SERPENTINA (ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA):
THE HERB FOR DIABETES, LIVER, HEART DISEASE, COLDS AND FLU
Serpentina is a
medicinal herb dubbed as the ‘King of
Bitters’. Despite its bitter taste, it is widely sought after by diabetics
because of its efficacy to lower blood sugar. This herb can be taken by itself
or mixed with food to lessen the bitterness.
I once suffered from diarrhea.
Aware of the potency of Serpentina, I
took it by making tea (5 leaves of Serpentina
to 1 cup of water) thrice a day. I had to eat a little chocolate in between
sips just to finish a cup of it! The following morning my stomachache was
history. I also noticed that I was healed from my cold and nasal congestion
when I ate Serpentina leaves with
honey. Because of this, Serpentina makes
it to my go-to list for stomachache, common cold and asthma remedies. Some
customers amusingly narrate to us how much they enjoy eating this fresh ‘Bile of the Earth’ together with their
family. Happy customers, too, relate unbelievable healing results from stroke,
insulin and lung infection.
This herb is
popularly known in the Philippines as Serpentina
but its name in the ‘List of
Philippine Medicinal Plants’ is Sinta.
It is known scientifically and
internationally as Andrographis Paniculata.
This traditional medicine is native to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, which is used
as a cooling herb for fever and flu. Indian tribes also use Serpentina as treatment for liver
problems and cancer in their Ayuverdic
medicines. Serpentina’s popularity is
not limited to its Southeast Asian roots though. It is also regarded as a
remedy for common colds in Scandinavian regions.
The many names of Serpentina, Andrographis Paniculata and Sinta,
boil down to one and the same herb, which belong to the Acenthaceae family. It is not to be
confused with Serpentina Ravoulis though
because this herb belongs to the
Apocynacea family, which is used as tranquilizer and cure for mental
disorders, venom and reptile bites.
There are many
scientific studies about Serpentina. Some
notable studies are as follows:
In 1911, Dr. Fougere studied
on the ‘Bitter Principle’ (pure
bitter extract) from the herb. According
to his research, this ‘Bitter Principle’
protects the liver.
In 2006, a research was
conducted to study the extract from this herb. One of its discoveries is one of
the major constituents of this ‘Bitter Principle.’ It is an active ingredient,
now scientifically identified as Andropholide,
which is both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
Serpentina’s Andropholide property
is supported by Philippines Medicinal Plant studies. It is said to be anti-diarrheal,
anti-pyretic, anti-infective, anti-bacterial, anti-typhoid, anti-fungal,
anti-hepatoxin and anti-cancer.
Chinese studies show
that it also prevents blood from clotting. It also prevents reclogging of arteries
post-angioplasty. It is said to lower blood pressure as well.
Research also supports
the uses of Serpentina in Ayurvedic medicine as protection against
hyperglycemia (for diabetics) and control of renal disease (kidney).
Studies also support that
6 grams of Serpentina is as effective
as an Acetaminophen, which is taken
for 2 to 5 days for cold, fever and sore throat.
To reap all these
benefits, our common healing practice is to eat five (5) big leaves of fresh Serpentina or six (6) small leaves,
thrice (3x) a day. It may also be taken as tea but the infused leaves should be
eaten as well three (3x) a day. You may
start with a few leaves as it takes a while to get used to it.
Despite all its
virtues, there should be some caution in taking Serpentina, especially, among the following:
1. Should not be
taken by patients taking aspirin or any blood thinner medication since Serpentina
is also a blood thinner.
2. Pregnant and
lactating mothers should avoid this since Serpentina
is an abortifacient. While there is no actual study on adverse effects on
lactating mothers, it is better not to risk.
3. Individuals with Auto-immune diseases like
multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. should avoid taking this.
If Serpentina is taken regularly and
continuously, it is important to note also that it should be limited to only three
(3) months for adults and one (1) month for children, whether in capsule or
fresh form. It has side effects like swollen lymph glands, serious allergic
reactions and elevation of liver enzymes. Too
much of everything is unsafe.
Serpentina plants are very easy grow. Just make sure the plant gets sunlight for
3-4 hours, and that the leaves and soil are watered daily. Serpentina
bears a pod that contains tiny seeds which pop and grow anywhere where there is
soil - even cemented fences and floors with holes! Serpentina
plants for sale are available in our garden.
If you are not anywhere near us, you
can get
Serpentina in capsule form and still get
the same benefits mentioned above.
Monitoring your blood sugar is important if you want to manage your diabetes. Testing
your blood glucose will help you evaluate how your current diet, lifestyle, and
medication affect you. It will even show you if your Serpentina intake is
working for you! Don't let diabetes control your life. Manage
your diabetes with the right glucose analyzer now!
Sources:
WebMD.com, Dosage and
Caution on Andrographis Paniculata
Wikepedia,
Description and Studies on Andrographis Paniculata
Examine.com,
Background of Andrographis Paniculata
www.Stuartxchange.com/sinta.html, Philippine Medicinal Plant, Sinta
