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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