This is a prospective cohort study on the effect of Andrographis Paniculata (AP) on palliative management of patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer. A total of 30 patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous esophageal cancer will be recruited for the trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged over 18
2. Locally advanced esophageal cancer with invasion or adherent to surrounding organs including trachea, recurrent laryngeal nerves and descending aorta;
3. Presence of distant metastasis;
4. Extensive lymph node metastasis to beyond surgical therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who cannot receive palliative stenting for dysphagia or under other conventional treatment including chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy
2. Patients who are not willing to receive Chinese herbal medicines
3. Patients who do not consent for the study