Range. Central and southern China; Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lan­ka, Thailand, Vietnam; Africa; Australia; Carribbean Territories; North America; South America; amd Pacific Islands. Found growing naturally all over Myanmar; also cultivated.

Uses. Sweet, bitter, and astringent, with heating properties; used to expel and cure flatulence disorders, as well as to treat leprosy.

Whole plant: Shoots are made into a soup with chicken bones or din-gyi (Oroxylum indicum) for urinary problems. The juice is consumed with milk and sugar for kidney stones. It is also used to make medicines to treat eye diseases, flatulence, and chest pain.

Root: Bark from the root is crushed, mixed with milk, and taken as a laxative. A mixture of roots, ginger, and black pepper is given for leprosy, edema, and male diseases.

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