This herb is considered invaluable for preventing and treating many infectious diseases due to its powerful immune strengthening benefits. Commonly known as Andrographis or King of bitters in english. In Ayurveda it is called Kalmegh or Kalamegha. Most vernacular names of Andrographis come from its strong bitter taste. Meaning of Nila-Vembu is “Neem of the ground” as the plant has strong bitter taste as that of the Neem tree, defying its small size. It possesses several photochemical constituents with unique and interesting biological properties..