Andrographis?

[Seasprite]

Has anyone tried the herb Andrographis?

Not sure of the spelling it is suppose to be for lyme.

[tcmgpt13]

I have not personally used this herb, but I do know that this herb has been used by some people who have lyme, especially as part of the Steven Buhner protocol for lyme. His book is called Healing Lyme if you are interested in reading more about his suggestion.

I know this herb is used in TCM, most commonly along with other herbs to treat acute hot illnesses and inflammations. It is a very cold and bitter herb and may excacerbate spleen problems if used for any prolonged time, especially if it is used alone (cold damages spleen and spleen in TCM is paired with the stomach as far as function in the body):

Andrographis: Information from Answers.com

General Use

Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that andrographis affects the large intestine, lung, stomach, bladder, and liver meridians, or energy pathways in the body.

It is thought to dispel heat (such as that associated with fever or infection) and is used primarily as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and immunostimulant for a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic conditions, including influenza, intestinal infections, hepatitis, pneumonia, and infected wounds.

Andrographis's medicinal properties are considered very bitter, astringent, cold, dry, and stimulating.

Andrographis is considered most effective for conditions associated with fever, inflammation, and the formation of pus. It clears heat and relieves "fire toxicity" manifest as sores and carbuncles on the skin. It is also applied topically for snakebite and eczema. Under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, it is used as a uterine stimulant and abortive, to bring on miscarriage or treat prolonged pregnancy or retained placenta.

Andrographis can also be used as an inexpensive substitute for another Chinese herb, coptis (huang lian).

Research on andrographis has generally been conducted in China and has focused on pharmacological investigation. Studies indicate that andrographis cultivated in the plains of Shanghai has significant immune stimulating and anti-infective qualities. In vitro, it inhibits the growth of Diplococcus pneumoniae and other bacteria and delays the deterioration of embryonic renal cells caused by a virus.

Major chemical ingredients include andrographan, andrographolide, neoandrographolide, paniculide A, 14-deoxy-11-oxyandrographolide, and beta-sitosterol.


Practitioners of Chinese medicine commonly combine andrographis in patent formulas along with other Chinese herbs.

Precautions

According to tradition, andrographis is never used in cases of deficient, cold intestinal conditions. When used long-term or in large doses, this bitter and cold herb may damage stomach qi, causing gastric distress and loss of appetite.

Andrographis is also capable of producing a miscarriage, and thus should be avoided by pregnant women unless otherwise directed by a knowledgeable practitioner.

Side Effects

Gastric distress and loss of appetite have been noted when the herb is taken in large doses

[Seasprite]

Thanks for the great info!