The king of bitters is a 3-in-1 plant, writes Elaine Yim
THERE is a medicinal herb that self-seeds easily and grows wild in our gardens. It is like a 3-in-1 plant — wildflower, weed and medicinal plant.
Traditional herbalists cultivate the Andrographis paniculata as a medicinal plant. It can even be used as a bio-pesticide. I grow this plant in my garden. When I have a sore throat, I chew on one or two leaves. The bitterness takes getting used to but the results are good.
The genus Andrographis is made up of about 80 species of flowering plants from the Acanthaceae family which includes herbs, shrubs and vines, many of which are ornamental garden plants with showy flowers such as asystasia, fittonia, firecracker plant, shrimp plant, ruellia and clock vine Thunbergia.
The epithet paniculata is derived from the Latin panicula for “tuft” — referring to the flowers which are borne in panicles.
Andrographis paniculata is native to India and Sri Lanka but is naturalised in many tropical countries. It is widespread in Malaysia, Thailand, Java and Borneo where it grows as isolated patches on lowlands, hillside, coastlines, roadside, near drains, in between wall cracks and other disturbed or cultivated areas such as wastelands and farms.
It is cultivated commercially in Malaysia, China and Thailand for its medicinal properties.
BITTERNESS IS THE NAME
All plant parts taste extremely bitter. It is regarded as the most bitter of all herbs used in traditional medicine, earning its Indian name Maha-tita, meaning “king of bitters”. In Telegu, it is nelavepu, meaning “neem of the ground”. It has a similar bitter taste and is regarded as the dwarf version of the large neem tree.
In Chinese, it is known as Chuan Xin Lian meaning “heart-piercing lotus” because the taste is so bitter that it pierces the heart! Another Chinese name, Ku Dan Cao, means “gall bladder grass”.
In Malay, it is called Hempedu Bumi (bile of the earth) or “Akar Cerita” (root story).
In Indonesia, it is known as Sambiloto or Sambiroto.
THE PLANT
Andrographis paniculata is an upright, annual herb that can reach one metre high. It has many branches and dark green, slender stems. The leaves are smooth and lance-shaped — about 8cm long and 2.5cm wide.
Its flowers are tiny and borne individually in upright panicles. Each flower has five green sepals and a white corolla tinged with reddish purple spots. The fruit capsule is about two centimetres long and three millimetres wide. It turns from green to dark brown when ripe. Each capsule contains many seeds which are yellow-brown.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Andrographis paniculata is used in traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian medicine as a remedy for sore throat, flu, heatiness, high blood pressure and diabetes. As an Ayurvedic herb, it is known as Kalmegh or Kalamegha meaning “dark cloud”. It can be taken raw or steeped in drinks. Commercially, it is dried and pounded into powder and blended with other herbs and sold in capsules.
Ongoing medical research has reported promising results in its use as an immunity booster and in the treatment of AIDS, cancer and other viral infections. This herb is known as Zhan She Jian, meaning “snake slaying sword” when used as folk remedy for poisonous snake bites.
HOW TO GROW
It can be grown in a container or planted on the ground. You can plant it in your backyard.
steps
Propagation Buy from nurseries specialising in local herbs and medicinal plants. It is propagated by seeds. Soak the seeds overnight in water before sowing them on the ground or in containers. Seeds will germinate within a week. Transplant when the seedlings have grown two sets of leaves.
Sunlight Grow in full sun.
Medium Rich well drained soil is preferred but this hardy plant can tolerate a wide range of soil.
Water Regular watering. Do not let the soil dry out.
Fertilise Compost or balanced compound fertiliser once a month.
Pruning Dead-heading is recommended if you do not want it to self-seed and produce plenty of volunteer plants in your garden.
Harvest Leaves for consumption should be harvested before flowering starts. Allow the seed pods to dry on the plant before you collect them for future propagation.
Pest and diseases It is a natural pest repellent. Even wild or farm animals do not like to eat/graze it. You can boil the leaves in water to make a bio-pesticide spray to deter thrips on your vegetables.
TIP
Moderation is the key. Always consult your doctor before you practice self-medication. This herb is not recommended for people with chronic illnesses, children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating mothers, and those who plan to conceive.
Plant profile
Scientific name: Andrographis paniculata
Synonym: Justicia paniculata
Common names: King of Bitters, Creat, Indian Echinacea
Family: Acanthaceae