The King of Bitters

Did you know that many health challenges are related to your oral health and gut health? Fortunately, there is an herb that targets both. Let's discuss it. 

Andrographis, known as Andrographis paniculata, is an annual plant that is native to India and Sri Lanka, and it is also found in many areas throughout Asia, such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is a branched, erect plant that produces small pink or white flowers with brown or purple spots. Generally, it prefers shady and moist areas. Andrographis is also known as “Indian echinacea” and the “King of Bitters,” and it has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It has a long history of traditional use for enhancing immune health, fighting against infections, and enhancing gut health. Historically, it has been used for the common cold, sinus infections, general inflammation, pain, and detoxification.

Andrographis contains three major categories of active compounds: diterpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Studies have shown that andrographolide can significantly reduce arthritis and joint dysfunction, primarily by reducing various inflammatory markers. Andrographolide also inhibits certain autoimmune pathways relevant to rheumatoid arthritis progression. It helps reduce a variety of inflammatory factors related to arthritis. Andrographis helps inhibit tumors and cancer cell proliferation. Andrographis also shows significant reductions in HbA1C (a measurement of average blood sugar levels over time) and improved insulin sensitivity. Andrographis fights against bacteria, viruses, and fungi with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Specifically, protects against Streptococcus pyogenes (a type of bacteria) and Candida albicans (a type of fungus).  Andrographis also increases probiotic bacteria responsible for gut and immune health. In addition, it increases gut barrier integrity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which benefits for the gut-brain axis. Research suggests that andrographolide, the main compound in the plant, can significantly reduce inflammation caused by histamine, adrenaline, and dimethylbenzene. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, andrographis has been used to relieve health conditions including ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The amazing health benefits of andrographis include the following:

• Relieves common cold, tonsillitis, and ulcerative colitis.
• Reduces arthritic pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Improves insulin sensitivity and balances blood sugars.
• Fights against infections with antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
• Benefits gut health by improving prebiotic bacteria in the gut.
• Provides anti-cancer properties.

Today, popular forms of andrographis include capsules, extracts, tinctures, and teas.
A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg 3 times a day. Andrographis is usually standardized to its content of andrographolide, typically 4% to 6%. Andrographis is not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or nursing. People with bleeding disorders or low blood pressure should not use the herb without consulting with a clinician. It’s also recommended to avoid using the herb if you are on medications for blot clots such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and warfarin.

Here is a quick recipe for the upper respiratory, common cold, and viral infections.
1 oz of dried Andrographis plant
0.5 oz of dried turmeric root
6 fl oz of 100-proof vodka
1 glass mason jar
1 amber glass dropper bottle

Instructions

• Add the dried herbs in a glass mason jar. Make sure they are crushed enough that vodka can penetrate the herbs.
• Pour the vodka into the jar with the herbs. Make sure all of the herbs are covered. Cap tightly, label, and place in a dark cabinet or pantry for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Strain the tincture into a new sterilized jar using a mesh strainer after 4-6 weeks.
• Store the tincture in a glass amber bottle in a dark cool place for use.

Take 1 droperful (or 20 to 30 drops) per day as a preventative dose. Or the same dose spread out the day to ease symptoms. You can take up to 30 drops twice a day for symptom relief.

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