is also quite helpful for treating fatty liver and reducing gallstone formation.
Helps with Cancer
Andrographis contains a cytotoxic substance, which helps to fight cancer cells. It helps treat cancers like leukemia, skin cancer, and breast cancer. It helps to enhance the immune system of the body [3].
Studies also suggest that it has the potential to activate dual responses, which helps to fight against various infections and cancer-causing substances.
Helps with Ulcers
Andrographis reduces the development of ulcers due to its antiulcerogenic activity. It can significantly minimize stomach acidity without any side effects.
Treatment for Inflammation
Research studies show that the andrographolide compound in the herb can significantly help reduce inflammation. Therefore, it is used in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis [4].
Prevents Brain-Related Disorder
Andrographis helps in maintaining oxygen and blood flow to the brain. That reduces the risk of many brain-related disorders memory loss, dizziness, depression, impaired mental health, etc.
Helps in Treating Filaria
Filaria is a parasite transmitted by mosquitos and flies that causes filariasis and other diseases. The extracts of Andrographis herb help treat filaria by obstructing the lymph channel that leads to swelling (known as elephantiasis).
Contains Cardioprotective Substance
Studies suggest that Andrographis has a cardioprotective substance that increases blood clotting time. It stimulates the natural process that helps in dissolving blood clots. That further results in reducing the risk of closing of blood vessels.
Helps with Malaria
Andrographis also contains an antimalarial component that helps in fighting against malaria-transmitting parasites. Many studies suggest that the herb is a more effective antimalarial drug.
Works as an Anti-venom
Research studies show that Andrographis also contain an anti-venom element. This helps delay the respiratory failure caused by venoms and further extends the survival time.
Contain Antioxidants
The antioxidant property in Kalmegh also protects the human body from oxidative stress and damage. The antioxidants present in the herb significantly increase the body’s defense mechanism (enzymes) [5].
Helps with Diabetics
The Andrographis herb has been used as traditional medicine for years for helping. Moreover, taking the supplements may help reduce glucose levels in the body by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
According to research studies, kalmegh can also help reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood level.
Andrographis Side Effects
Indian echinacea is also usually safe to consume. Research also suggests that you can take up to 340 mg daily for a year without any side effects.
Furthermore, some people may face minor side effects like fatigue, vomiting, headache, runny nose, diarrhea, and rash.
Precautions: Who should avoid it?
According to some studies, pregnant women should avoid consuming Andrographis as it may cause miscarriage.
Breast-feeding mothers should also avoid it as no evidence suggest it is safe for nursing women.
People with auto-immune conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and lupus should not consume kalmegh as it may make the immune system hyperactive, further increasing the symptoms of your medical condition.
You should also avoid Kalmegh if you have a bleeding disorder, as it may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
If you plan to have or have already had any surgeries, it is best to avoid Andrographis as it can slow the blood clotting process and can also reduce your blood pressure levels.
Andrographis Dosage
There is no recommended dose; however, there are some standard practices that have been followed for decades:
An adult usually can consume 90-600 mg daily as a supplement in their regular diet. If you have a cold or flu, you can take a 300 mg tablet 4 times a day till the symptoms prevail. And it is also suggested to consume 3-6 gm daily to get relief from inflammatory pain or fever.
For issues like ulcerative colitis, consuming 1200-1800 mg is usually for a couple of months. You should consult a naturopathic or healthcare personnel to determine what product and dose suits you.
Andrographis Supplements
Andrographis supplements are also available in the form of capsules. You can also consume kalmegh in powder form, tinctures, teas, juices, and pastes as per your preference.
There are no specific guidelines for consuming this as a supplement.
Andrographis Paniculata Uses
Andrographis has also been used for many years in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb is used by naturopathic for treating many conditions, including cough, sore throat, and common colds.
Taking kalmegh can also reduce pain and stiffness in the knee for people with the medical condition of osteoarthritis. It can also help if you have level I/II osteoarthritis.
It can help to reduce pain due to throat infection and tonsilitis.
Bottom Line
Andrographis is a natural herb used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is native to India and some other south ancient countries. It can help treat many health conditions like fever, respiratory infections, and inflammatory diseases.
There is no specific dosage for taking kalmegh; however, as a general practice, the dose ranges from 1200 mg to 6 gm depending upon your medical condition. Kalmegh is available in the form of capsules, teas, tinctures, etc. You should consult a medical professional if you are on medication before including it in your diet.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Hu, X. Y., Wu, R. H., Logue, M., Blondel, C., Lai, L., Stuart, B., Flower, A., Fei, Y. T., Moore, M., Shepherd, J., Liu, J. P., & Lewith, G. (2017). Andrographis paniculata (Chuān Xīn Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 12(8), e0181780. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181780
- Jayakumar, T., Hsieh, C. Y., Lee, J. J., & Sheu, J. R. (2013). Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata and Its Major Bioactive Phytoconstituent Andrographolide. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 846740. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/846740
- Rajanna, M., Bharathi, B., Shivakumar, B. R., Deepak, M., Prashanth, D., Prabakaran, D., Vijayabhaskar, T., & Arun, B. (2021). Immunomodulatory effects of Andrographis paniculata extract in healthy adults – An open-label study. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 12(3), 529–534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2021.06.004
- Jayakumar, T., Hsieh, C. Y., Lee, J. J., & Sheu, J. R. (2013). Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata and Its Major Bioactive Phytoconstituent Andrographolide. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 846740. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/846740
- Jayakumar, T., Hsieh, C. Y., Lee, J. J., & Sheu, J. R. (2013). Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata and Its Major Bioactive Phytoconstituent Andrographolide. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 846740. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/846740
