Heartleaf ice plant, also called Andrographis paniculata, offers flowers to admire, leaves to eat, and can even clear heat and toxins

In summer, people prefer vegetables that clear heat and detoxify. On balconies, not only are ornamental green plants grown, but vegetables have gradually become part of the scenery too. When it comes to dishes that clear heat and detoxify, besides common ones like ageratum and mint, there is another kind of "flower vegetable" that can be eaten and whose flowers can be admired. It has a lovely name: heartleaf ice plant.

Heartleaf ice plant has another name that everyone is more familiar with - Andrographis paniculata. Many people have probably seen Andrographis paniculata tablets in TV commercials. However, Andrographis paniculata comes in two varieties: one is the vegetable type, and the other is the medicinal type, and the medicinal one tastes rather poor.

The vegetable version of Andrographis paniculata has large, thick, juicy leaves, and it is mainly the leaf portion that is eaten.

Vegetable variety

Medicinal variety

The medicinal version of Andrographis paniculata has very thin leaves, oblong-ovate to lanceolate, and its rhizome is also very slender, with the stems and leaves having a bitter taste.

Vegetable Andrographis paniculata is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and has relatively good health benefits. Like another emerging green vegetable that people quite like, ice plant, cold dressing and plain stir-frying are also the two most suitable cooking methods for vegetable Andrographis paniculata.

The medicinal name Andrographis paniculata was first recorded in the Lingnan pharmacy work "Lingnan Caiyao Lu" published during the Republic of China period. Refining its active ingredients can produce Chinese patent medicines, such as Andrographis paniculata tablets (capsules), andrographolide dropping pills, Andrographis paniculata injections, and so on.

However, the editor reminds that no matter which kind of Andrographis paniculata it is, it should not be taken in large amounts or over a long period, especially by those with deficient cold of the spleen and stomach, who should not use it. Excessive consumption can easily worsen deficient cold of the spleen and stomach and cause adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort. Be sure to consult a Chinese medicine practitioner before consumption.