SE RPE NTIN A: THE HE RB FOR

DI ABETES , LIVE R, HEA RT DIS EASE ,

KI DNEY, COLDS AND FL U
10:48 PM

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 ofSerpentina 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.

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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 Ayuverdicmedicines. 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.

Get your Serpentina at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at

Php60-80/seedling bag.

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 asAndropholide, 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.

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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.

Get your Serpentina at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at

Php60-80/seedling bag.

Serpentina is very easy to plant and grow. Just place it in an area where it
can get sunlight for 3-4 hours. The leaves and soil want to be watered
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daily. Serpentina bears a pod that contain many small seeds which pop
and scatter everywhere where there is soil - even cemented fences and
floors with holes.

With loving care, it adorns the garden with its pretty white flowers, most of
all, it gives ready supply of fresh leaves for relief. Enjoy life!

EM-EM
The Gardener, MBA

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