Justicia gendarussa

Physical Characteristics

Justicia gendarussa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - India to Burma.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiperiodic Antiphlogistic Antispasmodic Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Emetic Febrifuge Laxative The leaf is antispasmodic, carminative[147] and has antiperiodic properties[218]. The leaves and tender young shoots are diaphoretic[240]. A decoction is used in the treatment of chronic rheumatism[240]. An infusion of the leaves is taken internally in the treatment of pains in the head, paralysis of one side of the body and facial paralysis[240]. The leaf juice is used in the treatment of earache[240]. The bitter root is anodyne, diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative[218]. The root bark is emetic[218]. The whole plant is emetic and febrifuge[240]. A decoction is used to treat bruises[218].

Known Hazards

None known