Andrographis paniculata, of the Acanthaceae family, is an annual herbaceous plant native to India and Southeast Asia. Its Indian name, Kalmegh, means “king of bitters” — a well-earned nickname, as its leaves are among the most bitter plants known. This intense bitterness is not a flaw: it’s the sign of a high concentration of andrographolides, the plant’s major active compounds, studied since the 1950s. Andrographis has been used for millennia across three major medical traditions: Ayurveda (India), where it’s classed among the jwaraghna (fever-combating) and krimighna (purifying) plants, traditionally prescribed for seasonal changes and the winter period; Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it’s known as Chuan Xin Lian; and Thai traditional medicine, where Fah Talai Jone is listed in the official Thai pharmacopoeia for respiratory support.

Andrographis’s active compounds are the andrographolides, a group of diterpene lactones. The main one, andrographolide (AGP1), is the most studied and represents 1–4% of the leaves’ dry mass; others include neoandrographolide, 14-deoxyandrographolide and deoxyandrographolide, present in smaller amounts but contributing to the plant’s overall traditional effect. These compounds act in synergy, which is why a whole-plant extract like Ayur-vana’s is often preferred over an isolated andrographolide — the whole-plant “totum” offers a broader, generally better-tolerated traditional profile than the single molecule.

The “Indian Echinacea” nickname reflects a similar traditional use, but the two plants are quite different. Andrographis’s active compounds are andrographolides (diterpenes), rooted in Ayurvedic and Chinese medical tradition, traditionally used to support the body’s natural defences with a purifying action, typically in courses of 10 days to 2 months. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), by contrast, contains alkylamides and polysaccharides, rooted in Native American tradition, and is generally used in shorter 7–10 day courses. Andrographis has the advantage of being suitable for longer preventive courses (up to 2 months), while Echinacea is usually reserved for short courses — the two can be used to complement each other.

As a preventive measure (autumn/winter): 2 capsules in the morning with breakfast, for a 1–2 month course from September to November, repeatable in January–February if needed. During a seasonal challenge: 2 capsules morning, midday and evening (6 capsules/day) for 5–10 days, starting at the first signs — the higher dose matches the body’s increased needs during this period. 60 capsules provide 1 month of preventive use (2/day) or 10 days of intensive use (6/day).

Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Not recommended for people with an autoimmune condition or on immunosuppressant treatment without medical advice. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Food supplement — does not replace a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of children.

Where can I buy Andrographis in Paris?

Ayur-vana’s Andrographis is sold at Herba Barona, 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm, a short walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8).

Can I take Andrographis all year round?

Andrographis is mainly used in targeted courses (autumn, winter, seasonal changes), for a maximum of 2 months followed by a break. In summer, other plants such as Guduchi or Tulsi are more commonly used.

Is Andrographis compatible with antibiotics?

Andrographis is not a substitute for antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. If you’re taking antibiotics, consult your doctor before combining them with Andrographis.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.