KALIJIRI

It is an important medicinal herb that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for kalijiri is Centratherum anthelminticum which belongs to the Asteraceae family. Due to its bitter taste, it is not used as a common spice in the cuisine. It helps to reduce weight along with ajwain and methi. 

Hindi- Kali jeera, Sohrai, Kalijiri

English- Purple fleabane, Achenes, Bitter cumin

Bengali- Somraj

Gujarathi- Kali jeera, Kadavi jeeri

Marathi- Kadu jeere

Telugu- Adavi jilakarra

Tamil- Kattu seeragam

Kalijiri is widely distributed in India up to 1850 meters and is it naturally found in Himalaya and Khasi hills. It is a tall, robust, branched annual herb that grows at the height of 2-3 feet. Leaves are membranous, lanceolate with 5-9cm in length and 2.5-3.2cm in a width. Flower of the head bears 30-40 minute purplish flowers. Fruits of the plant are called achenes. The seed is 3-5mm long, and 1-2mm in diameter. The plant produces seeds from May to June.

Part used: Seeds and Fruit

Taste: Bitter and Pungent

Potency: Hot

On chemical compound analysis of the kalijiri, it includes

Seeds: Carbohydrates (14.7%), fat (21.4%), protein (22.5%), fiber (29.3%), moisture (4.9%), linoleic acid (50%), palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. Demanolide lactone, vernasterol, sterols, avenasterol

Leaves and stem: Centratherin and germacranolide

ACTION:

• Antimicrobial
• Antidiabetic
• Anthelmintic
• Astringents
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Antioxidant
• Antiulcer
• Diuretic
• Hypotensive
• Insecticide
• Smooth muscle relaxant

• The decoction obtained from the seeds of the plant is used to treat intestinal worms
• Kalijiri seed paste is applied to the affected area to treat ringworm, boils, and pus infections
• The kalijiri paste which is prepared from the seeds is applied to the scalp to kill lice
• To treat leucoderma, the paste which is prepared from seeds of kalijiri and purified arsenic and mix the paste with cow urine and apply this paste to the affected area
• An equal amount of kalijiri and black sesame and consume with hot water to treat skin diseases
• The decoction of these seeds is useful in the treatment of gynecological disorders, difficulty in lactating, insect bite, and fever
• The cold-infusion of this seed is used to treat debility and burning micturition
• Leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhea which occurs due to food poisoning

The dose of the drug used according to physicians

Powder- 1-3g

• Avoid the use of kalijiri in patients during breastfeeding
• Excess intake of kalijiri may cause harmful effects to the intestine
• The use of this herb may cause abdominal cramps and vomiting
• It has carminative property so excessive consumption of kalijiri may cause nausea, belching
• The taste of this herb is hot, so excessive consumption may cause heartburn and digestive problems
• Kindly avoid the use of kalijiri in patients during pregnancy it may cause miscarriage

If the patient is allergic to the chemical constituents of Kalijiri

Indigestion:

According to Ayurveda, indigestion occurs due to the imbalance of Kapha which leads to weak digestive fire. The use of kalijiri digests the food easily by improving digestion by its Deepan (appetizer) property.

To best way to consume kalijiri is with Methi and Ajwan. Take the required amount of mentioned herb and sieve all the ingredients separately to remove the dust and stones and then roast kalijiri for a minute and repeat the same process for the remaining 2 ingredients, Grind the ingredients separately and make a powder and mix the three powders to get Kalijiri, Methi and Ajwain powder. Take the required amount of the powder as per the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor and consume this powder by adding in a hot water at night before going to bed. Use this remedy to treat indigestion

Asthma:

According to the Ayurveda, asthma occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas in the lungs which results in obstruction in the passages in the respiratory. The use of kalijiri treats asthma by balancing the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas this helps to reduce the blockage in the respiratory passage.

Cough:

According to Ayurveda, cough occurs due to the disorder of Kapha. It occurs due to mucus accumulation in the respiratory tract. The use of kalijiri reduces the accumulation of mucus by balancing the Kapha.

Urinary tract infections:

According to Ayurveda, a urinary tract infection is called Mutrakcchra. Mutra means ooze and krichra mean painful. The use of kalijiri treats urinary tract infections by increasing the flow of urine and symptoms associated with urinary tract infections by its Mutral (diuretic) properties.

Wound healing:

During external injury pain, swelling and bleeding occur because of an imbalance of Vata dosha at the injury site. The use of kalijiri reduces the symptoms that are associated with the wound by balancing Vata dosha by its Kashaya (astringent) properties.

Take the required amount of kalijiri seeds and grind them into powder and mix this powder with coconut oil and neem oil and apply this paste to the affected area to treat wound or skin infections

Diabetes:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, diabetes is known as Madhumeha. It occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosh and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins in the pancreatic cells and affects insulin function. The use of Kalijiri control diabetes by maintaining the function of insulin normally by balancing the Vata-Kapha and bitter properties

Modern view: It has anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant properties which help to prevent the pancreatic cells from the free radicals damage and increase the insulin in the body.

Kidney stones:

Traditional view: Kalijiri has a diuretic property that helps to reduce kidney stones by increasing the production of urine and allow the kidney stones to pass through the urine

Modern view: It has an anti-urolithic property that prevents urinary stone formation and it also increases the production of urine and helps to remove the calcium and phosphorus which produce kidney stones

The kalijiri comes in various formulations includes

Internal use:

Kalijiri powder:

To best way to consume kalijiri is with Methi and Ajwan. Take the required amount of mentioned herb and sieve all the ingredients separately to remove the dust and stones and then roast kalijiri for a minute and repeat the same process for the remaining 2 ingredients, Grind the ingredients separately and make a powder and mix the three powders to get Kalijiri, Methi and Ajwain powder. Take the required amount of the powder as per the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor and consume this powder by adding in a hot water at night before going to bed. Use this remedy to treat indigestion

External use:

Kalijiri paste:

Take the required amount of kalijiri seeds and grind them into powder and mix this powder with coconut oil and neem oil and apply this paste to the affected area to treat wound or skin infections

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

Is Kalijiri powder or seeds available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.

How to store Kalijiri powder?

It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children

What is the taste of Kalijiri seeds?

The kalijiri seeds are bitter so it is difficult to consume alone so it is taken along with Methi and Ajwan

Are Kalijiri and Jeera are same?

No, both are not the same. Due to its bitter taste, it is not used in the cooking whereas jeera has a strong aroma and flavor which is used as a spice in the Indian cuisine