Andrographis
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Description
- Habit : Herb
- Habitat : Scrub jungles, also in the plains
- Leaves : elliptic, acuminate at apex
- Flowers : many, white with pale pink
- Capsule : oblong, acute, hairy
Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antioxidant, anthelmintic
- Snake bite : Whole plant boiled with water and the decoction is taken internally against snake bite.
- Bite mouth : The decoction is also used to clean the bite mouth.
- Jaundice : Leaves crushed and the juice take orally is used to treat Jaundice.
- Asthma : Roots are made in to paste and mixed with water and taken internally to cure asthma.
- Cough : Root powder with black pepper and honey is a remedy for cough (Aranadans).
Propagation & Cultivation
The plant prefers hot and humid climate with good sunshine. It can grow in less-fertile soil. Natural regeneration is through seeds. Seeds are broadcast-sown and covered with thin layer of soil and compost. Beds are covered with mulch and irrigated regularly using fine spray. Seeds germinate in 6 to 20 days. Mulch is removed after germination to avoid etiolating of plants. The beds are irrigated profusely for 10 to 15 days. Roots are formed from basal nodes on contact with soil by the method vegetative propagation. The root bearing branches can also be used for planting. Manure/fertilizer application is done ideally after soil/plant analysis. Although irrigation is not essential, it will benefit the crop during drought.
