Called Kalmegh in Ayurveda and Chuan-xin-lian in Chinese medicine, andrographis is an intensely bitter herb with diminutive but beautiful flowers. It is an annual that matures in 160 days and is self-seeding for the next season in warmer climates. The herb is non-toxic but being bitter, it stimulates the flow of bile so when harvested for medicinal use, consider small doses. This herb is being used extensively by people with Lyme disease as well as digestive complaints. The seed is a slow germinator so scarify the seeds on fine sandpaper before planting. If the growing season is short, start the plants indoors or in a greenhouse.