Herbal Asset

A boon to good health

 

By Karen Frye
The time is right to learn more about the herb andrographis. It is gaining in popularity, but many folks may not yet realize the wonderful benefits it gives. This one nutrient has the ability to strengthen the immune system, while also enhancing cardiovascular health, liver and kidney function, joint mobility, and even more. It has been used by herbal practitioners and patients for thousands of years as one of the most effective natural medicines without any side effects.
Andrographis is best known as a botanical that boosts your immune system’s ability to protect you from viruses and bacteria, thus helping us recover from colds and the flu faster and reducing the intensity of the symptoms. It’s a great herb to take as a preventive to keep you well during the upcoming cold and flu season. There’s a need for effective immune-boosting interventions that don’t create the side effects — something that works other than an antibiotic.
There are a lot of clinical studies ongoing with andrographis. One study showed it relieved symptoms including fatigue, sore throat, runny nose and sleeplessness in just two days. By the fourth day the people in the study taking andrographis saw a significant decrease in all symptoms: headache, earache, mucous and coughing.
Andrographis combats dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus by preventing it from replicating and has the ability to help in the treatment of Lyme disease. It’s a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-fungal, cancer preventive, neuroprotective and immune stimulant.
It has been the subject of over 800 studies in the National Institute of Health’s PubMed online database.
Here are some of the findings in theses studies:
Preserves brain/cognitive health, increases brain cell communication and helps handle stress.
Protects heart and arteries, relaxes blood vessels for healthy blood pressure.
Protects the liver (traditionally used to detoxify the liver and repair
liver damage).
Prevents pain, inflammation, arthritis and protects the cushioning cartilage between the joints.
Stops or prevents tumors. Research suggests this herb stops DNA damage and the development and proliferation of brain, skin and pancreatic cancer cells.
Boosts the immune defenses, reducing cold and flu symptoms and can even help fight Lyme disease.
Soothes digestive symptoms, balances pH levels in the stomach, stops inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis, protects the lining of the stomach and intestines against ulcers.
Andrographis may enhance your life in many ways. Read the research. It may be the wonder herb that can improve your health. PS
Karen Frye is the owner and founder of Nature’s Own and teaches yoga at the Bikram Yoga Studio.