Justicia procumbens

Physical Characteristics

Justicia procumbens is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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 - Himalayas to China, Japan and Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Young leaves - boiled[105]. Seed - cooked. It is usually made into a flour[105].

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Depurative Diaphoretic Diuretic Febrifuge Laxative Ophthalmic Skin The plant is alterative, anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge and laxative[147, 240]. A decoction or an infusion is used in the treatment of asthma, cough, backache, flatulence and many skin conditions[218, 240, 272]. The juice of the leaves is used in ophthalmia[240, 272]. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of curvature and diseases of the bone[240]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of coughs where blood is being coughed up[272].

Known Hazards

None known