Health Benefits of Vallarai Keerai

Nilavamebu is known by its botanical name, Andrographis paniculata and grows from 30-110 cm. It belongs to the Acantheceae family and grows throughout Asia. It is a dark green herb with flowers and fruits, highly popular in Siddha and Ayurveda systems and hence is extensively used in medical formulations. Some of its properties include antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, cholagogue and hepatoprotective.

Some of the contents of this herb include:

• Lactones

• Diterpenoids

• Flavonoids

• Flavonoids glycosides

• Diterpene glycosides

Given the numerous medicinal properties of Nilavembu, it goes without saying that this herb has many health benefits. Here are some of its benefits.

Nilavembu Benefits for Diabetes

Nilavembu is rich in hypoglycemic properties, which makes it effective in curing diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels. When nilavembu is consumed, the insulin produced by the pancreatic cells gets engaged in absorbing it. The herb also breaks down the starch in the body into glucose, which brings diabetes under control.

Nilavembu for Dengue

Dengue patients can benefit from the anti-viral properties of this herb, as they are known to curb the symptoms successfully. It contains diterpenes and andrographolides, which work against the dengue bacteria and inhibit its effects on the human body. The herb’s anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties make it effective against dengue.

Nilavembu for Malaria

Nilavembu has anti-parasitic properties, which successfully work against malaria. It stops the parasites in the initial stage and prevents further aggravation. The antipyretic properties help to reduce the fever in malaria. At the same time, the anti-inflammatory properties reduce fatigue and pain in the body.

Nilavembu for Chikungunya

This herb is also an effective remedy to curb the Chikungunya virus from replicating and spreading. Using nilavembu in combination with other herbs is known to bring quick relief from chikungunya symptoms. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties play a crucial role in reducing the symptoms of high fever, joint pains, etc.

Helps in Liver Problems

Nilavembu plant uses can also be associated with its hepaprotective effects in combination with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Thus, it is useful in reducing hepatic inflammation and preventing liver damage. It is also useful in improving liver function and metabolism.

Aids in Heart Diseases

Since the herb is rich in antioxidant properties, it is an effective remedy for protecting heart muscles and preventing lipid build-up. Thus, consuming nilavembu can reduce the chances of heart attacks, blockages, blood clots, etc. The bitter herb protects cardiac health and is useful in bringing down the cholesterol levels in the body.

Prevent Ulcers

Being anti-inflammatory in nature, nilavembu can be used in the treatment of different ulcers. It consists of the bioactive compound andrographolide, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-virus properties. It is effective in treating mouth ulcers, peptic ulcers, canker sores, gastric ulcers, etc.

Helps Digestion in the Body

No matter what digestive issue you face, using nilavembu can be an effective way to say goodbye to all of them. Being rich in anti-inflammatory properties, this herb can reduce the inflammation in the gut, leading to a reduction in bloating and discomfort. It also supports and stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, which allow smoother digestion. Besides, the antacid properties of the herb inhibit the generation of excessive stomach acid, which leads to better digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body.

Arthritis Treatment

Again, the anti-inflammatory properties of nilavembu prove to be effective in reducing inflammation due to arthritis. It also relieves the pain and reduces the arthritis symptoms by balancing the doshas in the body.

In Ayurvedic traditions, nilavembu is known as Kalmegh. It is mentioned in many scriptures and journals that using this herb can cure many health issues, such as fevers, coughs, digestive issues, breathing problems, nausea and vomiting, urinary tract infections, diabetes, excessive thirst and so on.

Some Ayurvedic formulations have been revered for excellent healing properties. Let us see what they are and how they help.

How to Use Nilavembu Kudineer?

Nilavembu kudineer or nilavembu powder is a formulation well-known for its therapeutic properties in Siddha traditions. It is a blend of nine herbs that help to manage various health problems. Nilavembu kudineer uses include relief from body aches, energy loss, headaches, weakness, etc. It can also be used to boost the immune system, which helps to prevent the onset of various diseases.

Nilavembu Kudineer churam can be made using the following:

• Nilavembu/kalmegh

• Vetiver (Vetiveria Zizanioides)

• Vilamichai Ver (Plecthrantus Vettiveroides)

• Mustak (Nut grass)

• Safed Chandan (White sandalwood)

• Sonth (dry ginger)

• Kali Mirch (black pepper)

• Chichonda (Snake Gourd)

• Parpadagam (Mollugo Cerviana)

• One can take the fresh part of the ingredients and wash them to remove impurities. The ingredients must be sun-dried for a week and then ground into fine powder. The powder must pass through a sieve to remove any fine impurities.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Fibre

Nilavembu Kashayam Benefits

• Nilavembu kashyam is the decoction prepared using kudineer powder. The decoction can be used to treat several health problems. Here is how to prepare the decoction.

• Take 5-10 g of nilavembu kudineer powder and boil it in 240 ml of water.

• Boil it till the water is reduced to ¼ th of its original

• Strain the concoction and store it.

• One can consume 30-60 ml of the warm nilavembu kashyam on an empty stomach twice a day.

• You may add honey to enhance its taste.

• The health benefits of nilavembu kashayam include the following:

• Anti-inflammatory effects

• Fever reduction

• Improves digestive health

• Boosts the immunity

• Protects the liver from damage

The dosage for nilavembu may be different depending on a person’s age, disease, severity of the disease, etc. Thus, it is recommended that an Ayurvedic practitioner be consulted to find out the right dosage. Generally, nilavembu should be consumed with lukewarm water.

Here is the general dosage:

• Nilavembu decoction- 20-40 ml

• Nilavembu powder- 1 - 3 g

• Nilavembu juice- 5-10 ml

Nilavembu is a bitter herb with a light and piercing effect. Besides, the herb consists of Ushna Viyra (hot potency) and Madhura vipaka (sweet metabolic property). It has the potential to manage all the doshas (bodily energy) in the body, i.e. air, water, fire, and earth.

Nilavembu is efficient at reducing the kapha and pitta dosha in the chest and head, which helps in achieving a normal body temperature.

It is also a useful remedy to externally balance the doshas in the skin. Due to its bitter and cooling properties, the pitta dosha (fire and air) in the blood are balanced. By eliminating the ama doshas, nilavembu promotes fire in the stomach, which improves digestion and bile secretion.

Using this medicinal herb in the right quantities does not have any side effects. However, an overdose can lead to anorexia, GI distress, sterility in men and women and emesis. Pregnant and lactating women must also avoid taking this herb. Besides, those who suffer from hypotension, bleeding disorder, or hyperacidity must take it under expert supervision.

Also Read: 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Brown Rice

With the potential to manage several health problems, nilavembu is a bitter herb revered in many medicines. Its medicinal properties and health indications make it an effective remedy for several health issues such as fevers, cough, digestive issues, immunity, and so on. Thus, taking it in the recommended dosage can help you achieve good health.

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What are the other names for Nilavembu?

Some other names for Nilavembu are as follows:

English - Andrographis

Sanskrit - Kirata

English - Kriate

Tamil - Nilavembu

Telugu - Nelavemu

Unani - Kiryaat

Does nilavembu cause infertility?

While the medicinal properties of nilavembu have the potential to cure many bodily ailments, it may have infertility effects in men and women if not consumed appropriately. This effect is attributed to the presence of Andrographis paniculata. Hence, it is recommended that you consume it under expert supervision.

Are there any nilavembu benefits for pregnancy?

Whether nilavembu is beneficial during pregnancy is a subject of debate. The safety profile of this herb is not well-established. Hence, it is best to consult an expert before taking the herbs if you are pregnant or lactating.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the Health Benefits of Nilavembu. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.