Hempedu Bumi is an indigenous plant to South East Asia, China and India. Due to its extremely bitter taste, it is known as “King of bitters” in Malaysia. Traditionally it is used as a liver tonic throughout South East Asia. Laboratory and clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in cases of toxic liver damage, poor liver function and hepatitis.
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, USA, the active ingredient in Hempedu Bumi is andrographolides. Due to the andrographolides, andrographis has potent anti-inflammatory and antimalarial properties. It also has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help to fight off and prevent infections from harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. In addition, andrographis is a powerful antioxidant and it can help to prevent free radical induced damage to the cells and DNA.
Health Benefits
1. Enhance immune system
- Andrographis helps to boost the immune system by stimulating the body’s production of antibodies and macrophages, which are large white blood cells that scavenge harmful microorganisms.
- It is taken for both the prevention and treatment of the common cold.
- It might help lessen the severity of cold symptoms such as sleeplessness, fever, nasal drainage and sore throat
- Human trials have found Andrographis useful in pharyngotonsillitis, providing relief of fever and sore throat
2. To protect Liver
• Hempedu Bumi has been shown in hundreds of laboratory and clinical studies to protect and improve liver function.
• Long tradition as a liver tonic throughout South East Asia
• Protect liver from toxic damage and promote liver regeneration
3. Antioxidant effect
• Prevent lipid peroxidation
• Increase enzyme activity in the liver
Put 1 tea bag of Hempedu Bumi tea in hot water, steep for 1-2 minutes and serve hot. Take 1-2 teabags per day.
