Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata is an extremely bitter, herbaceous plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to India and Sri Lanka, used as a powder or in teas. The Tamils have been using Nilavempu - as it is called in Tamil - for centuries.

It is rich in antioxidants and minerals like potassium and calcium with a strong, earthy flavor often used sparingly in recipes.

In traditional practices, andrographis has been used to boost energy, support respiratory health, and improve overall vitality.

Widely cultivated in southern Asia, it is used to treat infections and some diseases. Andrographis has been shown to be a safe traditional botanical for supporting upper respiratory tract health, per analysis of seven double-blind controlled trials. In one Chilean study, the herb had a significant drying effect on the nasal secretions of cold sufferers who took 1,200 milligrams of andrographis extract daily for five days.

The following properties have been identified:

• aids digestion
• anti-cancer
• immune boosting
• helps fight colds and infections
• antityphoid
• antifungal
• antihepatotoxic (the ability to prevent damage to the liver)
• antibiotic
• antimalarial
• antithrombogenic
• antiinflammatory
• anti-snake venom
• antipyretic (fever reducer)
• improves energy levels
• promotes respiratory wellness

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrographis_paniculata

Andrographis is normally used as an ingredient in the following Healthelicious products:

• peak performance bar
• eXtreme nutrition bar
• bug out bar
• NutiBlast vegan bar
• NutriBlast® greens plus nutrition powder
• NutriBlast® greens plus vegan nutrition powder
• NutriBlast® DigestEasy® blend
• NutriBlast® immune blend
• NutriBlast® liver support blend
• NutriBlast® respiration support blend