Andrographis + Licorice Root

What Is Andrographis + Licorice Root?

A herbal formula: three traditional plants, not vitamins or minerals. Andrographis is a bitter plant known across South Asia as the king of bitters. Indigowoad root is the ban lan gen of Chinese herbalism, and the source of indigo dye. Licorice, here as an extract, is the sweet one.

How It Works in the Body

Andrographis owes its bitterness to andrographolides, the diterpene lactones the extract is standardized for. Indigowoad root carries indole alkaloids, indirubin among them, alongside the blue pigment it is named for. Licorice tastes sweet because of glycyrrhizin, a saponin many times sweeter than table sugar.

In the traditions these come from, all three are seasonal herbs rather than daily ones, and licorice plays a particular part: it is the harmonizer, added to round the edges off a formula built on bitters.

What It Supports

• Immune support: Andrographis has long been taken through the colder months, and supports normal immune function.
• A traditional pairing: Indigowoad root is used the same way in Chinese herbalism, often beside andrographis.
• Bitter principles: Bitters have been taken before meals for generations, and support normal digestion.
• The sweet counterweight: Licorice is what keeps a bitter formula palatable, and is the only sweet thing here.

Who It May Suit

For people who reach for herbs when the seasons turn and are comfortable with a strongly bitter formula. In its own tradition this is a seasonal preparation, not a year-round daily. The capsule is plant-based.

Good To Know

Read the licorice line: this is licorice extract, not the deglycyrrhizinated kind, so the glycyrrhizin is still in it. Talk with your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, watch your blood pressure, or take a diuretic, a steroid or digoxin — glycyrrhizin makes the kidneys hold sodium and lose potassium, which with regular use can push blood pressure up and potassium down.