Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
capsules, tincture, tea
Andrographis
(Andrographis paniculata)
Also know as Green chiretta
Working with Andrographis
Part(s) Used
Whole Plant
Herb Forms
Capsule, tablet, tincture, bulk herb for tea.
Andrographis is well-known for its ability to protect against both viral and bacterial infections. It is a cold, bitter herb used in Chinese medicine to clear the body of heat toxins, especially in the respiratory, urinary, and digestive tracts. It is indicated for lung and throat infections with lung abscess or sore throat, urinary tract infections, bowel infections with diarrhea, and skin problems such as boils and abscesses. Western herbalists are increasingly recommending it as an important herb for preventing and helping to shorten the symptoms of colds and flu, which is supported by clinical research. Very famous in Thailand, it is available in almost every pharmacy there. It is widely recommended in both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for infections and to regulate blood sugar.
Modern scientific studies have shown the herb to possess antibacterial and antiviral activity and immune-boosting effects, as well as liver-protecting and digestion-promoting actions.
Andrographis has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD.
Cautions
Andrographis is considered a generally safe herb that has a long record of use. Long-term use (two to three times what is recommended or higher) can lead to digestive upset (avoid if you have a weak stomach) or skin rashes in sensitive individuals. We recommend adhering to label recommendations, especially for products containing high concentrations of standardized extracts, where the product label specifies the level of one group of active compounds, the andrographolides. For garden-grown and dried herb, you can take up to 1 teaspoon of the ground powder daily. Use this herb with caution during pregnancy, especially early pregnancy.
Conditions treated with Andrographis
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial, antiviral
Application
tincture, capsules, tablets
Condition
Treatment Support
antiviral
Application
tablets, tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antibacterial
Application
capsule, tincture, tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
