Kalmegh (Adhatoda vasica)

Kalmegh (Adhatoda vasica) is a member of the Acanthaceae family, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its leaves, bark, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, unani medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Kalmegh (Adhatoda vasica) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Kalmegh (Adhatoda vasica) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Kalmegh
Scientific Name	Adhatoda vasica
Plant Family	Acanthaceae
Genus	Adhatoda
Species	vasica
Native Range	India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Bark, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Expectorant, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Unani Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Adhatoda vasica
Common Name: Kalmegh
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Adhatoda Vasica, Brahmi, Bael
Plant Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Adhatoda

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Smooth, elliptic leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of solitary, zygomorphic flowers with violet to blue petals, five lobes, and a prominent yellow corona.
Stems: Cylindrical, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth surface, and presence of prominent longitudinal ridges.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Unani Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Expectorant: Traditionally described as a soothing expectorant, in chest-related herbal contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a mild anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a warming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a calming bitter, for flavor-based applications.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: Naturally occurring organic compounds commonly involved in plant defense.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Glycoside: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Reported information suggests that this herb may be contraindicated in specific circumstances.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Extract: Extracts are created by dissolving plant material in a suitable non-alcoholic medium.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.