Can I eat Andrographis paniculata during breastfeeding?

We usually eat Andrographis paniculata mainly to clear away heat and detoxify. Although the requirements for the use of this medicine are not very strict, after entering the breastfeeding period, any use of medicine must be done with caution, mainly because of the concern about affecting the baby's body. Therefore, similar concerns may arise when using Andrographis paniculata. So, can you eat Andrographis paniculata during breastfeeding? Let’s take a closer look below.

It can generally be taken without any special restrictions during lactation. It is recommended to breastfeed before taking the medicine.

Andrographis paniculata, also known as Spring Lotus and Autumn Willow, Joy at First Sight, Nuclear Lotus, Gallbladder Grass, Golden Vanilla, Golden Ear Hook, Indian Grass, and Vallisneria. Annual herb, 4~8 cm long and 1~2.5 cm wide. A medicinal plant with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and relieving pain. Another name for Andrographis paniculata is Spring Lotus and Autumn Willow, which has high medicinal value. It can not only clear away heat and detoxify, but also has a good effect in relieving the internal heat caused by spring dryness. Andrographis paniculata is mainly used to treat common diseases such as bacterial dysentery, urinary tract infection or influenza.

The appearance characteristics of Andrographis paniculata are that the stem is 50~80 cm high, with 4 ribs, many branches in the lower part, and swollen nodes. The leaves are ovate-rectangular to oblong-lanceolate, 4~8 cm long, 1~2.5 cm wide, and slightly obtuse at the apex. The leaves on the inflorescence axis are smaller, and the racemes are terminal and axillary, integrated into large panicles; the bracts and bracteoles are tiny, about 1 mm long; the calyx lobes are triangular-lanceolate, about 3 mm long, with glandular hairs and fine hairs; the corolla is white and small, the lower lip has purple spots, is about 12 mm long, has glandular hairs and short soft hairs on the outside, is 2-lipped, the upper lip is slightly 2-lobed, the lower lip is 3-deeply lobed, and the corolla tube is the same length as the lip; there are 2 stamens, and the anthers are 2-chambered, with soft hairs at the base of one chamber and on one side of the filaments. The capsule is flat, with a groove in the middle, about 10 mm long, and sparsely covered with glandular hairs; there are 12 seeds, which are square and wrinkled. Andrographis paniculata prefers a hot and humid climate, plenty of sunlight and fertilizer. The suitable temperature for seed germination and seedling growth is 25~30℃. When the temperature drops to 15~20℃, the growth is slow.