A sudden allergy to a previously used product
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382099)
Rockingham, Australia
January 14, 2026 2:32am CST
Have you heard of Andrographis paniculata? It’s a traditional medicine made from an annual herbaceous plant which is also known as creat or green chiretta. It is native to India and Sri Lanka and widely cultivated in southern and south-east Asia.
Hospitals in Australia are seeing increased cases of people presenting with allergic reactions to complementary medications containing this herb. One person had used it before with no reactions but the second time would have died had she not had EpiPens in the house in case of a bee sting. I know in some people, an allergy seems to build up in strength over time.
Does anyone know anything about this ingredient? Have you noticed it in any products you use? This product was supposed to enhance the immune system and be good for coughs and colds.
The photo is mine: a little waterfall for @FourWalls.
14 people like this
12 responses
@LadyDuck (502466)
• Italy
14 Jan
Interesting waterfall in your photo.
All what I know is that Andrographis paniculata has been linked to an increase in allergic reactions, including serious cases of anaphylaxis, with numerous reports submitted to health authorities all over the world. I have heard of patients that had no problems at the first use but serious allergic reactions the second time. It would be interesting to know if the researchers can find the reason.
6 people like this
@DaddyEvil (174433)
• United States
14 Jan
That plant isn't given to anyone who has had allergic reactions to anything. I've always had problems with allergic reactions. I'm assuming I've never been given that in medications I'm prescribed.
We do have to keep epi-pens ready here in case I have allergic reactions to something. My doctor prescribes them to me two at a time, just in case. (If I have to use a second one for any reason, I'm supposed to go to the nearest ER immediately So far, I've been hospitalized twice for unknown allergic reactions that started making my throat swell closed.) There are a lot of things I avoid as I've gotten older.
4 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17239)
• China
14 Jan
Green chiretta is a kind of commonly used Chinese herbal medicine,which has some side effects, including abdominal distention,abdominal pain and skin itching etc.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (222302)
• United States
14 Jan
I've never heard of it. Sounds dangerous.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (208911)
• United States
14 Jan
Never heard of that one. Former MIL developed an allergy to horseradish after eating it all her life.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382099)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Jan
And my Mum had to avoid strawberries later in life or she'd come out in a rash and itching.
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
15 Jan
I've never heard of it before. Some allergies build up over time, and some dissipate. It's all on an individual basis. Have you read any reviews? I always check on webmd.com when I have medical questions. It's a great site. Here is what it had on this:
Lovely waterfall.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-973/andrographis#overview
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
17 Jan
@JudyEv .........You really have to be careful with herbs.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135744)
• Marion, Ohio
14 Jan
I like that waterfall.
I hadn't heard about it. Hope they stop using it until they know more
1 person likes this
@valherma00 (3829)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
16 Jan
i think we don't have it here. unbelievable and scary.
1 person likes this
@valherma00 (3829)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
18 Jan
@JudyEv i hear you, thank you.
1 person likes this
