Description
Kariyatu is Gujarati name of Kalmegha. Kalmegha/Chirayta is also known as Andrographis paniculata Linn.
Orally, andrographis is used for preventing and treating the common cold, influenza, swine flu, Dangue, pharyngotonsillitis, allergies, sinusitis, and to treat HIV/AIDS.
Andrographis is also used orally for anorexia, atherosclerosis, snake and insect bites, bronchitis, cachexia, prevention of cardiovascular disease, cholera, colic, diabetes, diarrhea, flatulence, gastritis, gonorrhea, hemorrhoids, hepatomegaly, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, and other hepatic disorders.
Other uses include myocardial ischemia, jaundice, leprosy, leptospirosis, malaria, familial Mediterranean fever, pharyngitis, pneumonia, pruritus, pyelonephritis, rabies, skin wounds, skin diseases, syphilis, tuberculosis, tonsillitis, and ulcers.
Andrographis is also used as an astringent, antiseptic, antidote, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, expectorant, anthelmintic, laxative, and tonic.