Nila Vembu

Anti Microbial Properties: Nilavembu has powerful anti bacterial and anti viral properties making it a wonderful home remedy for treating many skin diseases. Here in our place, we grind the whole plant into a fine paste and apply as a poultice on skin rashes. The decoction of the plant can also used to wash the wounds, it will help heal the wounds faster.
2. For Respiratory Tract Diseases: Nilavembu has been traditionally used for treating cough, cold and sore throat and this use has been proven through research, you can read the research that supports this claim here. In the study, consuming nilavembu shortened the duration of sickness greatly. Here in Tamil Nadu, we consume nilavembu kashayam (a blend of nilavembu and other herbs) for improving immunity.

3. Anti Inflammatory Properties: Nilavembu has anti inflammatory properties and treats all the inflammations really well both when consumed internally and applied externally. You can consume the water decoction of the whole plant for treating any kind of inflammation. Since it has analgesic properties, it relieves both pain and inflammation.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Our antioxidant defence system can only prevent oxidative damage to a certain extent that is why we are always advised to consume antioxidant rich foods on a regular basis. Consuming synthetic antioxidants has worse side effects instead it is best to consume natural antioxidants like nilavembu to prevent oxidative damage. Consuming nilavembu also improves our immunity and prevents common diseases like cold, cough and flu effectively.

5. Anti Diabetic Properties: Kalmegh has anti diabetic properties and greatly helps reduce blood sugar levels. Here in our place, kalmegh is traditionally used for reducing blood sugar levels. Andrographolide and 14-deoxy- 11,12-didehydroandrographolide are the two main compounds responsible for the reducing blood sugar levels. Both water extract and freeze dried material of kalmegh showed significant anti diabetic properties. You can read the study that supports this claim here.

6. Insecticidal Properties: Kalmegh has wonderful insecticidal properties, it has both larvicidal (ability to destroy the larvae) and ovicidal (ability to destroy the eggs) properties. Kalmegh is not only used to treat dengue fever, it also kills the mosquitoes that causes dengue fever.