Nilavembu Kashayam - Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
Commonly known as Kalmegh in Hindi, Nilavembu Kashayam is also known as Andrographis in English, Kirata in Sanskrit, Kriate in English, Nilavembu in Tamil, Nelavemu in Telugu, and Kiryaat in Unani scriptures.
Botanically known as Andrographis paniculata, Nilavembu Kashayam has been used in many Ayurveda and Siddha medicines for ages to mainly treat fever, fatigue, appetite, skin diseases and so on.
Health benefiting properties of Nilavembu Kashayam:
Nilavembu Kashayam contains a concentrate of the following: diterpenoids, lactones, diterpene glycosides, flavonoids, and flavonoid glycosides.
“The main active component is considered to be andrographolide and Andrographis extract that possesses numerous therapeutic properties like an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vermicidal, laxative, hypoglycaemic, hepatoprotective, digestive, and cholagogue.”
Health Benefits & Uses of Nilavembu Kashayam:
Treats Dengue Fever
Nilavembu Kashayam contains very powerful and effective antiviral properties that can treat the symptoms of dengue and reduce the intensity and effects of dengue fever.
Diterpenes and Andrographolides battle dengue very efficiently to treat DENV-1. If you or your loved ones have been suffering from dengue fever, it is best to ask your doctor about this herb and consume it regularly to avoid the fever from returning.
Treats Chikungunya
Nilavembu Kashayam has anti-CHIKV properties that can fight the virus and also help in relieving its symptoms such as constant or intermittent fever, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
The herb is often served with a combination of other herbs such as Ashwagandha, Giloy, Tulsi etc. to improve the immunity and give your body the strength to fight this virus.
Its bioactive component andrographolide is said to have many benefits in treating Chikungunya and preventing its fever to recurring.
When consumed regularly, the herb is said to have many energy-giving and immune-boosting benefits.
Treats Influenza Viral Illness
Influenza is a very common name in every household as it is somewhat or very contagious (depending on the condition).
This viral infection spreads through the lungs and causes cold and flu. The presence of andrographolide in Nilavembu Kashayam is said to be very beneficial in fighting Influenza.
Furthermore, the herb also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that can help reduce the severity of the Influenza virus. It also promotes a speedy recovery in patients with cold and flu. Prescribed medication of this herb should be taken.
Treats Liver Problems
Nilavembu Kashayam has hepatoprotective properties that can treat even severe liver diseases such as jaundice.
If your liver is normally affected by alcohol, food poisoning or jaundice, this herb is the cure.
Herbodaya gives a solution for liver problems using this herb: A simple decoction made by boiling 15 to 20 leaves of fresh or dried leaves in a cup of water till it is reduced in half can be used for treating all the above-said diseases.
The decoction is very very bitter and can be consumed along with palm candy or with honey.
Prevents Cardiovascular Problems
Nilavembu Kashayam is one of those bitter herbs that work well in the treatment of numerous heart diseases. It is said to strengthen heart muscles and prevents arterial plaque accumulation in the arteries and veins.
The herb is commonly known to prevent heart diseases or problems such as blockage, stroke, blood clots, heart attack, nerve lipid accumulation and many more. It is said to help expand the blood vessels so the blood can flow freely.
Prevents Respiratory Diseases
Nilavembu Kashayam has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antibacterial and anti-asthmatic properties that can be useful in the treatment of various respiratory tract disorders.
The herb is commonly used in the treatment of cold, cough and flu and is considered to be very safe as well.
It helps breakdown the mucus and prevent congestion which would otherwise lead to breathing issues or asthma.
Treats & Prevents Ulcers
“Andrographis extract may benefit patients with ulcerative colitis.” Since the herb contains many health benefitting properties, it can treat and prevent various ulcers.
Its anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties can be used to treat ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, canker sores or mouth ulcers.
It protects your skin and the underneath layers to prevent ulcers from forming.
Boosts Digestion
This herb has left no stone unturned, can you believe it even helps in all digestion-related disorders?
It has anti-flatulent property that reduces the possibility of bloating, gastritis and IBS in most patients.
The leaves’ powder or a concoction made using this herb can help treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Nausea, Abdominal Distension, Cramps in Stomach (Gas), Gastritis, Bloating and other bowel disorders too.
Treats Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory property of Nilavembu Kashayam makes it a very potent herb to treat arthritis.
It has some bioactive compounds that can reduce the inflammation or the impact of autoimmune diseases on your bones and ligaments.
It is commonly used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicines to treat arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in patients of all ages.
It is a potent herb that not only reduces swelling but also treats pain and discomfort of the bones and joints almost immediately.
Improves Skin Condition
By now you must have memorised its healthy properties including antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Each and every property of Nilavembu Kashayam is good for your skin.
The herb protects your skin from free radicals’ damage and oxidative stress that generally makes you look very old and dull.
It removes toxins from your blood to purify it and manage various skin diseases. It is commonly used in the treatment of acne, boils, eruptions, scabbies and other conditions. It is one of the safest skin herbal remedies you’ll ever know.
Side-Effects of Nilavembu Kashayam:
Nilavembu is generally safe when consumed as advised by your healthcare expert.
It is mostly consumed 2-3 times a day with water or as recommended. However beneficial the herb is, it also has some cons.
Most herbal remedies are associated with side effects when not consumed as recommended.
Here are some rare side effects of consuming Nilavembu Kashayam:
Overconsumption may lead to sterility in male and females.
It can also cause anorexia, GI diseases, emesis in rare cases.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not take this herb without consulting their doctors.
It may cause bleeding disorders when taken in excess.
Conclusion:
This herb is one of the most favourite Ayurvedic herbs in the history. Its bioactive ingredients make it a very powerful herb which we definitely need in today’s world of diseases.
Hope you liked the amazing health benefits, uses and side effects of Nilavembu Kashayam. 🙏