Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is a plant belonging to the acanthus family native to India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The plant is a herbaceous plant with lanceolate leaves and small white flowers with a red corolla. In Nepali, its name is "King of Bitters" as it has bitter properties while harmoniously balancing all other flavours. Parts of the plant traditionally used are mainly leaves and stems, but also its root.