Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata
Intensely bitter Ayurvedic herb studied for easing cold symptoms
Moderate evidenceAbout Andrographis
Andrographis is a small, intensely bitter plant used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for fevers, sore throats and colds. Its main active compounds, andrographolides, are what standardised extracts are measured by. In clinical trials of these extracts in adults with uncomplicated colds and upper-respiratory infections, symptoms such as sore throat, cough and tiredness eased sooner than with placebo, especially when it was started early.
Key benefits
- Studied for easing and shortening common cold symptoms
- Most useful when started at the first sign of a cold
- Traditionally used for sore throats and fevers
- Standardised extracts give a consistent, measurable dose
How to use
Take andrographis as standardised capsules or tablets that state their andrographolide content, following the label, for a short course of a few days at the start of a cold. The whole herb is so bitter that an effective tea is hard to drink, which is why extracts are the usual form.
Did you know?
In India it is called kalmegh and nicknamed the 'king of bitters' — it is one of the most bitter plants used anywhere in traditional medicine.
Research
Hu et al., PLoS One, 2017 - Systematic review and meta-analysis of Andrographis paniculata for acute respiratory tract infections; Coon & Ernst, Planta Med, 2004 - Systematic review of Andrographis for uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection
Remedies that use Andrographis
Frequently asked questions
What is Andrographis good for?
Studied for easing and shortening common cold symptoms; Most useful when started at the first sign of a cold; Traditionally used for sore throats and fevers; Standardised extracts give a consistent, measurable dose.
What is Andrographis?
Andrographis is a small, intensely bitter plant used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for fevers, sore throats and colds.
How do you use Andrographis?
Take andrographis as standardised capsules or tablets that state their andrographolide content, following the label, for a short course of a few days at the start of a cold. The whole herb is so bitter that an effective tea is hard to drink, which is why extracts are the usual form.
What does the research say about Andrographis?
Hu et al., PLoS One, 2017 - Systematic review and meta-analysis of Andrographis paniculata for acute respiratory tract infections; Coon & Ernst, Planta Med, 2004 - Systematic review of Andrographis for uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection