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158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

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

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The curious few.
50 founding spots left

Know what you're putting in your body.

158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

$60 /year

Founding rate — locked for life. Regular price after launch: $96/year.

  • ✓ Full access to all 158+ entries
  • ✓ Print-ready reference card for every herb
  • ✓ Monthly curated set — 5 herbs, one body system
  • ✓ The Sunday Letter — weekly research digest
  • ✓ Bookmarks synced across devices
  • ✓ Founding rate locked forever
Become a founding member

Cancel any time. No questions asked.