ORGANIC AND NATURAL PRODUCTS

Nilavembu which goes by the botanical name, Andrographis paniculata, belongs to the Acanthaceae family. The annual herb that grows to a height of 30-110 cm is cultivated mostly around the autumn season and is widely cultivated throughout Asia. The herb bears dark green, quadrangular stems with longitudinal furrows and winged-angles at the younger parts and slightly enlarged nodes. The leaves are usually dark green, glabrous, lanceolate, pinnate and arranged in an opposite decussate manner on the stems. The flowers of these plants are usually small, whereas they have linear-oblong capsules as fruits which encloses numerous yellowish-brown, sub-quadrate seeds.

Being a potent Siddha and Ayurvedic herb, nilavembu is widely used in almost all ayurvedic formulations that are directed towards shielding the immune system and getting rid of harmful toxins. Apart from alleviating different types of infectious fever, the bitter herb also provides a traditional remedy for improving physical debility or fatigue, promoting liver functions, enhancing appetite, boosting digestion, improving metabolism and stimulating kidney functions. Be it blood disorders, skin diseases, loss of appetite, fatty liver, intestinal parasite, constipation or hepatomegaly, this extremely powerful bitter herb provides a noteworthy remedy for all.

What Are The Ayurvedic Indications Of Nilavembu?

The holistic science of Ayurveda knows this rejuvenative herb as Kalmegh. Time and again, this potent herb has been mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals for various indications which include Jvara (useful in fever), Kasahara (Relieves cough), Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Anulomana (improves breathing), Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting), Vayasthapana (prevents ageing), Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties),  Amahara (treats indigestion), Dahahara (relieves burning sensation), Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders), Prameha (manages diabetes), Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst), Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body), Balya (improves muscle strength), Hikkanigrahana (controls hiccups), Kantya (relieves sore throat), Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation), and Vamanopaga (treats emesis) Shonitasthapana (prevents bleeding), Pandu (treats anemia), Sangrahini (treats diarrhoea), Kustha (treats skin disorders), Kamala (prevents jaundice), Varnya (improves complexion), Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms), Hridaya (treats heart problems), Kanthya (improves voice), Arsha (treats piles), and Krichra (treats painful micturition).

Ayurvedic Formulation Of Nilavembu:

Nilavembu Kudineer Churnam

Touted as Nilavembu Kashayam, this powdered formulation is a well-known Siddha medicine in the southern states of the Indian subcontinent. The powerful therapeutic indications of the nine herbal components present in the Churnam offers management and prevention of different types of infections. It is also used in most ayurvedic therapeutic preparations that not only help in boosting immunity but also helps in providing relief from headache, muscle aches, body aches, loss of energy, fatigue, weakness, etc. It is also extremely beneficial for reducing joint pain, muscle pain, joint swelling and rashes associated with certain infectious diseases like chikungunya.

 Directions To Prepare Nilavembu Kashayam From The Churnam

Boil approximately 2-3 tbsp i.e. 10 gms of the herbal powder in 240 ml of water until the decoction reduces to ¼ of its original quantity. Strain the concoction and keep it for future use. Consume 30 to 60 ml of this warm decoction twice a day on an empty stomach. One can add palm jaggery, mishri or honey to the aqueous decoction to enhance the taste.

Dosage Of Nilavembu Kashayam

For Chikungunya:

30-40 ml of the Kashayam 2-3 times a day before meals or as directed by the doctor.

For Dengue:

30 ml of Kashayam along with wither 10ml papaya juice or 2 gms giloy churna twice daily before food or as directed by the doctor.

Nilavembu For Dengue Fever:

Imbued with powerful anti-viral properties, this bitter herb holds high significance in assuaging the symptoms of dengue, thereby controlling and preventing it from happening. The presence of diterpenes and andrographolides attributes towards its anti-dengue action.

Nilavembu For Chikungunya:

The bioactive constituent andrographolide shows strong anti-CHIKV effects, that plays a pivotal role in inhibiting the Chikungunya virus from growing and replicating. Nilavembu preparations are extremely effective in reducing fever, joint pain, muscle pain, etc. For quick relief, it can be consumed alongside Ashwagandha, Giloy, Punarnava, Tulsi, and formulations like Kaishore Guggulu, Prabal Pishti, Sadanga paniya, Tribhuvan Kirti rasa, etc.

Nilavembu For Malaria:

The potent anti-parasitic action of the nilavembu leaves inhibits the growth of the malarial parasite right at the ring stage and hence prevents aggravation of the infection. When used alongside ayurvedic formulations like Amritarishta, Praval Pishti, Kasish Godanti Bhasma, Laxmi Narayan Ras, Sheetbhanji Ras, Tulsi, and Mrityunjay Ras, it offers an ultimate remedial action against the malarial parasite.

Nilavembu For Influenza:

Nilavembu exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties owing to the presence of the bioactive constituent andrographolide. Regular usage of the nilavembu formulation not only inhibits the replication of the influenza virus but also effectively decreases the action of the inflammatory mediators responsible for inflammation of the lungs.

 Nilavembu For Liver Problems:

Famed as ‘Sarva roga niramani’, nilavembu leaves possess potent hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative properties which makes it a magical remedy during jaundice, in which the liver gets mostly effected. For getting relief from liver problems, or jaundice, consume a mixture of 1gm of Nilavembu leaf powder, 1-2 gm of Bhumi amla/Tamalki powder, 2gm of mulethi/licorice powder in 200 ml water. Boil the water till it reduces to ¼ quantity i.e. 50 ml. Strain and drink the concoction to prevent and manage liver anomalies.

Conclusion:

Nilavembu is one such bitter herb that is blessed with umpteen health benefits. Thanks to the goodness of the essential bio-active ingredients, it is widely used for treating flu and feverish conditions, managing cough and cold, sore throat, treating respiratory diseases, preventing viral infections, promoting digestion and many more.