Dear Stephen,
I wanted to report to you another allergic reaction to andrographis. I had been taking it for a few days at 1 capsule 3x a day, and then yesterday I tried to take 2 capsules with lunch instead of 1, and I had a sudden attack of hives that gradually worsened until my whole body was bright red with huge white welts that were extremely hot and itchy. I could even feel them inside my mouth and throat. I stll have a lot of itching and welts, but they have subsided to some extent. The thing is, the andrographis is the only thing that I felt was actually decreasing my symptoms over the few days I took it. Is it possible to reintroduce it, and stay at three capsules a day, or is this dangerous after I have had an allergic reaction? I’m worried I have developed a hypersensitivity now to the one thing that was actually giving me hope of improving. I have been unable to take the cat’s claw as it made my nervous system problems unbearable. Do you have any other suggestions if I am unable to take these two herbs? Thanks so much for any help you can give me!
I wanted to report to you another allergic reaction to andrographis. I had been taking it for a few days at 1 capsule 3x a day, and then yesterday I tried to take 2 capsules with lunch instead of 1, and I had a sudden attack of hives that gradually worsened until my whole body was bright red with huge white welts that were extremely hot and itchy. I could even feel them inside my mouth and throat. I stll have a lot of itching and welts, but they have subsided to some extent. The thing is, the andrographis is the only thing that I felt was actually decreasing my symptoms over the few days I took it. Is it possible to reintroduce it, and stay at three capsules a day, or is this dangerous after I have had an allergic reaction? I’m worried I have developed a hypersensitivity now to the one thing that was actually giving me hope of improving. I have been unable to take the cat’s claw as it made my nervous system problems unbearable. Do you have any other suggestions if I am unable to take these two herbs? Thanks so much for any help you can give me!
Stephen’s response:
About one percent of people who take andrographis have this kind of reaction. If you discontinue the herb the reaction will clear in a few days to a week. I would suggest using knotweed and eleutherococcus until you are used to them and then VERY SLOWLY reintroducing the andrographis at much lower doses and paying close attention to your responses. The knotweed can help lessen the potential allergic reaction. You just may be very sensitive to the herb and so tiny doses may work well for you. Let me know how you respond.
About one percent of people who take andrographis have this kind of reaction. If you discontinue the herb the reaction will clear in a few days to a week. I would suggest using knotweed and eleutherococcus until you are used to them and then VERY SLOWLY reintroducing the andrographis at much lower doses and paying close attention to your responses. The knotweed can help lessen the potential allergic reaction. You just may be very sensitive to the herb and so tiny doses may work well for you. Let me know how you respond.
Stephen
Hi There,
Wanting to share my experience with andrographis. I have been on Doxy for 21 days and my doctor thought we’d switch it out to the andrographis. I took only one tablet and within 10 minutes I began to react. Within an hour I had a severe rash all on my back side that I couldn’t even sit. Then it started to spread through-out and into my mouth… currently,it doesn’t itch, but it’s really hot and looks a purple color. Feels like a serious sunburn. So, I’ve been putting aloe on it and taking quercenase for the allergic reaction. I hope I’m on the right track. Thanks!
Hi Tami,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Stephen usually recommends stopping an herb if you have a reaction to it, or at least taking a break, then re-starting on a very low dose and ramping up slowly. Just wanted to mention this as an alternative. Please use great caution with allergic reactions. Best, Julie
Hello, I want to report a severe allergic reaction I had two days ago after taking 2 andrographis tablets. Started off with an itchy rash in my hands and feet, spreading over my entire body. Looked like I had been out in the sun for days. I had the most excruciating pain in my stomach and my body was shaking and couldn’t stop my teeth chattering. I went to the hospital where I was given an adrenalin shot and have been prescribed steroids for two days. Can you suggest something for getting my body back into balance after such a frightening ordeal. I’ve been quite anxious since, but that could be the steroids. This herb should come with a warning, I’m 31 and have no history of allergies or any health issues.
So sorry to hear you had this experience. As noted, the Q & A is currently closed to new questions. Please email Stephen directly at stephen@gaianstudies.org. Are you aware that Stephen no longer includes andrographis in his core protocol? This is the warning we have in the “cautions” section of the site: “CAUTION: About one percent of people (one out of a hundred) using andrographis report allergic reactions. Primarily the reaction shows as a rather severe skin rash; essentially hives. This will resolve if you stop taking the herb, though it might take a week or so. Anti-inflammatories such as cortisone creams are not necessary; it will clear up on its own. Please pay attention to any skin reactions you might have to the herb and discontinue it if you have a reaction. If you are one of the very few that does experience a reaction, you can continue the rest of the herbs in the core protocol, simply deleting andrographis.” Hope that helps, Julie
Hi
I started andrographis yesterday only one capsule ( nature’s way)
I take also spilanthes ( herb pahrm )
and many many other plants ………
I’ve been on abx and plants for 4 years but off abx for more than one month
I woke up last night my right hand had swollen , then I felt terrible , I felt bone frozen and needles in my body ,sweats as well thought I would die
Could the andrographis have done that ?
thanks
Hello,
I have been on LB Core for 18 days with no problems(3 a day). Yesterday I took 4 capsules in 15 hours and I took 2 advil at 12 noon(wrist was hurting). My last pill was taken at 10pm, by 1:30am the pain in my left hand and wrist was so great I could not sleep through it. It felt like it was on fire and my ring, middle and pointer finger was numb. I soaked it in a hot bath with apple cider vinegar, the pain got worst and I felt the pain moving to my elbow then my shoulder. I took 2 more advil.The only relief was massaging the area. The pain was relieving by 7am so I took 1 LB Core at 7:30am by 10:30am the pain started up again. Is this an allergic reaction or am I herxing? What do I do?
In your recent book on Myco. and Bart. on p. 178, re Houttuynia, your wrote that you had not been able to locate “re-encapsulated forms on the market.”
Dr. Qingcai Zhang and his son Yale Zhang have apparently been selling them for many years. He lists them in his book “Lyme Disease and Modern Chinese Medicine.” My copy was Copyrighted in 2006. I bought some from him for the first time a few months ago. I have been using Nutrmedix tinctures and I like tinctures better than capsules because of difficulty swallowing large capsules.
After reading your pp. on Mycoplasma, esp. M. fermentans, I believe I have that co-infection. In Oct. 2008, acc. to an Igenex test, I tested positive for Lyme. Some months later for Babesiosis and a v. high VEGF factor, indicating that I had Bartonella. After years of mostly herbal treatments, I think that I am much better but concluded that I probably have M. fermentans. I am approaching 95 years, but I still hope to feel better one of these months or years.Thank you for the Myco. and Bart. book!
Hi Serinda Tronc,
I just got back from hospital this morning and had the same experience as you had, the doctor said that it was one of the worst cases he had ever seen.
it was one of the worst if not the worst experience of my life, I have no other known allergies that I know of, I am a 42 year old chef.
I am going to place a comment here making an observation that not all “reactions” will necessarily present as hives and welts. I seem to be getting an unusual obstruction feeling at the point in my esophagus where eructations will often melinger before eventually coming out as a burp. I can’t tell why this sensation is occurring unless it’s being made by acid reflux (I never had acid refulx before). I’m a truckdriver but I get a fair amount of physical exercise. My diet is as close to perfect as you can get for a trucker (vegetarian, no processed foods, no sugar or sugary drinks).
At any rate, I cut the ANDROGRAPHIS capsules (300mg vegetarian caps) and the feeling stopped. Came back when I took them. Stopped. Bought tincture. Came back when I took about two droppers full of tincture. A weird obstruction feeling that sometimes but rarely comes out as a healthy burp. What’s going on in the lower throat region?
At first I thought it was a generalised acid reaction to the capsules b/c I thought it was happening when I took the knotweed and cat’s claw veggies caps as well (jury is still out). Is it possible? I take no food or very little food when I take these caps. And drink coffee.
Hi there,
I’ve been on andrographis for a couple of years with no negative reaction but recently got a hive like rash that is spreading. I’m on mepron and zithromax as well… have you all ever heard of the rash reaction to andrographis starting up after years of use with no rash? Trying to figure out what’s causing this! Thank you.
I had the same reaction but thankfully it when away quickly. I am using Andrographis to rotate with wormwood. What else can I use to rotate with wormwood aside from Andrographis?
I must suggest to anyone thinking about taking Andrographis – PROCEED WITH CAUTION! I had terrible hives covering my body,including my throat. My skin swelled vigorously when something rubbed across it. My husband had less
severe side affect – slight hives and bald patches on his beard. Upon discontinuation of Andrographis, it took a week or so for the majority of the symptoms to reside. I find it very difficult to believe that only 1 % of people have these reactions, when both my husband and myself have experience such. So, please if you choose to include Andrographis in your treatment plan, just proceed with caution and discontinue at the first sign of an adverse reaction.
I don’t know what kind of success anyone has had with Andrographis. I was seriously considering using it until I found this study that suggests Andrographis actually compromises the blood brain barrier by killing cerebral endothelial cells. Please read the study at the following link.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23930775
I stopped taking andrographis sunday when I became hivey after 4 days if itchy palms to which I attributed to mosquito bite. Two days later my symptoms are slightly worse. My ears burn, scalp. Itch like crazy.. sometimes my windpipe burns, and anywhere I scratch I get hives.
The same kind of experience with me. Uncomfortable with the swallowing and the upper esophagus part, followed by burps. I am not sure if it is from Andrographis or the Japanese knotweed. Confused. Planning to stop both and reintroduce.
Thank you! I have just lost a sense of taste. I am on Buhner’s protocol, and I have been taking Androgaphis
Hi Elizabeth, how long did your symptoms take to subside? I have exactly the same symptoms as you which I am thinking is down to the andrographis.
I had itchy skin starting with palms of hands and soles of feet and spreading all over (but never developed any rash or hives) that lasted about a week after i stopped andrographis. good luck!
I took 2 andrographis caps from now last night for the first time to.treat a cold coming on.. within a half hour my hands and feet began to.itch and then a red rash formed on my hands with little hive looking bumps.. then my handd and feet started to become painful within the bone and muscle.. I’ve never had a reaction to anything so i was just checking to see if this is common and found this site.. today no itching bumps are gone but feet are still sore a bit.. i guess there is always a first for everything! Ill stick with my nano silver vit c and probiotics !
Lauren, well said. I took 1 dose a day for three days. My face looks like I have a bad sunburn and the rash is spreading to my chest. I’ve been off the herb altogether for three days now. Who knows how far this will spread. May end up ED bound. I agree. Must be greater than 1% reaction.
Hi all! I also recently started taking andrographis as part of a herbal immune boosting supplement. The supplement in general was amazing, but after about three weeks of taking (I took a higher dose when I started getting sick, and the pharmacist had advised it was ok to take a lower dose ongoing as a preventative measure) I started getting a rash all over my body which lasted about a week. I had no idea what it was from at the time, at the end of the week I also started losing my sense of taste completely. As I still didn’t link andrographis I was taking for almost another month still with no taste, until I finally made the connection and stopped taking altogether. I’ve stopped for about two weeks now and my taste is FINALLY starting to come back, however it’s still not back to normal.
Hi, Such a relief to read I’m not the only person going through this right now! The first time I took Andrographis was in a supplement called ArmaForce by Bioceuticals in Australia. It’s only now a month or so later suffering hideous hives, and a few other odd sideffects that I realised the first time I took it I had an almost flu like response. Sweating, couldn’t sleep, pain in the guts, heart pounding, runny nose. I had to perform at a large concert the next day ( i’m a singer and musician ) and struggled terribly then spent the rest of the day in bed. I didn’t connect the issue. I took it sporadically the next few weeks and would occasionally notice welts on my thighs. I’ve never been allergic to anything am 39 and very healthy and fit. Vegetarian, non smoker, high intensity exercise, yoga, swimming person. It was only 4 days ago I took on chemist advice a much higher dosage as I was feeling a little unwell and had more touring to do. Instead of one a day i took 3 x at a time twice a day! The next day I was in agony, horrifying welts and burning red skin, odd lumpy sensation in upper throat ( akin to very swollen glands ) and incredibly painful palms of hands, with evil lurid purple shapes deep below the skin and a deep ache. I also noticed aching in my chest. and flu like symptoms, histamine didn’t help in anyway. I’m day 4 now, still rashy but no longer as painful and my palms have begun returning to normal. I’ve also got a minor cold…Wow…I just hope its the Andrographis as I’ll never touch it again. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy
Can only agree with everybody her that Andrographis does pack a punch. I first took it through winter two years ago and it did seem to work well for preventing colds and flu. However I did develop an itchy rash mainly on my shoulders and chest. Asked a Dr about it she had a particular theory and prescribed antibiotics. Of course that wasn’t good and nothing changed (meanwhile continuing with the Armour Force). Told the pharmacist of my dilemma and he said I’m sure that is drug related. Ditch the Armour Force. A year later I thought I would test the waters to see if I could tolerate Armour Force and if indeed it was the culprit. Straight up rash returned particularly on my upper legs (not unlike measles). No more Armour Force and no more rashes. The pharmacist tole me many people have an allergic reaction to Andrographis which made me question why there is not a waning on Armour Force.I would like to know if anything works as effectively against colds and flu without Andrographics in this mix?
I would have also informed you I had a hives allergic reaction to andrographis years ago but could not find a way to communicate this to you on this site. Now, I have an even worse reaction to Cats Claw taken 3x daily for several weeks. Literally overnight I have broken out in hives and welts over most of my body. Have to echo someone else’s comment wondering how you can estimate only 1% of people experience reactions, particularly if it’s not easy to communicate these reactions to you.
I took Ki Cold and Flu in March and had great results. Got another cold this month and started to take again for about 4 days. Took as recommended. Missed one day and then started again. Had itchy scalp during day. That night woke up with itch starting on top of head and palms of hands spreading down my body to the top of my feet. Took antihistamine in the am. Claritin during the day and Benadryl at night for about 5 days. Finally went off and seemed fine for a day but still having small spattering itch small spots here and there. its been over a week and its kind of worrisome as have never had reaction like that before. Hopefully this goes away? There definitely should be a warning on the package. I’m surprised such an established company wouldn’t have a warning on this product. Can anyone tell me how long this will take to get out of my system? The anti-histamines seem to make me drier. thx @martinpleasance
I took Ki Cold and Flu in March and had great results. Got another cold this month and started to take again for about 4 days. Took as recommended. Missed one day and then started again. Had itchy scalp during day. That night woke up with itch starting on top of head and palms of hands spreading down my body to the top of my feet. Took antihistamine in the am. Claritin during the day and Benadryl at night for about 5 days. Finally went off and seemed fine for a day but still having small spattering itch small spots here and there. its been over a week and its kind of worrisome as have never had reaction like that before. Hopefully this goes away? There definitely should be a warning on the package. I’m surprised such an established company wouldn’t have a warning on this product. Can anyone tell me how long this will take to get out of my system? The anti-histamines seem to make me drier. thx
I took armaforce which has aero graphics in it , I only took one pill a day. It has been a week since taking it and everyday I wake up with a headache and I have absolutely no taste. It’s all very depressing. How long can this last?
Tom, not sure if this is a direct reply to you or will appear in the general list of comments – I too have suffered a severe allergic reaction to Andrographis contained in the Fusion Activiral herbal supplement. I was very nearly hospitalised with severe V and D, rash all over my body, fever, red burning face, pains etc.. the dr first suspected meningitis but I was all clear and then was tested for German Measles.. At the time I didn’t make the connection back to Andrographis – it was only after taking two tablets last night and experiencing another reaction but not as severe did I click that it was this that made me so ill a couple of weeks ago!! I can’t believe that this herbal ingredient is available to purchase with such reactions possible. The Fusion product even has a warning label on the side. I have spoken with both Fusion today and the Therapeutic Administration Department about my reaction and will look forward to hearing the feedback. Did you know that the TAD carried out a safety review of Andrographis back in 2015..
My chemist suggested I take Andrographis when I had a bout of shingles. On the third day of taking it I was vomiting and had a feeling like a severe flu with a very red face. The weird burping some people have talked about went to a new level with the vomiting! Don’t EVER take this stuff . .
It has been very interesting reading this feed as I began searching when, after 2 days of taking Fusion Activiral I have woken up with a rash on my arms, side of my boobs, generalised itching and a sunburn type welt in my groin. I was recommended to take 2 tablets three times a day by the girl in the health food store, who seemed extremely knowledgeable.She didn’t mention anything about reactions, but I do note the bottle does mention Andrographis may cause allergic symptoms and to discontinue use.Fortunately I have only take 2 tablets twice a day which is in keeping with the recommended dose. I thought the rash looked measles like – but this is unlikely as I have had the measles as a child.It seems to me that there is a higher than 1% incidence of reaction due to the research I have done on the internet.
I had Armaforce and have completely lost my taste. Never again. Does anyone know how long it will take to get the taste back after stopping taking it? Thanks!
Wow this is way more common than I thought I had no idea Armaforce could cause such bad allergic reactions! I have been taking 2 in the morning & night as advised on bottle. On the 9th day I noticed really itchy lumps on the top of both feet & throughout the day it started to spread throughout my whole body beginning with extremely itchy bumps/welts on my elbows then itchy wrists until it spread severely to the backs of my legs and buttocks! By the end of the day they were unbareably itchy & massive red welts! The tops of my feet totally swelled up and were stiff to bend with heat radiating of them along with swollen sensitive wrists. I had to call a home doctor who prescribed me a steroid pill so hopefully that works over night. She said I had a severe allergic reaction and was trying to think of what has changed in my diet etc. and it comes down to the Armaforce tablets!!
Hi Tom I’m having the exact same symptoms. Have been taking it for a month now, but last week upped my dose to 2 x twice a day and oh boy am I suffering now!! I’m so itchy everywhere and when I itch, I come up with a bright red rash and it gets so itchy and starts to burn!! Day 6 now and I still have the same symptoms. Arggggg
How long did it take for your taste to come back? I have lost my sense of taste too and think it’s due to ArmaForce! Would love to know when it will come back! Thanks
Started Andrographis about 3 wks ago inconsistently then last wk my daughter came down w a cold so she and I took just one caplet daily. Her cold improved but about a week later I broke out in a monster rash all over my chest and torso down my arms up the back of my neck itchy scalp feels like a sunburn itches like crazy she got the other symptoms hot flashes dizziness sweating nausea vomiting lasting 3 days so far. We stopped as soon as rash started for me ! Be careful with this stuff !
This is the exact same thing that happened to me. Third week I lost my taste. I’ve only just figured it out and stopped taking them. I hope it comes back!
Hi
I started with Armaforce 3 weeks ago due to Chikenpox virus…
2 tablets in the morning.
I’m pretty healthy, never had anything..
After 3 weeks I completely lost my taste!
Everything was bitter, especially sugar… I just can’t feel anything.
Today is the third day I stopped and I still don’t have my taste back…
Someone says it will take aprox 14 days…
If you are about to take Armaforce… Start with 2 tablets first 3 days, than 1 tablet for another 4 days… and that’s it.
I don’t suggest you to take Armaforce more than 10-14 days.
Hi,
I was totally unaware of potential adverse reactions to Andrographis. I took 2 capsules twice a day of Andrographis (500mg per capsule, organic whole Andrographis leaf from Pukka Herbs) for abour 8 days and then I started to get itchy palms as well as pain in my liver. I stopped taking it as I suspected it was this herb that was causing it. i have never had any allergic reaction before this, I am a healthy 38 year old female with no history of allergies. Today is day 3 since I stopped taking it and I still get itching anywhere on the body. I hope it will stop within a week. My liver however has been affected by it, fortunately I am able to test myself with the A.R.T method I learnt from Dr.Klinghardt and I am able to determine what remedies and what dosage i need each day to heal it. I don’t have any other symptoms so hopefully it will go away. I have written to the manufacturer and asked why a warning sign was not put on the box since it is widely known that this herb can cause allergic reactions. I think the herb is very effective for boosting the immune system but needs to be taken for a short period of time and in small doses as it is very potent.
Hi Barbara, I am keen to know how long it did last? This has happened to me and it’s awful! Would greatly appreciate your response.
Hi Max, do you mind if I ask how long it did take? I am 5 days off Armaforce and desperately awaiting the return of my sense of taste.
Hi Katja, do you mind if I ask how long it did take? I am 5 days off Armaforce and desperately awaiting the return of my sense of taste.
Started The Peoples Chemist Immune FX about a week ago. 600mg Andrographis combined with 400 mg. Coriandrum. Took 1 pill twice a day. 2 days ago I started to feel itching in my groin and upper legs. By yesterday I was covered in hives including very swollen eyelids and welts everywhere. Last night had a fever of 100.04 but today it has been 97.4 Initial research pointed to Covid-19 as a possible source. I will be tested for that on Monday 4/27. However, after reading these comments, I believe the reaction was to the Andrographis. I am now on 2nd day not taking the supplement. Hopefully it will begin to clear up soon.
Rachael im nearly two weeks off arma force with 2 tablets taken inbetween so really week. Still haven’t alot of taste ive heard it can take weeks to come back.
Does anyone consider the possibility that these symptoms are the result of Herxheimer reactions to microbial die off?
I used Arma Force on and off for a week or so (Less than 8 tablets) and had the most horrid hives rash. It started with a slight itching in the hands and by that night had spread to my legs and back. Then to my button and my head (as I say down and wore a beany). Anyone I scratched or touched would turn to hives for many hours. It’s five days now and it is improving. Probably 90% better just some patches on my back and hand that are mildly itchy. There should be warnings about this. I’m someone who rarely reacts to anything.
Was your Covid-19 test negative? I am experiencing all the same things after taking this medication, but my fever was 101.5, and at one point in the night 103. Today my fever has stayed at 97.5. Still have lots of hives, itching and stinging though! Plan on getting a Covid test Monday 11/30.