Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is a member of the Acanthaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, India, and China. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

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

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) 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	Andrographis paniculata
Plant Family	Acanthaceae
Genus	Andrographis
Species	paniculata
Native Range	Southeast Asia, India, China
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Andrographis paniculata
Common Name: Kalmegh
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Indian Echinacea, Chiretta, Heartleaf Wormwood
Plant Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Andrographis

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Simple, opposite, ovate leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of dense spike-like clusters, flowers yellow with two-lipped corolla, actinomorphic symmetry, five stamens, two lobes on the lower lip of the corolla.
Stems: Climbing, opposite branching, glabrous surface, four-angled cross-section, nodes with prominent ridges.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a soothing bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a calming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Stimulant: Commonly referenced as a cooling stimulant, in wakefulness-related contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.
Glycoside: Plant-produced compounds commonly stored in inactive glycosylated forms.
Saponin: Plant-derived compounds characterized by their soap-like properties.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
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: Potential interactions with prescription medications have been reported in available sources.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

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