Andrographis Benefits

Andrographis benefits include immune system support for Lyme disease, as well as antibacterial, antiviral, upper respiratory, digestive, and inflammation support.

Andrographis paniculata is a full-bodied, bittersweet herb that grows in Asian regions. More than anything, parasites, including Borrelia burgdorferi, “fear” this herb. In fact, herbalists suggest that bitter is better, especially when it comes to supporting treatment for a wide range of health conditions.

Andrographis benefits include the following:

1. Medicinal Properties: Andrographis is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly andrographolides, which are believed to be responsible for many of its medicinal properties. These properties include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective activities.
2. Traditional Uses: In traditional medicine, Andrographis has been used to treat various ailments, including fevers, infections, digestive disorders, respiratory conditions (such as colds, flu, and bronchitis), skin diseases, liver disorders, and inflammatory conditions.
3. Immune Support: Andrographis is often used as immune support, especially during cold and flu seasons. Its immunomodulatory effects may help the body fight off infections and enhance overall immune function.
4. Antiviral Activity: Research suggests that Andrographis extract may possess antiviral properties, particularly against respiratory viruses such as influenza and the common cold virus (rhinovirus). These antiviral effects may help alleviate symptoms and reduce the duration of respiratory infections.
5. Liver Health: Andrographis has hepatoprotective properties, meaning it helps protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, pollutants, and certain medications. It is used in traditional medicine to support liver health and treat liver disorders.
6. Bitter Taste: Andrographis is extremely bitter, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as the “King of Bitters.” The bitterness is believed to contribute to its medicinal effects, particularly its ability to stimulate digestion and support liver function.

Andrographis also may provide support for the treatment of Lyme disease. For all these reasons, Linden Botanicals sells all-natural Andrographis herbal extract in our online store.

Andrographis Benefits for Lyme Disease Support

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. A national surveillance report from the Centers for Disease Control reveals that over 476,000 Americans are infected with this disease yearly.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease include the following:

• Inflammation
• Joint pain (arthritis)
• Muscle pains
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever

Andrographis has been studied for its potential support for the treatment of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of Andrographis suggest potential benefits.

Here are some ways in which Andrographis may support Lyme disease treatment:

1. Antibacterial Activity: Andrographis extract has shown antibacterial activity against various pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi. While more research is needed to confirm its efficacy against Lyme bacteria in vivo, its antimicrobial properties may help inhibit the growth of Borrelia burgdorferi and support antibiotic treatment.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Lyme disease often triggers an inflammatory response in the body, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and fatigue. Andrographis has potent anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with Lyme disease.
3. Immunomodulatory Activity: Lyme disease can impair immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections and delaying recovery. Andrographis has immunomodulatory effects that may help regulate the immune response, enhance immune function, and support the body’s ability to fight off infections, including Borrelia burgdorferi.
4. Symptom Relief: Andrographis may provide symptomatic relief for individuals with Lyme disease by alleviating common symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Its analgesic and antipyretic properties may help improve overall well-being and quality of life during treatment.
5. Antioxidant Activity: Chronic Lyme disease can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Andrographis contains antioxidants that help neutralize ROS and reduce oxidative stress, potentially protecting cells from damage and supporting recovery.

Essentially, Andrographis may prove effective in assisting the immune system in the very early, blood-borne stage of Lyme disease, called the planktonic stage. Andrographis may also support the health of joints and soft connective tissue that are challenged during chronic Lyme infection. The herb can help reduce inflammation at the joints and lymph nodes, issues often associated with Lyme disease.

Andrographolides have anti-borreliae properties that interfere with the bacteria’s mechanisms. The active ingredient also may support immune function, enhance liver function, and strengthen heart muscles, which may help the immune system in clearing the bacterial infection.

Andrographis Benefits: Support for Healing Lyme

Andrographis has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Stephen Buhner, a renowned herbalist and author, has extensively researched and written about herbal protocols for Lyme disease, including the use of Andrographis paniculata. Buhner’s book Healing Lyme also suggests Andrographis may provide support for those suffering from Lyme disease.

In his book, Buhner discusses Andrographis as a key component of his herbal protocol for Lyme disease treatment. Here are three key points from Buhner’s perspective on Andrographis support for Lyme disease treatment:

1. Antibacterial Activity: Buhner emphasizes Andrographis’ potent antibacterial properties, particularly its ability to target Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. He suggests that Andrographis can help inhibit the growth and spread of Lyme bacteria in the body.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Buhner acknowledges Andrographis’ anti-inflammatory properties, which he believes can help reduce the inflammation associated with Lyme disease and alleviate symptoms such as joint pain and swelling.
3. Immunomodulatory Effects: Buhner highlights Andrographis’ ability to modulate the immune system, suggesting that it can enhance immune function and support the body’s ability to fight off infections, including Lyme disease.

You can learn about Linden Botanicals owner Michael Van der Linden’s personal journey with Lyme disease here. You can find more Lyme disease resources and information here.

Why Bitter Is Better

Andrographis is a full-bodied, bitter/bittersweet herb. (It is called the King of Bitters after all.) Many herbalists say that bitter is better, especially when it comes to supporting the treatment of a wide range of health conditions. Bitter foods have been shown to aid digestion, help nutrient absorption, and stimulate immune function. The right all-natural herbs can help to provide immune system support, help to reduce oxidative stress, and enhance digestion.

Phenols, flavonoids, isoflavones, terpenes, and glucosinolates are groups of phytochemicals that are known for their health benefits and are also found in bitter foods. Some bitter phytochemicals, like flavonoids, act as antioxidants that remove free radicals from our bodies. Including a variety of plant foods in our diets to ensure the availability of a full range of beneficial phytochemicals, boosting our chances to maintain a healthy antioxidant balance and stave off chronic disease.

One of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to incorporate Andrographis into your daily diet is in a healthy smoothie. Banana and cacao nibs help counterbalance the bitterness of the herb. Try this great (and very healthy) Andrographis smoothie recipe.

Additional Andrographis Benefits

Andrographis is an exceptional plant that offers a wide range of health benefits, as described below.

Support for Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Preliminary data reveals that Andrographis can be used to support treatment for upper respiratory tract infections.

Klebsiella pneumoniae: Andrographis herbal extract may inhibit the growth and biofilm formation in multi-drug resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause nosocomial infections in humans.

Cold and Flu Support: Andrographis can be used alone or combined with Eleutherococcus senticosus to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. The herb contains antiviral properties against viruses such as influenza and HIV. It also increases the number of lymphocytes and provides immune system support among HIV patients.

In addition, a 2021 study includes experimental evidence in favor of Andrographis and its major bioactive component, andrographolide, for further investigation as a possible monotherapy or in combination with other effective drugs against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Colon Health Support: Andrographis benefits include colon health support, which could be beneficial for treatment of ulcerative colitis, an intestinal inflammatory disease that could result in colon cancer if not managed early. The anti-inflammatory properties of andrographolides suggest a potential therapeutic alternative against ulcerative colitis.

Heart Health Support: Andrographis extract may support heart and vascular health. Preclinical research suggests that one of the phytoactives (andrographolide) can support normal blood pressure and flow of blood in veins, arteries, and capillaries. Andrographis may also support healthy liver function and cholesterol balance. These benefits and the support of healthy metabolic function make the King of Bitters a promising support to the cardiovascular system.

What Exactly Is Andrographis?

Andrographis is commonly known as Andrographis paniculata, green chiretta, and the King of Bitters. It’s a medicinal herb traditionally used to support treatment for digestive disorders, hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and bacterial infections. Other common names used to describe the herb include Chuan Xin Lian, Kalmegh, and Indian echinacea.

Therapies that include andrographis as an adjuvant to other treatments may reduce hospitalization and disease persistence. Andrographis benefits are often attributed to its active ingredient, andrographolides. Andrographolides contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, hypotensive, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and mitochondria supporting properties.

Try Andrographis Today!

This wide range of Andrographis health benefits indicates that the herb interacts with the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous, renal, and integumentary body systems. Today, it’s generally recognized that Andrographis can provide support for issues with cardiovascular disease, the immune system, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and physical and psychological stress.

There is good reason to believe that a lifestyle-related approach to optimal health will benefit from support with all-natural Andrographis herbal extract as a health supplement.

To learn more about Andrographis, a good place to start is with the Andrographis FAQ.