King of bitters

Andrographis paniculata

Traditionally attributed effects: stomachic, tonic, fever-reducing, cleansing, expels worms, promotes bile; for flatulence, lack of appetite, intestinal complaints in children, diarrhoea, dysentery, sluggish liver, nerve pain, recovery after fever.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Tea 14–28 ml; tincture 2.5–5 ml; juice of leaf and stem 1–4 ml, preferably with aromatic herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Kirta. Andrographis is extremely bitter and in India is called the 'king of bitters' (kalmegh). In Chinese medicine it is called chuan xin lian. Some studies point to a shorter course of colds; during the COVID-19 pandemic it was used massively in Thailand, without convincing evidence.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Stomachic, tonic, fever-reducing, cleansing, expels worms, promotes bile; for flatulence, lack of appetite, intestinal complaints in children, diarrhoea, dysentery, sluggish liver, nerve pain, recovery after fever.

Preparation and amount

Tea 14–28 ml; tincture 2.5–5 ml; juice of leaf and stem 1–4 ml, preferably with aromatic herbs.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Tincture

Sources

All herbs from Asia →