Destroying worms (krumighna)

Krumighna are antiparasitic herbs used to eliminate worms, microbes, and pathogenic organisms from the gastrointestinal tract and blood. They typically possess tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent) rasa, laghu (light) and ruksha (dry) guna, ushna or shita virya depending on the herb, and a cleansing katu vipaka (heating). These properties help reduce kapha and pitta while clearing toxic accumulations.

Key examples include neem (Azadirachta indica), a powerful antimicrobial; kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), known for its intense bitterness and immune‑supporting action; vidanga (Embelia ribes), a classic worm‑expeller; and garlic (Allium sativum), valued for broad-spectrum antiparasitic effects.