Andrographis Plants

Cultivation

• Andrographis is not particular about soil type as long as it drains well. In India, it's grown in sandy soil during the rainy season. Cultivate a sunny garden area in midspring to a depth of 12 inches. Set andrographis seedlings so their root crowns are at or slightly above the soil line, 24 inches apart. Keep the area weed-free for the next three months, watering whenever the soil is dry 2 inches below the surface. Fertilizing is not necessary to keep the plant healthy and thriving.

Propagation

• Andrographis produces small, pinkish-white flowers on its branches in midsummer. When blossoms fade, a 3/4-inch oblong fruit develops, ripening and bursting open in fall. Pluck the fruits when they turn brittle and brown, break them open over a piece of paper, and let the tiny seeds dry thoroughly before storing them for next year. Sow on top of soil in May or early June, cover them in 1/8-inch of soil, and they will germinate within 10 days. Thin seedlings to 24 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall. Left alone, andrographis will reseed itself into the garden.

Medicinal Uses

• All parts of the andrographis plants -- stems, leaves, flowers and seeds -- can be used medicinally. It is a significant plant in ayurvedic medicine, the traditional Indian medicine used elsewhere as a form of alternative medicine. The plant is used to alleviate all sorts of conditions, from liver problems, digestive disorders and skin conditions to bronchitis, pneumonia, malarial fevers and the common cold. Medicines made from andrographis are extremely bitter, lending the plant its nickname, "King of Bitters."