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We don’t carry a product featuring Andrographis just yet — what follows is its botanical profile, drawn from tradition and the research. Browse all ingredients →
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), known as "King of Bitters" or Chuan Xin Lian in Chinese, is one of the most important medicinal herbs in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine for acute infectious conditions. Native to South Asia, it has been used for centuries in India, China and Southeast Asia for fever, respiratory infections, digestive issues and liver disease.
Key Benefits of Andrographis
- Anti-inflammatory — inhibits NF-kB pathway (key inflammatory cascade)
- Immunostimulant — activates macrophages, NK cells and antibody production
- Antipyretic (fever-reducing) — cools heat and inflammation
- Hepatoprotective — studied for liver protection and bile flow
- Reduces symptoms and duration of upper respiratory infections in clinical trials
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
Chuān Xīn Lián (穿心莲) — Andrographis is one of the most important modern additions to the TCM pharmacopoeia, now among the top 10 most used herbs in Chinese hospital formularies for acute infectious and inflammatory conditions. Its classical description is "bitter and cold — pierces straight to the heart of disease."
- Chinese Name: Chuān Xīn Lián (穿心莲) — "Piercing Through the Heart and Lotus"
- Nature & Flavor: Cold; Bitter
- Meridians Entered: Heart, Lung, Large Intestine, Urinary Bladder
Chuān Xīn Lián is named for its ability to "pierce straight to the heart of an illness" — reflecting its reputation as one of the most penetrating and direct heat-clearing, toxin-resolving herbs in TCM. Its extreme bitterness is the very expression of its therapeutic power — in TCM, "bitter drains heat" and the more intensely bitter an herb, the more potently it clears toxic heat from the body.
The intense bitterness can be masked with honey or juice. Do not use for more than 10–14 consecutive days. Combine with Echinacea and Elderberry for a comprehensive acute immune formula.
Before you use this: Avoid during pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions). Very bitter — may cause nausea at high doses (take with food). Do not use for more than 2 weeks continuously. Avoid with autoimmune conditions. May interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
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