[Latin Name] Andrographis paniculata(Burm.f.)Nees

[Plant Source] Whole herb

[Specification] Andrographolides 10%-98% HPLC

[Appearance] White powder

Plant Part Used: Herb

[Particle size] 80Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Shelf life] 24 Months

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[Net weight] 25kgs/drum

[What is Andrographis?]

Andrographis paniculata is a bitter tasting annual plant, referred to as the “King of Bitters.” It has white-purple flowers and it is native to Asia and India where it has been valued for centuries for its numerous medicinal benefits. Over the past decade, andrographis has become popular in America where it is often used alone and in combination with other herbs for a variety of health purposes.

[How does it work?]

According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the active ingredient in andrographis is andrographolides. Due to the andrographolides, andrographis has potent anti-inflammatory and antimalarial properties. It also has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help to fight off and prevent infections from harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. In addition, andrographis is a powerful antioxidant and it can help to prevent free radical induced damage to your cells and DNA

[Function]

Cold and Flu

Scientists have discovered that andrographis helps to boost the immune system by stimulating the body’s production of antibodies and macrophages, which are large white blood cells that scavenge harmful microorganisms. It is taken for both the prevention and treatment of the common cold, and it is often referred to as Indian echinacea. It might help lessen the severity of cold symptoms such as sleeplessness, fever, nasal drainage and sore throat.

Cancer, Viral Infections and Heart Health

Andrographis may also help to prevent and treat cancer, and preliminary studies done in test tubes found that extracts of andrographis help to treat stomach, skin, prostate and breast cancer. Due to the herb’s antiviral properties, andrographis is used to treat herpes and it is also currently being studied as a treatment for Aids and HIV as well. Andrographis also promotes heart health and can help to prevent the formation of blood clots as well as to dissolve already formed blood clots. In addition, the herb relaxes smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels and thereby helps to reduce high blood pressure.

Additional Benefits

Andrographis is used to promote gallbladder and digestive health. It also helps to support and strengthen the liver and it is used in combination with other herbs in several Ayurvedic formulations to treat liver disorders. Finally, andrographis extracts taken orally have been found to help neutralize the poisonous effects of snake venom.

Dosage and Precautions

The therapeutic dose of andrographis is 400 mg, twice daily, for up to 10 days. Although andrographis is considered safe in humans, the NYU Langone Medical Center warns that animal studies suggest that it may impair fertility. Andrographis may cause unwanted side effects such as headaches, fatigue, allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea, altered taste and pain in the lymph nodes. It may also interact with certain medications and as with any supplement you should consult your health care practitioner before taking the herb.

Happy Hearths Warming!!! Present #2!!

We are BACK baby! The Cantering Cook is back and it will be a monthly show now. Please welcome my Co-Host, Lisa Sample.

Lisa is a chef graduate from a prestigious school, The Culinary Institute of America, and will be bringing in a lot of knowledge to our shows. I hope you enjoy learning about things as much as I do! And her OC is a GRYPHON! This is gonna be so much fun!

Still messing around with the style and format of the show, it will probably be shorter in the future. I also have a second camera.

Give us suggestions in the comments, maybe we will make your recipes!

Music by the always awesome Mandopony!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

4 Tablespoons butter (for lubing of baking pans)
1 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 Teaspoon of salt (Koser, please!)
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/4 Teaspoon Allspice
1/4 Teaspoon Cloves
1 1/2 cups Sugar (less refined the better)
1 cup Pumpkin (Processed or canned)
2 eggs

1) Mix all dry goods as well as Pumpkin in a large mixing bowl. Fold with a spatula, do not over mix!

2) Add eggs and fold in with spatula, mix until just brought together.

3) Butter bread tins with thick coating and pour mixture into pans. fill until just above half way.

4) Place in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick. If toothpick comes out dry, you are done baking!

5) Let breads rest for 10 to 15 minutes, then pop out of the trays. ENJOY!

Pumpkin Syrup Recipe

1) Take all left over juices from pumpkin roasting and liquid squeezed out of your pumpkin puree and place it into a medium sized sauce pan and place in a cinnamon stick

2) Boil the liquid at a medium simmer until it reduces by 1/2 volume.

3) Remove cinnamon stick and add ground clove, ground ginger and brown sugar to taste. You will have to play with the measurements here. Start with a little and add as you go.

4) Take 1/4 cup of Tapioca Starch and add to a cup of water and mix together. Slowly add the Tapioca water to the pan and watch the syrup thicken. When you get the consistency you wish, stop!

5) Turn off the heat and chill mixture. Transfer to a squeeze bottle and refrigerate until use. you can warm it up in the microwave, or in a pan of hot water.

Pumpkin Seeds!

1) Remove all pumpkin seeds from stringy mess you pulled out of your pumpkin. Rinse!

2) Put seeds on a paper plate and let them fully dry for at least 24 hours.

3) Coat seeds with a light oil and arrange on a cookie sheet. dust lightly with kosher salt.

4) Place in 375 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes. watch them carefully! As soon as they turn golden brown and delicious, remove and let cool! ENJOY!

Brew your very own Herbal Tea with tips from with Professor Hong Hai of The Renhai Clinic and Nanyang Technological University