Root: Surinamese Indonesians use pieces of root in vinegar for a preparation against bleeding.

Leaf: An infusion in oil is used to treat wounds. Infusion of three crushed leaves of the purple cultivar is used in hypotensive drink. Proximal (lower) portion of leaf is macerated in olive oil for a cataplasm or tampon for wounds.

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Range. Eastern Asia, East Indies and South Pacific Islands to Hawaii. Found throughout Myanmar, especially Mandalay and Shan; cultivated.

Uses
Whole plant: The plant’s five parts are stewed with sugar and taken to restore regular menstruation; boiled, mixed with the water from boiling kazun-ywet (Ipomoea aquatica) leaves with sugar, and taken daily for lung ailments; or crushed for juice, which is mixed with ginger and jaggery syrup in equal parts to make a tonic taken by women to treat menopausal symptoms, clear the complexion, and for stamina and overall health.

Leaf: The leaves of the plant, an astringent with cooling properties, are boiled in water and taken for vomiting of blood, passing of blood, and hemorrhaging. To regulate the bowels, the leaves are stewed with sugar and ingested, or water from boiling the roots is taken. For intestinal and liver inflammation, the leaves are stewed with jaggery. Tender young leaves are eaten as a remedy for dysentery or as a bowel regulator. Boiled with human milk, the leaves are taken for lung, liver, and kidney in­fections. For chest pains, leaves are boiled with cow’s milk.

1) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017

2) DeFilipps, Robert A.; Krupnick, Gary A. / PhytoKeys, v. 102. - - p. 1 - 314,  2018.