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| DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
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A shrub native to southeast Asia, the Pacific islands, and Australia. Leaves are alternate and simple; flowers are axillary without petals, usually solitary (although male flowers are sometimes found in clusters) and with a 3-celled ovary; fruit is a berry.
PROPAGATION: Greenwood cuttings and root cuttings.
MEDICINAL:
The leaf has been used in Asian medicine in decoction form as an antiseptic for sores; also used for bruises and syphilis.Young branches with the leaves have been used for abscesses, weeping sores, swellings, and as a antidote to lacquer poisoning.The root is steeped with fermented rice and used as a lactagogue and for bruises and syphilis.