The New Coldbuster You Should Know About

by WiredBerries Editors — December 26, 2007

Andrographis is an herb derived from a shrub found throughout India and other Asian countries that does a great job of relieving upper-respiratory infections, such as colds or sinusitis, says new research. A study in the journal Phytomedicine reported that the herb eased symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness, sore throat, and runny nose up to 90%. That's better than most cold medicine can claim.

"At the very first sign of a cold, I toss a couple of andrographis supplements down my throat. I never travel without them," says Chris Kilham , an ethnobotanist at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst who conducts research around the world to develop and introduce traditional plant-based medicines to Western users.

This herb is known to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why andrographis is used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide variety of infections and diseases. It may also boost production of antibodies and macrophages (cells that ingest viruses), making it effective against the common cold. The herb reduces fever, too. It has also become very popular in Scandinavia, where Swedes use the andrographis remedy Kan Jang for colds and flus, and take it regularly throughout the long winter for boosted immune support. Andrographis (also called Chuan Xin Lian) can be found at health food stores or from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

*Do not supplement with herbs without first consulting a doctor if you are pregnant or lactating.