What Are The Benefits Of Nilavembu?
Nilavembu, also known as “Kalmegh” in Hindi, is one of the most famous Siddha herbs that has a wealth of immunity-promoting properties including anti-pyretic, digestive, cholagogue, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory and has been used as a classical remedy for treating umpteen ailments in the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine as well as in Unani, Homeopathy, Chinese remedies, and tribal medicine for centuries.
Commonly termed as ‘King Of Bitters’, Nilavembu goes by the botanical name, Andrographis paniculata, and belongs to the Acanthaceae family. This annual herb usually grows to a height of 30-110 cm and is widely cultivated mostly around the autumn season throughout Asia. Being one of the commonly used herbs in Ayurveda and Siddha formulations, Nilavembu actively works to cleanse the body of harmful toxins, uplift the immune system and facilitates in providing remedy for different types of intermittent fever from dengue, chikungunya, malaria, treat physical debility, build up appetite, aid in digestion, promote liver functions, boost metabolism and enhance kidney functions. Right from constipation, blood disorders, skin diseases, fatty liver, intestinal parasite, or hepatomegaly, this extremely potent bitter herb provides a significant remedy for all.
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Chemical Constituents Of Nilavembu
Imbued with powerful antipyretic and expectorant qualities, nilavembu illustrates a rich concentration of flavonoids, diterpenoids, lactones, diterpene glycosides, and flavonoid glycosides. The main bio-active component is considered to be andrographolide and andrographis extract that possesses numerous therapeutic properties.
Therapeutic Benefits Of Nilavembu
Remedies Viral Fevers
Imbued with powerful anti-viral and anti-pyretic properties, this bitter herb holds high significance in treating different forms of intermittent fever and presence of diterpenes and andrographolides attribute towards assuaging the symptoms of dengue, chikungunya, malaria, influenza etc. Formulations of nilavembu are extremely effective in inhibiting the growth of the malarial parasite right at the ring stage and hence prevents aggravation of the infection. It also shows strong anti-CHIKV effects and anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, that plays a quintessential role in inhibiting the Chikungunya virus and influenza virus from growing and replicating. It also portrays string inhibitory effects against the serotype 1 (DENV-1) dengue virus and actively diminishes the underlying symptoms of fever including joint pain, muscle pain, fatigues, soreness etc.
Enhances Heart Functioning
Enriched with strong cardio-protective nature, Nilavembu is pivotal in treating a host of heart ailments. Owing to its strong antioxidative nature, it fortifies the heart muscles, inhibits lipid build up in them, and hence diminishes the risk of heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, etc. The leaves of nilavembu not only holds high significance in lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood but also dilates blood vessels and regulates blood flow, hence managing high blood pressure.
Relieves Respiratory Issues
Touted as “Sarva Roga Parashamani”, Nilavembu is a well-known traditional remedy for all sorts of respiratory troubles. Imbued with powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, the plant plays a quintessential role in treating the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. It also emaciates catarrh deposits from within the chest and nasal cavities and hence eases breathing and helps the body to get rid of mucus. Nilavembu is extremely beneficial in treating bronchitis and asthmatic conditions. Consuming this herb regularly not only strengthens the lung tissues but also promotes lung health.
Promotes Digestion
The outstanding digestive and carminative properties of nilavembu confers an absolute remedy for all digestive woes. The anti-flatulent property reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus relieving from flatulence, bloating, constipation, and abdominal distension. The antacid property of the herbal formulation hinders the formation of excessive acids in the stomach thereby treating gastritis, indigestion, stomach ulcer, and facilitating better absorption of nutrients within the body.
Shields From Liver Anomalies
Nilavembu leaves portray strong hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative qualities which makes it a magical remedy for different types of liver problems including jaundice, in which the liver gets mostly effected. It is also beneficial for hindering liver damage and preventing fatty liver.
Conclusion
Nilavembu is one such potent bitter herb that is sanctified with an array of therapeutic benefits. Thanks to the goodness of the essential bio-active ingredients and potent pharmacological properties, it is widely used for treating flu and feverish conditions, relieving cough and cold symptoms, remedying sore throat, treating respiratory diseases, preventing viral infections, enhancing digestion and many more.
