Now that sounds yucky and awfully bitter, doesn't it? I can tell you it is darn bitter!
A common name of this hardy and easily found herb in Malaysia, is the "Hempedu Bumi" (translated as Biles of the Earth). I remembered well how my mum and the mums in my neighbourhood would pick the leaves of this herbs that can be found growing wild all over, even in garden pots! They would sun-dry the darkgreen leaves and subsequently pound/pulverised them, before putting the dried pounded leaves into empty vegetable capsules, as first aid at home against sore throat, laryngitis, mouth ulcers, high fever, skin diseases from rashes to pimple breakouts and many more! The Chinese community here has been calling this as "Seh York" (literal translation of the Cantonese name - Snake Medicine). Snake Medicine? Don't ask me why! I have not found a logical reason for this name yet. It's more proper Chinese name being Chuan Xin Lian (穿心蓮). I have also heard that the Malay community uses this herb for diabetic related illnesses. It is also a popular herbs in the ayurvedic practice and tradition.
I have seen the a few fresh green leaves being steeped in hot boiling water and taken as tea. Sometimes the leaves are boiled and the water taken as tea for those heaty days and to battle internal heat. I have also witnessed brave folks chew its bitter leaves, neat! This is a big deal as it is really bitter! Trust me this can be easily a stunt included in one of those live reality TV shows testing a person's bravery and such!
This is a common herb in the region, including Thailand and India. It grows to about 60 to 70 cm in height and spreads abundantly through seeds that matures in pods, upon flowering. The seeds appears much like mustard seeds - I know cause I have them in my pots now too! Hahaha!
Scientifically it is Andrographis paniculata in Latin, this King of Bitters has been found to contain the active compound Diterpene andrographolide, which has been found to "to induce significant stimulation of antibody production," as quoted from Institute for Medical Research's website http://www.imr.gov.my/org/hmrc_r1.htm. Do have a read of the website.
Generally it is known as rich source of anti-oxidant which has positive effects on the liver and the digestive system. Research seems to suggest that its active compounds aids in breaking up fats and cholestrol in the blood. It is now being sold over the counter in powder form, in capsules as herbal tonics by several local companies dealing with natural/herbal health products.
It is claimed that the active ingredient in this Bile of the Earth is even greater than that of Milk Thistles in its liver protecting and bile promoting properties. An interesting read is this link by one such company, http://www.rainforestherbs.com/img/Hempedu%20Bumi%20Plus%20infosheet.pdf.
Other interesting claims of the plant's positive effects are in areas of weight loss, chronic fatigue, bad breath, expelling worms and parasites in the intestinal tracts and high blood pressure. Its effect on terminating cancer cells, especially of the gastro-intestinal tracts has been positive as reported by some research in this area.
Because of the herbs' multiple uses, it has apparently gained popularity in Northern America and Europe. It is also used to treat coughs and flu in Scandinavian countries. Now how did this plant make its way to such cold places! :)
Some other interesting links (some maybe written in Malay) are:
As usual, do take precaution in the use of traditional herbs, I always advice liberal usage and do get to know more about what you put into the body first....
