🌸Korean Traditional Medicine

Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon)

Andrographis paniculata

About Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon)

Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon) (Andrographis paniculata) is a herb used in the Korean Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Fever, Liver Support, Immune Support, and Flu, among 2 other conditions it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Andrographis paniculata is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to India and Sri Lanka.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
♨️

Steam Inhalation

1–2× daily during acute symptoms
  • Add 2–3 tbsp of Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon) to a bowl of just-boiled water.
  • Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Avoid

Andrographis has a traditional reputation as an emmenagogue and some animal research has raised fertility-related concerns — generally avoided in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Limited formal safety data during breastfeeding; generally used cautiously.

Children

Use Caution

Sometimes used short-term for children's colds under guidance; not extensively studied in pediatric use.

Contraindications

  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
  • Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use

Warnings

⚠️ Liver Health

Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Processed by the liver

Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)

Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.

May affect immune activity

Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)

Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Korea, China, Japan

Climate

Temperate

Habitat

Mountain forests, hillside farmland, and traditional herb gardens of the Korean peninsula

🌿 To see Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Andrographis (Cheonshimryeon), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.