ØIgnites the digestive fire in stomach

Actions according to Ayurveda:

• Deepana : Kalmegh ignites the digestive fire in stomach
  
• Swedana: Kalmegh stimulates perspiration and removes toxins from the body via sweat.
  
• Krimighna: Kalmegh works well against parasites and microbes.
  
• Pittasaraka: Kalmegh stimulates expulsion of bile from liver.
  
• Yakrita Roge Prashasyate: Kalmegh is indicated in all disorders of liver.
  
• Kushthagyna: Kalmegh is useful in skin diseases
  

Medicinal value:

• The plant extract of Kalmegh exhibits antityphoid and antifungal activities. Kalmegh is also reported to possess antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, antihepatitic, antithrombogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-snake venom, and antipyretic properties to mention a few, besides its general use as an immunostimulant agent. A recent study conducted at Bastyr University, confirms the anti-HIV activity of andrographolide.
  
• Clinical studies in China have found that Kalmegh prevents the formation of blood clots and that use of the herb prevents restenosis, or "reclogging," of arteries after angioplasty. The herb changes the way the linings of blood vessels respond to calcium, helping them to stay open.
  
• Andrographolide, the chief constituent extracted from the leaves of Kalmegh, is a bitter water-soluble lactone exhibiting protective effects in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Such other activities as liver protection under various experimental conditions of treatment with galactosamine, paracetamol etc. are also attributed to Andrographolide. 
  
• A study has been conducted on the cellular processes and targets modulated by andrographolide treatment in human cancer and immune cells. The results suggest that andrographolide is an interesting pharmacophore with anticancer and immunomodulatory activities and hence has the potential for being developed as a cancer therapeutic agent.
  
• It has been shown that if a cancer cell can be made to mature (or differentiate), it will not have the ability to grow out of control. Results of a study have demonstrated that Kalmegh has potent cell-differentiation-inducing activity on leukemia cells. Moreover, extracts from Kalmegh leaves are cytotoxic (cell-killing) against cancer cells. Japanese researchers have reported that Kalmegh stops stomach cancer cells from multiplying. Other studies have found positive results with skin cancer, prostate and breast cancer cells, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. 
  
• In one Chilean study, the herb had a significant drying effect on the nasal secretions of cold sufferers who took 1,200 milligrams of andrographis extract daily for five days
  
• Harrar, Sari. "Stop a Cold in Just 12 Hours"

How does Kalmegh work?

Kalmegh might stimulate the immune system. It may improve the blood cell counts in people with HIV, and help with allergies.

Do not use Kalmegh if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
  
• You have problems with infertility, or you are trying to get pregnant or father a child.
  
• You have a bleeding disorder.
  
• You have low blood pressure.
  
• You have an immune system disease such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions called "autoimmune disease."
  

Are there any interactions with medications?

• Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs): Be cautious with this combination. Kalmegh seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking andrographis along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
• Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressant) Kalmegh increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, Kalmegh might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
  
• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) Kalmegh might slow blood clotting. Taking Kalmegh along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. 
  

Kalmegh is Abortifacient i.e. induces abortion. So avoid its use during pregnancy.

Useful part:

Whole Plant

Doses:

Powder: 1-3 gm; Juice: 5-10ml; Decoction: 20-40 ml