Kali Zeeri (Bitter Cumin / Heath Speedwell Seeds)

Kali Zeeri, botanically identified as Centratherum anthelminticum (syn. Vernonia anthelmintica) of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, consists of the small, ribbed, intensely bitter cypsela seeds harvested from a robust annual herb. In Unani and Greco-Arabic medicine, Kali Zeeri holds a distinguished place among the resolving and alterative agents and is classified as having a Hot and Dry (Garm-o-Khushk, 3rd degree) temperament. Highly celebrated for its penetrating bitterness, drying (Mujaffif) power, and deobstruent (Mufatteh Sudad) virtues, it is the primary classical remedy for expelling intestinal worms (Deedan-e-Ama), purging combusted phlegmatic and bilious impurities from the blood, clearing chronic skin afflictions, and stimulating sluggish visceral metabolism.