Range. Asia to Australia. Found growing in warmer parts of Myanmar, up to 915 m altitude.
Uses
Leaf: Used to treat skin infections, disorders of the spleen, and rheumatism. Also used in preparations to regulate menstruation and bowel function, stimulate healing of sores, control fevers, neutralize poisons, and promote vitality. The crushed leaf juice and stir-fried leaves are used to treat varicose veins and other circulatory conditions. The leaf juice is applied topically to heal chronic sores; mixed with a bit of sesame oil and honey, and swabbed inside the ear to alleviate earaches and to clear ear infection; taken by itself for skin conditions and together with the juice from ground roots of thet-yin-gyi (Croton persimilis) for bloating and edema. Water from boiling the leaves is ingested for weakness and weight loss, malaria, menstrual problems, and conditions related to birthing, as well as for coughs and colds in infants and young children. A salad of the leaves mixed with garlic is eaten to relieve bloating, indigestion, and dysentery. Pillows stuffed with the dried leaves are used for insomnia and brain conditions.
Leaf and Flower: Used as febrifuge and emetic.
Root: Ground, and a paste made from them is given to children for ingesting or inhaling to reduce fever and treat cooking fume-related sickness.
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Origin
Throughout India in tropical and subtropical regions.
Action:
Leaves—febrifuge, antibacterial, anthelmintic, cytotoxic. Extract of the leaves showed inhibitory action against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Leaves used as poultice in rheumatism, inflammations and sprains.
Root and flowers—febrifuge.
Root—expectorant.
Fruit—used in amenorrhoea.
Warning:
cytotoxic.
1) DeFilipps, Robert A.; Krupnick, Gary A. / PhytoKeys, v. 102. - - p. 1 - 314, 2018.
2) Khare, C.P./ Indian Medicinal Plants. -- Nueva Dheli: Springer, 2007 . - p 710.