Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees 1832, commonly called Kalmegh, is an annual, herbaceous plant, native to India and Sri Lanka.

The tropical herb belongs to the Acanthus family (Acanthaceae) and is widely cultivated in South and South-east Asia. At times, before antibiotics has been developed Kalmegh leaves and roots has been used in natural medicine to treat infections and diseases. Kalmegh has an extremely bitter taste and because of that, the plant is also called King of Bitters. Since ancient times Kalmegh is used in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but is still subject to medical research. In folk medicine Andrographis paniculata is used to treat, colds, Sinusitis, infections, diarrhoea, heartburn and Hepatitis B, it`s considered to strengthen heart, liver and the immune system and has anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying properties. In newer studies the tropical herb has been compared with Paracetamol and had the edge on it. Intake of the herb should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The tiny little, cute Kalmegh flowers get a length of about 1 cm. Flowering period: summer - early winter. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) requires a warm - hot, humid tropical climate and is best cultivated in a sunny - partial shaddy location.

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Image: Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)