ANDROGRAPHIS, Herba (Chinese: 穿心莲 Chuan Xin Lian)

Size: 10 gm

Category: Herbs that Clear Heat

Uses: Andrographis has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries it treats symptoms such as influenza, sore, swollen throat, and boils. Can also be used for diarrhea or nosebleeds. It can reduce swelling, and is applied externally as a powder for scalds, burns, and snakebite.

Suggested combinations: Can be used with Lonicerae (jin yin hua) and Arctii (niu bang zi) for the early stages of cold or flu withfever and sore throat.

Other: This herb is bitter and cold and should not be taken long term or to high a doseage. Prolonged useage may injure the stomach qi.

Recent Research: Andrographis' major therapeutic constituents have been named andrographolides, which possess immunomodulatory properites such as increasing lymphocyte activity. They also influence inflammation through several mechanisms. Studies suggest that it is useful for the prevention or treatment of upper respiratory viral illness.

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Packets can be taken singly or combined with other herbs to make a formula. Use one packet to four cups water. Drink 1-3 cups per day. Please consult Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Ed. (see link below) for more information on the uses of individual herbs. We have many other books that give recipes for formulas that you can make with the Sanjiu herbs