Keezhanelli: The Miracle Herb and Its Powerful Health Benefits

“Tiny leaves, mighty power. Nature often hides its miracles in the most unassuming places.
  One such miracle? Keezhanelli – the green warrior your body didn’t know it needed.”

Hiding in the edges of Indian fields and often brushed aside as just another weed, Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus niruri) is anything but ordinary.

For generations, both Ayurveda and Siddha medicine have treated this unassuming herb like royalty, trusting it to keep the liver happy, soothe digestion, and fortify the body’s defences.

 Its bitter bite is forgotten the moment you notice its fireball of benefits.

Small wonder it is called the “Stonebreaker” in some places and “Bhumi Amla” in others.  

In this post, we will unpack Keezhanelli’s science-backed strengths, its time-tested roles in healing, and easy methods for welcoming it into your daily life.

 Whether you’re already riding the herbal wave or just dipping your toes in, this gentle green giant is ready for your herbal cupboard. 

Join us as we see why Keezhanelli is stirring such excitement in natural health today.

Meet Keezhanelli

 Keezhanelli, or Phyllanthus niruri, is a petite herb that flourishes under the tropical sun.

You can easily find it all over India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

This little plant loves the rainy months, soaking up moisture in roadside plots and garden corners.

Healers squeeze the leaves for a fresh, green juice, brew them in herbal teas, or grind them into fine powder.

 To soften the bitter punch, you can mix it with honey or other ingredients based on your prakruti, turning a bitter medicine into a palatable tonic.

Different Names of Keezhanelli

Keezhanelli has many names in different languages and cultures, showing just how familiar and valued the plant is worldwide.

• Scientific Name: Phyllanthus niruri
• Hindi: Bhumi Amla
• Tamil: Keezhanelli (கீழாநெல்லி)
• Sanskrit: Bhumyamalaki
• Malayalam: Kizhukanelli
• Telugu: Nela Usiri
• Kannada: Nela Nelli
• Marathi: Bhui Amla
• Bengali: Bhui Amla

Every name carries a story of where it grew and how it helped people, tracing lines back through generations of healers and herbalists.  

Remarkable Ways Keezhanelli Supports Health  

Keezhanelli, cherished in kitchens and herbal medicine shops, shows how a little plant can bring big care. Here are some of its widely recognized gifts to our well-being.

1. May Promote Digestion

Ever had a bloated stomach or discomfort after a heavy meal? Keezhanelli or Phyllanthus niruri has been popularly utilised in traditional medicines because it may aid digestion and support a happy tummy.

It has a bitter and slightly astringent flavour, which is believed to help in relieving a bloated stomach, support bowel health, gastrointestinal balance, and even promote appetite. ^[1]

It is commonly brewed as a warm herbal tea or decoction and may be sweetened with honey or ginger to enhance the taste.

To complement your wellness regime, you can add Keezhanelli to provide a soothing effect to your digestive system, particularly when consumed in moderate proportions- on an empty stomach, before meals, or as evening tea. 

Aashirvaad Atta, together with a team of learned dieticians, has come up with a Digestion Quotient that analyses your digestive health, giving you a digestive power score on a scale of 1-100. Test your Digestive Quotient in 2 minutes.

2. May Support Kidney Health

Do you want to find natural ways of taking care of the kidneys? Keezhanelli is an ancient herb that has been used in traditional procedures as a potential health-enhancing agent, which helps in having healthy kidneys.

Its use has been linked to supporting the breakdown or relieving the formation of kidney stones.^[2]

Although additional human trials are required, preliminary findings suggest that certain natural constituents in Keezhanelli may help flush excess minerals and improve urine formation, thereby aiding in kidney cleaning.

It is commonly used in the form of the decoction, or herbal tea, in case of mild urinary distress.      

3. May Manage Inflammation

Do you experience joint pains, or does your body swell frequently?

Keezhanelli is commonly recognized for its ability to help control inflammation and manage general discomfort.

Its constituents, which include flavonoids and antioxidants, are said to help enhance the body’s reaction against short-lived inflammation and stressful activities in daily living.^[3]

Keezhanelli is sometimes taken internally by some as a warm herbal drink to relax general discomfort, and by others externally, as a paste or infusion, locally.

Its gentle, calming use in traditional remedies is indicated, although scientific studies of it are still ongoing.

In moderation and under supervision, Keezhanelli can provide a natural approach to help your body counter internal and external inflammation.

Who Should Avoid Keezhanelli?

• Lactating women and those who are pregnant should not use Keezhanelli because insufficient research evidence on its safety when used at these stages has been established.
• Keezhanelli may lower the level of blood glucose even more, and people with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) should take precautions.
• Individuals on drugs to treat liver, kidney, and diabetes problems must seek medical advice before using Keezhanelli because of potential interactions.
• Children under 1-2 years should not take Keezhanelli without a certified medical practitioner’s direction.
• Keezhanelli can lead to allergic reactions in people with known plant allergies, so people should avoid it.
• Individuals who are undergoing surgery are advised to stop taking Keezhanelli at least two weeks prior, as it may interfere with blood sugar levels and clotting.

How to Consume Keezhanelli

Interested in learning how Keezhanelli can enhance your wellness routine?

The incredible herb can be used in various easy ways depending on what your body requires and your style of consumption:

• Fresh Juice: The crushed leaves are filtered to get the juice. It is customarily taken in small amounts (10-15 ml), on an empty stomach, often with honey or water to make it less bitter.
• Herbal Decoction: Boil a handful of leaves in water till it is reduced to half the water taken. Strain and enjoy the herbal drink. It is a common approach among various homes in the world as a support method of general wellness.
• Powdered Form: Shredded dry leaves are powdered and are sold in stores. It can be taken either mixed with warm water or put into smoothies, but in this case, it is necessary to perform it in a small portion according to the recommendation of a practitioner. It is recommended not to take more than 3-5 g.
• Capsules/Tablets: Keezhanelli supplements are easily dispensed in the form of capsules/tablets. However, it is advisable to seek medical advice before taking any.

One should always take in moderation and consult a professional, especially when a person already has several health conditions.

Bottom Line

Keezhanelli is a small yet mighty herb that has been treasured for centuries in traditional wellness practices.

This humble plant is suddenly a hot topic in the world of natural health due to the myriad benefits it has been thought to have, including improving digestion, kidney health, inflammation, and immune response. 

Although modern scientific research is advancing, many individuals continue to use Keezhanelli as a herbal remedy with a straightforward appeal.

It should be borne in mind that one herb cannot substitute a healthy lifestyle.

To get the best out of it, Keezhanelli should be considered a supplement to your healthy lifestyle, complemented by a balanced diet and regular physical activity. 

Like any herbal remedy, it is prudent to see a qualified healthcare practitioner before introducing Keezhanelli into your daily regimen, particularly in the presence of prior medical conditions or in the event of medication usage.

Frequently Asked Questions