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GENERAL IMMUNITY

Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata

also known as king of bitters

Moderate (cold and respiratory)

A bitter herb central to traditional Indian and Southeast Asian medicine, sometimes called 'king of bitters' or 'Indian echinacea.' Used during epidemics across South Asia for centuries — the herb gained particular attention during the 1918 flu pandemic in India. Modern research backs the cold and respiratory tradition more clearly than most herbs in this category.

  • May reduce duration and severity of common cold symptoms when taken at the first sign of illness
  • Standardized extracts (typically containing 4-6% andrographolides) used in most clinical research
  • Eases sore throat, fatigue, and cold symptoms in clinical trials
  • Long traditional use across Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian medicine
  • Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating action
  • Often combined with eleuthero in commercial cold formulas (Kan Jang)
Genuinely bitter — uncomfortable to take in tea or tincture form; capsules avoid this
Can cause allergic reactions — skin rash, hives
Skip during pregnancy — can affect uterine activity and fertility
Skip during nursing
Use caution with immunosuppressants and blood thinners
May lower blood pressure and blood sugar — caution with related medications
Stop two weeks before surgery
Limit continuous use to a few weeks during cold season

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

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