What is Andrographis?
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is a medicinal herb native to South Asian countries, particularly India and Sri Lanka, where it has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. Unlike acai berry (a food), andrographis is a therapeutic herb with actual clinical research supporting specific health applications, particularly for respiratory infections and immune support.
Important Note: Andrographis is not an essential nutrient like vitamins or minerals. It's a medicinal herb with therapeutic compounds. There is no deficiency disease, no RDA, and no requirement for health. However, unlike many "superfoods," andrographis has legitimate clinical research supporting its use for specific conditions.
Botanical Information:
Scientific name: Andrographis paniculata
Common names: "King of Bitters," Kalmegh (Indian), Chuan Xin Lian (Chinese)
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia
Plant type: Annual herbaceous plant
Traditional use: Over 2,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine
Taste: Extremely bitter (hence "King of Bitters")
Traditional Uses:
Respiratory infections: colds, flu, bronchitis
Fever reduction: antipyretic effects
Digestive issues: liver support, digestive complaints
Skin conditions: wounds, snake bites
Infectious diseases: various infections
Immune support: general health tonic
Forms Available:
Standardized Extract Capsules/Tablets:
Most common: supplemental form
Standardized to: andrographolides (10-30% typical)
Typical strength: 200-400 mg per capsule
Quality varies: third-party testing important
Most clinical research: uses standardized extracts
Dried Herb/Powder:
Whole plant: dried and powdered
Less concentrated: than extracts
Very bitter taste: difficult to take straight
Traditional preparation: teas, decoctions
Less convenient: than capsules for most people
Liquid Extracts/Tinctures:
Alcohol or glycerin: based extracts
Concentrated: but dosing less standardized
Faster absorption: than capsules (claimed)
Bitter taste: challenging for many
Combination Products:
Often paired with: Echinacea, Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)
Kan Jang: well-researched andrographis + Eleuthero combination
Cold formulas: multiple immune-supporting herbs
Synergistic: may enhance effects
Topical Forms:
Creams/ointments: for skin conditions
Less common: than oral forms
Traditional use: wound healing
Key Characteristics:
Extremely bitter: one of most bitter herbs known
Active compound: andrographolide (primary) plus other diterpene lactones
Well-researched: for a botanical, decent clinical evidence
Generally safe: good safety profile at recommended doses
Not essential: therapeutic herb, not required nutrient
Active Compounds & Mechanisms
Primary Active Compounds:
Andrographolide:
Main bioactive: compound (0.5-6% of plant depending on part and harvest)
Bitter principle: responsible for extremely bitter taste
Most researched: compound in andrographis
Standardization target: extracts typically 10-30% andrographolides
Multiple mechanisms: anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory
Other Diterpene Lactones:
Deoxyandrographolide
Neoandrographolide
14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide
Work synergistically: with andrographolide
Contribute to: overall therapeutic effects
Other Compounds:
Flavonoids: various polyphenolic compounds
Labdane diterpenes
Xanthones
Polyphenols
Together: whole plant may be more effective than isolated andrographolide
Mechanisms of Action:
Immunomodulatory Effects:
Enhances: immune cell activity (macrophages, NK cells, T cells)
Increases: antibody production
Modulates: cytokine production (anti-inflammatory profile)
Balances: immune response (not just stimulation)
Anti-Inflammatory:
Inhibits: NF-kB pathway (key inflammatory signaling)
Reduces: pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6)
Suppresses: COX-2 expression
Multiple pathways: comprehensive anti-inflammatory action
Antiviral:
Interferes: with viral replication
Studied against: influenza, herpes, HIV (in vitro)
Mechanism unclear: multiple targets likely
Clinical relevance: proven for colds/flu
Antibacterial:
Inhibits: various bacteria (E. coli, Staph, Strep)
Synergistic: with antibiotics in some studies
Clinical use: limited but supportive
Hepatoprotective:
Protects: liver cells from damage
Antioxidant: reduces oxidative stress in liver
Traditional use: for liver conditions
Antipyretic (Fever Reduction):
Lowers: elevated body temperature
Mechanism: hypothalamus temperature regulation
Traditional use: validated in studies
Antioxidant:
Scavenges: free radicals
Increases: endogenous antioxidant enzymes
Protects: against oxidative stress
Evidence-Based Health Benefits
Important Context: Unlike acai berry, andrographis has legitimate clinical research from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, evidence quality varies, and more research is still needed for many applications.
Well-Supported Benefits:
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) - STRONGEST EVIDENCE:
Common Cold:
Multiple RCTs: show benefit for cold symptoms
Reduces duration: by 1-2 days on average
Reduces severity: of symptoms (sore throat, cough, fatigue, headache)
Early treatment: most effective when started at first symptoms
Preventive effect: may reduce incidence if taken regularly
Dose: typically 1,200-2,000 mg daily (standardized extract) in divided doses
Quality evidence: meta-analyses support effectiveness
Influenza:
RCTs show: reduced symptom severity and duration
Fewer complications: reduced risk of secondary infections
Faster recovery: compared to placebo
Not a replacement: for medical treatment of severe flu
Supportive therapy: alongside standard care
Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis:
Reduces: throat pain and inflammation
Shortens: duration of infection
Some studies: comparable to standard treatments
Sinusitis:
Limited studies: but shows promise
Reduces: inflammation and mucus production
Anti-inflammatory: mechanism relevant
Overall URTI Evidence:
Systematic reviews: generally positive
Effect size: modest but clinically meaningful
Best for: symptom management, not prevention alone
Safe adjunct: to standard care
Comparable to: Echinacea in effectiveness
Moderate Evidence:
Immune Function:
Enhances: various immune parameters in studies
Prevents: infections when taken regularly (some evidence)
Immunomodulatory: not just immune stimulation
Seasonal use: may reduce cold/flu incidence
Allergic Rhinitis:
Small studies: show benefit
Reduces: nasal symptoms, sneezing
Anti-inflammatory: mechanism relevant
Needs more research: preliminary but promising
Ulcerative Colitis:
Small trials: show improvement in symptoms
Anti-inflammatory: mechanism relevant for IBD
Adjunct therapy: alongside standard treatment
Promising but preliminary: needs larger trials
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Anti-inflammatory: theoretical benefit
Small studies: show some improvement in symptoms
Not first-line: but potential adjunct
More research needed
Limited/Preliminary Evidence:
Diabetes:
Animal studies: improved glucose metabolism
Small human studies: modest blood sugar reduction
Mechanism: increased insulin sensitivity
Not proven: as diabetes treatment
May support: alongside standard care
Cardiovascular Health:
Animal studies: cardioprotective effects
Mechanisms: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Human evidence: very limited
Speculative: for prevention
Cancer (Theoretical):
Test-tube studies: anticancer activity against various cell lines
Animal studies: tumor growth inhibition
NO human trials: for cancer treatment
Not a cancer treatment: highly speculative
Mechanism research: ongoing
HIV:
In vitro studies: antiviral activity
NO clinical evidence: in humans
Not a treatment: highly speculative
Liver Protection:
Traditional use: for liver conditions
Animal studies: hepatoprotective effects
Limited human data
May support: liver health generally
What Andrographis Does NOT Do:
Cure diseases: supportive therapy only
Replace antibiotics: for bacterial infections
Replace antivirals: for serious viral infections
Prevent all infections: modest preventive effect only
Boost immunity: magical (immunomodulation is more accurate)
Treat cancer: no evidence in humans
Recommended Amounts
No Official RDA:
Not an essential nutrient
No deficiency disease
Dosing based on: traditional use and clinical trials
Evidence-Based Dosing:
For Active Cold/Flu (Treatment):
Standardized extract: 400-600 mg three times daily (1,200-1,800 mg total)
Kan Jang combination: 1,200 mg andrographis + eleuthero extract daily
Duration: 5-7 days typically, up to 10 days
Start: at first sign of symptoms (most effective early)
Divide doses: throughout the day (3-4 times daily)
For Cold/Flu Prevention:
Standardized extract: 200-400 mg daily during high-risk periods
Seasonal use: during cold/flu season
Duration: up to 3 months studied safely
Not year-round: typically (unless high risk)
Less effective: than treatment of active infection
For Allergic Rhinitis:
Dose: 600 mg twice daily (1,200 mg total)
Duration: allergy season, up to several weeks
Divided doses: morning and evening
For Inflammatory Conditions:
Dose: 300-600 mg twice daily (600-1,200 mg total)
Duration: as needed, up to several months studied
Medical supervision: for chronic conditions
General Immune Support:
Dose: 200-400 mg daily
Duration: short-term use (weeks to 3 months)
Not long-term: without breaks
Standardization:
Look for: 10-30% andrographolides
Common: 10% andrographolides in quality products
Higher concentration: 30%+ available (adjust dose accordingly)
Total andrographolides: aim for 120-180 mg daily for treatment
Maximum Doses:
Short-term: up to 6,000 mg daily studied (for 1 week)
Typical max: 2,000-3,000 mg daily for up to 10 days
Long-term: 1,200-2,000 mg daily for up to 3 months studied
Duration Considerations:
Acute illness: 5-10 days
Prevention: up to 3 months (with breaks)
Not indefinitely: cycle on/off recommended
Traditional use: often short courses
Quality & Selection
Choosing a Supplement:
Standardization:
Andrographolide content: look for 10-30%
Label should state: standardization percentage
Total andrographolides: calculate per dose
Quality indicator: standardized products more reliable
Third-Party Testing:
Look for: NSF, USP, ConsumerLab certification
Heavy metals: concern with some herbal products
Contaminants: pesticides, microbes
Purity: verification of identity and content
Extract Ratio:
Common: 4:1, 5:1, 10:1 (herb to extract ratio)
Standardization: more important than ratio
Concentrated: higher ratios mean more concentrated
Origin:
Indian/Asian: traditional growing regions
Organic preferred: reduces pesticide exposure
Quality varies: by source and processing
Form:
Capsules/tablets: most convenient and researched
Powder: very bitter, difficult to consume
Liquid: faster absorption (claimed), bitter
Choose: what you'll actually take consistently
Brand Quality:
Reputable brands: Nature's Way, Gaia Herbs, Himalaya, NOW Foods
Kan Jang: specific researched combination product
Research-backed: brands that fund clinical studies
Avoid: very cheap products or unknown brands
Red Flags:
Avoid Products With:
No standardization: listed
Exaggerated claims: "cures all infections"
No quality certifications
Proprietary blends: hiding actual content
Very cheap: likely poor quality or adulterated
Unverifiable sources
Storage:
Cool, dry place
Away from light
Sealed container
Check expiration: dates
Synergistic Herbs & Nutrients
Well-Researched Combinations:
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng):
Kan Jang: specific researched combination
Synergistic: for cold/flu treatment
Dose: andrographis 1,200 mg + eleuthero extract
Better than either: alone in some studies
Immune support: complementary mechanisms
Echinacea:
Common pairing: in cold formulas
Both: immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory
Synergistic: theoretically, limited research on combination
Popular: in commercial products
Elderberry:
Antiviral: particularly for influenza
Complementary: mechanisms
Often combined: in cold/flu formulas
Both: reduce symptom duration
Zinc:
Immune support: critical mineral
Cold duration: proven reduction
Lozenges: for sore throat
Take together: 15-30 mg zinc with andrographis
Vitamin C:
Antioxidant: and immune support
Modest: cold duration reduction
Complementary: to andrographis
Dose: 1,000-2,000 mg during illness
Vitamin D:
Immune function: critical for immunity
Deficiency common: especially in winter
Prevention: more than treatment
Dose: 2,000-4,000 IU daily
Other Supportive Combinations:
For Respiratory Infections:
Andrographis + Echinacea + Elderberry + Zinc + Vitamin C
Comprehensive: multi-mechanism approach
Evidence-based: all have some research support
For Immune Support:
Andrographis + Vitamin D + Zinc + Probiotics
Preventive: foundational immune health
For Inflammation:
Andrographis + Curcumin + Omega-3s + Ginger
Multi-target: anti-inflammatory approach
Avoid Combining With:
Immunosuppressants:
Theoretical concern: andrographis may counteract
Examples: corticosteroids, organ transplant drugs
Medical consultation: required
Specific Cautions:
See Interactions section below
Interactions & Cautions
Drug Interactions:
Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets:
Potential interaction: andrographis may have antiplatelet effects
Warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel: use caution
Increased bleeding risk: theoretical
Limited evidence: but caution warranted
Medical supervision: if on blood thinners
Stop before surgery: 1-2 weeks recommended
Antihypertensive Medications:
May lower: blood pressure
Additive effect: with BP medications
Monitor blood pressure: if combining
Usually mild: but be aware
Immunosuppressants:
Theoretical interaction: may counteract immunosuppression
Examples: cyclosporine, tacrolimus, corticosteroids
Transplant patients: avoid andrographis
Autoimmune disease on immunosuppressants: medical consultation
Diabetes Medications:
May lower: blood sugar
Additive effect: with diabetes drugs
Monitor glucose: more frequently
Hypoglycemia risk: if not monitored
Dose adjustment: may be needed
Cytochrome P450 Enzymes:
May affect: CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP3A4
Drug metabolism: potentially altered
Many drugs: metabolized by these enzymes
Clinical significance: unclear, but theoretical concern
HIV Medications:
Potential interaction: with protease inhibitors
Avoid: without medical supervision
Limited data: but caution advised
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:
Pregnancy - AVOID:
Traditional abortifacient: used historically to induce miscarriage
Animal studies: potential developmental effects
Human safety data: insufficient
Risk: potential harm to fetus
Do not use: during pregnancy
Breastfeeding - AVOID:
No safety data: in lactating women
Passes into milk: unknown
Better safe: than sorry - avoid
Children:
Limited Data:
Some studies: included adolescents
Younger children: minimal safety data
Generally not recommended: under 12 years
Medical supervision: if considering use
Adult doses: inappropriate for children
Autoimmune Conditions:
Theoretical Concern:
Immunomodulatory: effects
May activate: immune system
Conditions: MS, lupus, RA, etc.
Traditional concern: immune stimulation bad for autoimmune
Modern view: immunomodulation different from stimulation
Caution advised: medical consultation recommended
Some use: with medical supervision, but controversial
Fertility:
Animal Studies:
High doses: affected fertility in animals
Sperm production: reduced in some studies
Mechanism: unclear
Human relevance: unknown
Caution: in couples trying to conceive
Short-term use: likely safe, avoid long-term
Specific Medical Conditions:
Generally Safe:
No liver disease: cautions
No kidney disease: specific cautions
Well-tolerated: in most populations
Use Caution:
Bleeding disorders: theoretical risk
Scheduled surgery: stop 1-2 weeks before
Severe infections: not a replacement for medical care
Immunocompromised: medical consultation
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects (Generally Mild):
Gastrointestinal:
Nausea: most common side effect
Diarrhea: dose-dependent
Stomach discomfort: mild
Loss of appetite: due to bitter taste and GI effects
Vomiting: rare, at higher doses
Reduce GI Issues:
Take with food
Start with lower dose
Divide doses: throughout day
Capsules: easier than powder
Allergic Reactions:
Rare: but possible
Skin rash, itching
Urticaria (hives)
Facial swelling (rare)
Anaphylaxis: extremely rare
Stop immediately: if allergic reaction
Headache:
Occasionally reported
Usually mild
May be related: to cold/flu rather than herb
Fatigue:
Rarely reported
Could be: illness itself rather than herb
Rare/Serious Side Effects:
Hypotension:
Low blood pressure
Dizziness, lightheadedness
More likely: at high doses or with BP meds
Hypoglycemia:
Low blood sugar
More likely: with diabetes medications
Monitor glucose: if diabetic
Elevated Liver Enzymes:
Rare reports: in studies
Generally mild: and reversible
Monitor: if long-term use or liver disease
Long-Term Safety:
Short-Term Use (Up to 10 days):
Very safe: extensive data
Well-tolerated: at recommended doses
Medium-Term (Up to 3 Months):
Studies: show good safety
Cycling recommended: take breaks
Long-Term (>3 Months):
Limited data: on continuous use
Not traditional: to use year-round
Cycle on/off: recommended approach
Medical supervision: for extended use
Toxicity:
LD50 (Animal Studies):
Very high: low acute toxicity
Large safety margin: between therapeutic and toxic doses
Human Overdose:
Rare: reports
Symptoms: severe GI upset primarily
Management: supportive care
Overall Safety Profile:
Generally Safe:
Good safety record: in clinical trials
Low toxicity: at recommended doses
Well-tolerated: by most people
Short-term use: very safe
Safer Than:
NSAIDs: for cold/flu (less GI/kidney risk)
Many OTC: cold medications (fewer side effects)
Not Risk-Free:
Drug interactions: possible
Pregnancy: avoid
Allergies: possible
Medical conditions: some cautions
Clinical Evidence Quality
Evidence Hierarchy:
Strong Evidence (Multiple RCTs, Meta-Analyses):
Common cold: treatment and prevention
Influenza: symptom reduction
Upper respiratory infections: general
Moderate Evidence (Some RCTs):
Pharyngitis/tonsillitis
Allergic rhinitis
Ulcerative colitis
Immune function enhancement
Weak/Preliminary Evidence:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes
Liver protection
Everything else
No Human Evidence:
Cancer treatment
HIV treatment
Many traditional uses
Research Quality Issues:
Strengths:
Multiple RCTs: for URTI
Systematic reviews: generally positive
Standardized extracts: used in studies
Replication: multiple independent studies
Limitations:
Industry funding: some studies funded by manufacturers
Small sample sizes: many studies <100 participants
Short duration: most studies weeks, not months
Publication bias: negative studies may not be published
Mechanism research: mostly test-tube and animal
Comparison to Other Herbs:
Better Evidence Than:
Most "superfoods"
Many traditional herbs
Acai, goji, etc.
Similar Evidence To:
Echinacea
Elderberry
Pelargonium
Less Evidence Than:
Pharmaceutical drugs
Essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals)
Medical Consensus:
Not Mainstream:
Not widely: prescribed by conventional doctors
Not FDA approved: for any condition
Considered: complementary/alternative
Growing Acceptance:
Some integrative: physicians recommend
WHO monograph: exists for andrographis
European use: more common than US
Research continues: ongoing studies
Practical Usage Guidelines
When to Use Andrographis:
Best Applications:
First sign of cold/flu: start immediately
Active URTI: for symptom management
Cold/flu season: preventive use
Immune support: short-term during high-risk periods
Adjunct therapy: alongside standard medical care
Not Appropriate For:
Long-term daily: immune "boosting" (cycle instead)
Pregnancy/breastfeeding
Young children: without medical guidance
Serious infections: requiring antibiotics/antivirals
Cancer treatment: no evidence
HIV treatment: no evidence
Optimal Protocol:
For Active Cold/Flu:
Start: at very first symptoms (within 24 hours best)
Dose: 400-600 mg three times daily with food
Duration: 5-7 days, up to 10 days maximum
Combine: with zinc lozenges, vitamin C, rest, hydration
Medical attention: if worsening or severe symptoms
For Prevention:
Start: beginning of cold/flu season
Dose: 200-400 mg daily
Duration: up to 3 months
Cycle: take 1-2 month break after
Combine: with vitamin D, zinc, healthy lifestyle
For Chronic Conditions:
Medical consultation: required
Dose: varies by condition
Duration: weeks to months with breaks
Monitor: for side effects
Not replacement: for standard treatment
Effectiveness Tips:
Maximize Benefits:
Start early: first symptoms, not day 3
Adequate dose: don't underdose
Consistency: take regularly as directed
Quality product: standardized, reputable brand
Combination: with complementary strategies
Realistic Expectations:
Reduces duration: by 1-2 days (not instant cure)
Reduces severity: doesn't eliminate symptoms
Preventive effect: modest, not 100%
Adjunct therapy: supports, doesn't replace rest/fluids
Individual variation: doesn't work for everyone
When to See a Doctor:
Seek Medical Care If:
Symptoms severe: from the start
High fever: >103°F (39.4°C) or persistent
Difficulty breathing: shortness of breath
Chest pain: or pressure
Worsening: after 3-4 days despite treatment
Persistent: symptoms beyond 10 days
Immunocompromised: or chronic conditions
Children/elderly/pregnant: with severe symptoms
Andrographis is NOT:
Replacement: for medical evaluation
Treatment: for bacterial infections (need antibiotics)
Cure: for serious illnesses
Summary & Key Takeaways
Andrographis is a legitimate medicinal herb with actual clinical research supporting its use for upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, flu). Unlike many botanicals, it has multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy. It's not essential for health but can be a useful tool for managing colds and flu, with a good safety profile when used appropriately.
Critical Points:
NOT essential: medicinal herb, not required nutrient
Evidence-based: legitimate clinical research for URTIs
Cold/flu treatment: reduces duration by 1-2 days, reduces severity
Well-tolerated: good safety profile at recommended doses
AVOID in pregnancy: traditional abortifacient, unsafe
Drug interactions: possible with blood thinners, diabetes meds, immunosuppressants
Short-term use best: 5-10 days for treatment, up to 3 months for prevention
Evidence Quality:
Strong evidence: common cold and flu treatment
Moderate evidence: immune support, allergic rhinitis
Weak evidence: most other uses
No evidence: cancer, HIV, many traditional claims
Optimal Use:
For Cold/Flu Treatment:
Dose: 400-600 mg three times daily (1,200-1,800 mg total)
Standardization: 10-30% andrographolides
Start: at first symptoms (within 24 hours ideal)
Duration: 5-7 days, up to 10 days maximum
With food: reduces GI upset
Combine with: zinc, vitamin C, rest, fluids
Expected: 1-2 day shorter duration, less severe symptoms
For Cold/Flu Prevention:
Dose: 200-400 mg daily
Duration: cold/flu season, up to 3 months
Cycle: take breaks after 3 months
Combine with: vitamin D, zinc, healthy lifestyle
Expected: modest reduction in infection incidence
Form Selection:
Capsules/tablets: most convenient, best researched
Standardized extract: 10-30% andrographolides
Quality brands: Nature's Way, Himalaya, Gaia Herbs
Kan Jang: specific researched andrographis + eleuthero combination
Third-party tested: NSF, USP, or ConsumerLab
Safety Points:
Generally safe: good tolerability
GI upset: most common side effect (take with food)
AVOID pregnancy: risk of miscarriage
AVOID breastfeeding: insufficient safety data
Caution with: blood thinners, diabetes meds, immunosuppressants
Stop before surgery: 1-2 weeks prior
Short-term best: don't use indefinitely
Who Benefits:
People with active cold/flu: early treatment most effective
Frequent colds: preventive use during high-risk seasons
Those seeking: natural cold/flu support
Adjunct therapy: alongside standard care
Who Should Avoid:
Pregnant women: absolutely avoid
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Young children: under 12, use caution
Organ transplant patients: on immunosuppressants
Couples trying to conceive: animal fertility concerns
Severe bleeding disorders
Realistic Expectations:
Reduces cold duration: by 1-2 days average (not instant cure)
Reduces symptom severity: makes you feel better, doesn't eliminate symptoms
Preventive benefit: modest, 30-50% reduction in incidence
Individual variation: doesn't work for everyone
Not a miracle: supportive therapy, not cure
Comparison to Alternatives:
Better Than:
Acai and most "superfoods": actual clinical evidence
Placebo: proven efficacy in trials
Doing nothing: shortens illness
Similar To:
Echinacea: comparable evidence and effectiveness
Elderberry: both have RCT support for flu
Zinc lozenges: proven cold duration reduction
Not As Good As:
Rest and fluids: still essential
Medical treatment: for serious infections
Prevention: vaccination, hygiene
Bottom Line: Andrographis is one of the better-researched herbal remedies with legitimate clinical evidence for reducing cold and flu duration and severity. Unlike many botanicals, it's actually worth considering if you get sick frequently or want natural cold/flu support. The evidence is decent (multiple RCTs and meta-analyses), the safety profile is good, and it's reasonably priced. Start at first symptoms for best results. However, it's not a miracle cure - expect modest benefits (1-2 day reduction in cold duration) and use it as part of a comprehensive approach including rest, fluids, and appropriate medical care when needed. Most importantly, absolutely avoid during pregnancy due to traditional use as an abortifacient. For colds and flu, andrographis is a legitimate option worth trying, unlike many overhyped supplements.