Kalmegh, also known as “King of Bitters”,  is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is also widely cultivated in Southern and Southeastern Asia. Kalmegh grows erect to a height of 30– 110 cm in moist, shady places. It has a dark green slender stem, squared in cross-section with longitudinal furrows and wings along with the angles. The lance-shaped leaves have hairless blades measuring up to 8 centimeters long by 2.5 wide. The active component of kalmegh is Andrographolide which belongs to the diterpene lactose group. Andrographolide has excellent hepatoprotective & anti-hepatotoxic properties, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally Kalmegh is used to treat symptoms of common cold, fever, diarrhea, and allergies, eczema, boils & other skin infections. It also acts as an immunomodulator. Kalmegh is considered as a potent liver tonic. It protects the liver against damage caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that it is useful against chronic hepatitis infection. It removes toxins from the body, and promotes better liver function. 
Ayurvedic significance:
	
Rasa (taste): Tikta (Bitter)
	
Veerya (nature): Ushna (Hot)
	
Vipaka (taste developed through digestion): Katu (pungent)
	
Guna (qualities): Laghu, Ruksha  (Light, Dry) 
	
Doshas (effect on humors): Balances Pitta & Kapha