Herb latin name: Justicia procumbens


Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)



Medicinal use of Justicia procumbens:

The plant is alterative, anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge and laxative. A decoction or an infusion is used in the treatment of asthma, cough, backache, flatulence and many skin conditions. The juice of the leaves is used in ophthalmia. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of curvature and diseases of the bone. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of coughs where blood is being coughed up.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Cultivated fields and waste ground in lowland C. and S. Japan. River valleys in damp shady places in China. Moist open places, 700 - 2500 metres in Nepal.

Edible parts of Justicia procumbens:

Young leaves - boiled. Seed - cooked. It is usually made into a flour.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation of Justicia procumbens:

Cultivated fields and waste ground in lowland C. and S. Japan. River valleys in damp shady places in China. Moist open places, 700 - 2500 metres in Nepal.

Known hazards of Justicia procumbens:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.