Keezhanelli, also known as Keelanelli in Tamil, is an incredible plant with numerous medicinal uses and health benefits. It is widely used for treating liver diseases, kidney stones, and even promoting hair growth. Many people are only familiar with keelanelli for its remarkable effectiveness in treating hepatitis. Its popularity in treating jaundice often overshadows its other medicinal uses. Typically, the root of the keelanelli plant is more commonly used in home remedies than the leaves.
What Is Keelanelli?
Keelanelli is a small plant that thrives in the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, India, and East Asia. It has been used for treating liver problems and kidney stones for a very long time. Here in our village, this plant is so well known that even a child can quickly identify it. Writing about herbs that have been cherished and used for centuries is truly delightful, and keelanelli is one such herb that has been a staple in home remedies for generations.
Keelanelli Botanical & Common Names:
Keelanelli, scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri, belongs to the the family Phyllanthaceae and genus Phyllanthus. The term ‘Chanca Piedra,’ meaning ‘stone breaker,’ is popular in Spanish-speaking countries, denoting its traditional use in treating kidney stones. In Brazil, it goes by the name ‘Quebra-Pedra.’
Keelanelli is the Tamil name while in English, it is commonly referred to as “Gale of the wind” and “Stonebreaker”. Other names include Bhumyamalaki in Sanskrit, Nela Usiri in Telugu, Nelanelli in Kannada, Bhumi Amla in Hindi, Kizhanelli in Malayalam, and Bhanya Amli in Gujarati.
Keelanelli Plant Description:
The keelanelli plant grows to a height of 20 to 25 inches and features ascending branches. Its leaves are small, oblong, and arranged in a symmetrical, feather-like pattern along the stems, measuring around 7–12 mm in length and 2.5–5 mm in width. The leaves are bright green on the upper side and slightly paler underneath.
Keelanelli produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers that are pale green or white, usually unisexual, and found in the leaf axils. What makes the plant stand out are the small globular fruits that develop underneath the leaves. These fruits are green when immature and turn brown as they ripen, containing minute seeds that spread easily, aiding the plant’s propagation.
Keelanelli thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring moist, well-drained soils. You can often find it in gardens, along roadsides, and in waste places, where it quickly establishes and spreads. The plant’s resilience allows it to flourish in a variety of environments, although it favors sunny to partially shaded areas.
Chemical Constituents & Nutritional Value:
Keelanelli contains important bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, lignans, and tannins. These compounds collectively offer a wide range of health benefits. Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, two key lignans in keelanelli, have significant antiviral properties, especially effective against the Hepatitis B virus.
Flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, and astragalin provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are crucial in managing various chronic diseases. In addition, alkaloids like securinine and nirurine play important roles in boosting the immune system and enhancing overall health. Keelanelli is also rich in tannins like geraniin, which have been studied for their liver-protective effects, making this plant a natural remedy for liver ailments.
This small yet powerful plant is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that contribute to its health benefits. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, helps in collagen synthesis, and enhances iron absorption. Additionally, keelanelli contains significant amounts of vitamins A, D, and E, which are crucial for maintaining optimal health. Vitamin A is essential for vision and immune health, while vitamins D and E are important for maintaining healthy brain and bones.
Keelanelli is also rich in minerals, especially iron, which is vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. It also provides calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function, and magnesium, which supports many biochemical reactions in the body, including energy creation and protein synthesis. This impressive mineral content highlights the plant’s potential benefits for overall health and wellbeing.
Traditional Uses:
Keelanelli has been extensively used in Ayurveda and Homeopathy and is found in various Ayurvedic formulations. Historically, it has been used to treat a range of ailments, especially liver-related conditions. It was commonly prescribed for jaundice, as it was believed to support liver function.
Besides its liver-protective properties, keelanelli was also used to treat kidney stones. Traditional healers recommended it for its potential to break down and expel kidney stones. This made it a staple in folk medicine, where the leaves and stems were often boiled to create a decoction for patients to drink to help dissolve kidney stones.
Beyond liver and kidney issues, keelanelli has been used to treat a variety of other health concerns. It was used to manage diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Its anti-microbial properties made it useful for fighting infections, and it was also used to alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders like stomach ulcers.
Keelanelli Medicinal Uses:
1. Anti Microbial Properties:
Keelanelli has impressive antimicrobial properties, especially antiviral effects, making it effective in treating diseases like hepatitis B. Traditionally, it has also been used to treat various skin issues, including small wounds, itching, cracked heels, and rashes. You can read the study that confirms its antimicrobial properties here.
2. For Liver (Hepato Protective Properties):
Keelanelli helps protect the liver and can prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition becoming more common due to the rise in processed foods. This disease is a leading cause of insulin resistance, weight gain, and oxidative stress. Keelanelli extract is effective in preventing liver diseases, and you can read the study that proves it here.
3. For Hair Growth:
Keelanelli hair oil is popular in Tamil Nadu for boosting hair growth. The plant extract has excellent properties that promote hair growth, especially for those dealing with male pattern baldness. You can read the study that supports this here. I have shared the method for making keelanelli hair oil below.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Inflammation is a root cause of many chronic diseases. Keelanelli has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and can be used both externally and internally to treat inflammation. Traditionally, in our area, a fresh paste of the whole plant is applied as a poultice to effectively reduce inflammation.
5. Anti-Ulcer Properties:
Keelanelli has been traditionally used to treat various gastrointestinal issues, especially ulcers. Drinking fresh leaf juice helps regenerate the mucosal layer and effectively treats ulcers, but it’s best to do this under the guidance of an expert Ayurvedic physician. You can read the study that supports this here.
6. Anti-Diabetic Properties:
Research indicates that keelanelli can help regulate blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of diabetes. For individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes, incorporating keelanelli into their diet can help manage blood glucose levels. You can use keelanelli powder available in the market or take the fresh plant extract to reduce blood sugar levels.
7. For Treating Hepatitis B & Jaundice:
Traditionally, keelanelli has been used to treat hepatitis B, which can cause liver damage and high bilirubin levels, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, and yellow urine). In our village, we treat jaundice by grinding keelanelli root in buttermilk and giving it to the patient for 48 days. You can read the study that supports this traditional use here.
8. For Treating Kidney Stones:
Keelanelli has been used since ancient times to treat kidney stones, and research supports this traditional use. It not only prevents the formation of kidney stones but also changes the shape of existing stones into a smoother and more fragile form, making them easier to dissolve. Drinking keelanelli juice is very effective for removing kidney stones.
9. Antioxidant Properties:
Consuming antioxidant-rich ingredients is crucial for keeping our body healthy, and keelanelli is packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and reduce free radical damage. This can lower the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart problems. Regularly incorporating keelanelli into your diet can help boost your body’s antioxidant defenses.
10. For One Sided Headache:
One of our long-time farm workers shared her experience with keelanelli. Her late husband used to suffer from one-sided headaches, which affected his ability to work and support their family. After trying various doctors, her elder sister suggested using keelanelli root oil for his traditional oil baths, a common practice in Tamil Nadu. He took weekly oil baths with keelanelli oil, and within 3 to 4 months, his one-sided headache was completely gone. Many of us lose faith in home remedies because we want instant results, but patience is key. She insisted the oil be made fresh each time and not stored. This remedy works best for one-sided headaches, not for those caused by cold or fever.
Keelanelli Dosage:
Standardized dosages for keelanelli aren’t well-established and can vary based on the form used (e.g., extract, powder, or tea) and individual health conditions. Generally, it’s recommended to take 2 to 4 teaspoons of keelanelli juice, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of keelanelli powder, or 1 to 2 keelanelli capsules per day. Start with the lowest dose and increase gradually while monitoring for any side effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those with chronic conditions like liver or kidney diseases, should avoid using keelanelli without consulting a healthcare professional.
Keelanelli Side Effects:
While generally safe for most people when taken in appropriate amounts, some may experience side effects from keelanelli. Common issues include digestive problems like nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, usually when consumed in large quantities.
Additionally, keelanelli can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to its active compounds. Symptoms can range from mild skin rashes to severe breathing difficulties. Keelanelli may also interact with certain medications, potentially changing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
For example, keelanelli has been observed to lower blood sugar levels, so individuals on anti-diabetic medications should monitor their blood glucose closely to avoid hypoglycemia. Additionally, its effect on blood pressure may pose risks for those on antihypertensive drugs, making it important to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where To Buy Keelanelli?
You can easily purchase dried keelanelli powder from herb shops in India or order it online. Keelanelli tablets, often sold as chanca piedra or phyllanthus niruri capsules, are also available. Additionally, chanca piedra extract and lab-grade tablets, effective for dissolving kidney stones, can be found online.
What Is Chanca Piedra Tea?
Keelanelli is dried, coarsely crushed, and sold in small sachets, ideal for making tea. It is often marketed under the Spanish name “Chanca Piedra tea,” commonly used for dissolving kidney stones.
How To Make Keelanelli Powder?
To make keelanelli powder, collect fresh plants, wash them thoroughly, and cut them into small pieces. Sun-dry the pieces until they are crisp, then grind them in a dry mixer. Sieve the powder and store it.
How To Use Keelanelli?
The best ways to consume keelanelli are through fresh leaves or a whole plant decoction. If fresh herbs are not available, you can use keelanelli tablets or powder instead.
6 Ways To Use Keezhanelli For Hair, Skin & Health:
1. Keelanelli Hair Oil:
Grind equal amounts of keelanelli leaves, curry leaves, and henna leaves into a thick paste without adding water. Heat a cup of unrefined coconut oil in an iron pan, then add the paste. Boil until the water content evaporates and the sizzling sound stops. Turn off the heat, strain the oil, and use it regularly to treat dandruff and hair loss. This oil is best used as a pre-shampoo treatment.
2. Keelanelli For Jaundice:
To treat jaundice, grind a very small piece of keelanelli root in buttermilk and consume it daily for 48 days. It’s best to do this under expert guidance, as food restrictions are crucial. In our village, this remedy is well-known and widely used, but it’s always done under the watchful eye of experienced herbalists, and I recommend the same for you.
3. For Reducing Blood Sugar Levels:
To reduce blood sugar levels, mix keelanelli powder in water and consume it. Its anti-diabetic properties make it very effective. However, if you’re already on diabetic medications, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, as it might lower them drastically.
4. For Kidney Stones:
To treat kidney stones, grind keelanelli leaves with a little water to extract the fresh juice and consume it. This method is very effective. If you don’t have access to fresh plant, you can also use keelanelli extract or tea to help relieve pain and eliminate the stones.
5. For Migraine:
Take a keelanelli root and clean it thoroughly until no dirt remains. If the roots are long, cut them into small pieces. Heat unrefined sesame oil in a small pan, preferably an iron pan (avoid non-stick pans). Once hot, add the cut roots and boil until the sizzling sound stops.
Press the roots with a spoon to release their essence, then let the oil cool to lukewarm. Massage the oil into your scalp and wait for half an hour. Traditionally, we use arappu powder for hair wash, but you can use a mild shampoo. This oil also has a cooling effect and is said to be very good for the eyes.
6. For Skin Problems:
Keelanelli’s antimicrobial properties make it very effective for treating minor skin problems like wounds, scrapes, and insect bites. You can make a decoction by boiling the whole plant in a cup of water until it reduces by half, then use it to wash the affected area. Alternatively, you can pound the whole plant and apply it as a poultice.
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