Very bitter and cold, Andrographitis Herba (chuan xin lian) cools heat toxin in the Lungs and Stomach and thus treats symptoms such as influenza, cough, and wheezing from Lung heat, Lung abscess, sore swollen throat, and boils due to fire toxin. Its bitterness dries damp-heat in the Large and Small Intestine, and thus treats damp-heat dysenteric disorder, hot painful urinary dribbling, and eczema. Because it cools the blood, Andrographitis Herba (chuan xin lian) is used for nosebleeds. It can reduce swelling, and is applied externally as a powder for scalds, burns, and snakebite.