What Is Andrographis Good For?

What is Andrographis good for? Immune support and Lyme disease support. Try Andrographis extract in a smoothie!

What Is Andrographis Good For?

Andrographis paniculata has been most widely studied for its potential to support treatment for colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Andrographis is an herbal extract used by many people to support treatment of Lyme disease. It may prove effective in assisting the immune system in the early, blood-borne stage of Lyme disease, called the planktonic stage. It may also help reduce inflammation and support the health of joints and soft connective tissue that are challenged during chronic Lyme infection.

Andrographis benefits are often attributed to its active ingredient, andrographolides, which contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Andrographis is a full-bodied, bitter/bittersweet herb. It’s commonly called the “King of Bitters.” 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 strengthen the immune system, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance digestion.

One of the easiest (and tastiest) ways I’ve found to incorporate Andrographis into your daily diet is in a healthy smoothie. Banana and cacao nibs help counterbalance the bitterness of the herb. I also like to use unsweetened vanilla flax milk, coconut milk, or almond milk. If I’m in the midst of an intense exercise regime, I sometimes add in protein powder as well.

Healthy Andrographis Smoothie

Here’s a great (and very healthy!) smoothie recipe. (Makes 2 servings)

Ingredients:

1 cup of frozen berries
1/2 banana (optional)
1 1/2 cups of liquid [flaxseed milk, almond milk, or coconut water]
1/4 t Andrographis herbal extract
1/2 t Phyllanthus niruri herbal extract
1/2 t Bilberry herbal extract
1 T hemp hearts (optional)
1 T chia (optional)
1 T flax seed (optional)
1 pinch of nibs de cacao (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toss frozen berries and banana into a blender with the liquid and blend.
2. Add Andrographis to the blender. Add other herbal extracts, hemp seeds, chia, flax, and cacao, as desired.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Adjust consistency to your liking — add ice to thicken or add more liquid to thin it out.
5. Pour into one or two glasses, and enjoy!

Learn More About Andrographis

To learn more about Andrographis herbal extract, a great place to start is with our Andrographis FAQ.

Read the FAQ Shop Now