Andrographis Tincture
Andrographis paniculata
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), also known as kalmegh or “King of Bitters,” is a traditionally used botanical native to South and Southeast Asia. Known for its distinctly bitter character, it has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and other traditional herbal practices.
Botanical Overview
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is an herbaceous plant in the Acanthaceae family. It is widely known in traditional herbal systems throughout India, China, Thailand, and other parts of Asia. The plant is recognized for its intensely bitter taste, which has contributed to common names such as “King of Bitters.”
The aerial portions of the plant are traditionally used, including the leaves and tender stems. Andrographis naturally contains a group of plant compounds known as diterpene lactones, the best known of which is andrographolide. These constituents have been the subject of considerable modern botanical research.
Traditional Use
Andrographis has a long history of use across Ayurvedic, Chinese, Thai, and other Southeast Asian herbal traditions. Known for its exceptionally bitter character, it has earned traditional names such as Kalmegh in India and Chuan Xin Lian in Chinese herbal practice.
In Ayurveda, Andrographis has traditionally been valued as a bitter botanical and incorporated into formulas associated with digestion, appetite, seasonal wellness, and general vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has historically been classified as a cooling herb and used within the traditional framework of “clearing heat” and maintaining balance during periods of seasonal or physical stress.
Across Southeast Asia, Andrographis has also been prepared as teas, decoctions, powders, and extracts and has remained a familiar part of household and traditional herbal practices.
Today, people continue to use Andrographis as part of wellness routines centered on digestive balance, respiratory wellness, normal immune function, and overall resilience.
Traditional Preparations
Andrographis has traditionally been prepared in several forms, including dried herb, teas and decoctions, powders, capsules, and liquid extracts.
Because the plant is exceptionally bitter, concentrated liquid extracts provide a convenient way to incorporate relatively small amounts into an herbal routine. Historical references also describe liquid preparations made from the whole plant or leaves using water and alcohol-based extraction methods.
growing on our farm
Our Andrographis is grown on our own farm on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi using regenerative growing practices and without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
The aerial portions are harvested fresh and processed in small batches shortly after harvest. Our tincture is prepared as a 1:3 fresh extract using organic sugarcane alcohol, allowing us to work with the plant from cultivation through extraction and bottling.
Growing Andrographis ourselves gives us direct control over cultivation, harvest timing, plant quality, and freshness throughout the process.
modern research
Modern research on Andrographis paniculata has focused largely on its naturally occurring diterpene compounds, particularly andrographolide.
Clinical studies and systematic reviews have evaluated standardized Andrographis preparations in relation to respiratory and seasonal health. Some studies have reported potentially beneficial findings, but the preparations, doses, and extract standardizations used in research vary considerably, and these findings should not be assumed to apply directly to every Andrographis tincture or supplement.
Research has also examined the safety of Andrographis preparations. A large systematic review found that adverse events associated with oral herbal preparations were generally mild to moderate, while serious reactions were reported primarily with injectable andrographolide-derived medications, which are different from traditional oral herbal extracts.
safety & considerations
Andrographis is generally used for relatively short periods in many traditional and clinical settings, but it may not be appropriate for everyone.
Reported reactions to oral preparations can include digestive upset, headache, fatigue, or skin reactions. Allergic reactions are also possible.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Andrographis. People taking prescription medications, managing a medical condition, or preparing for surgery should also discuss botanical supplement use with their healthcare provider because herbs can interact with medications or affect normal physiological processes.
from our farm
Andrographis Single Extract Tincture
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is provided for educational purposes. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.