Do you often find this indigo flower along the coastal region of Miri? From Luak Bay to Sibuti? This is a very pretty flower that blooms only for a day.
It is a common weed actually but it has some medicinal values.
The leaves can be boiled to make a health tea to cleanse the blood and is a cooling tea which can help relieve fever. Many local people use the tea to cure stomach ailments and even asthma. In South America it is used to treat malaria.
It has been reported that it is an inflammatory and can be used to treat diabetes (Peru).
The Mayas in ancient times believed that the plant was a sacred plant which could fend of evil spirits.
The leaves can also be boiled and made into a soup, but don't cook too much.
It has many other names which include nettleleaf velvetberry,and Cayenne porterweed. The Japanese call it honagaso.
Caution : should not be used during pregnancy and by people with low blood pressure or allergy to aspirin, as it is abortifacient, hypotensive and contain salicylic acid. Some studies on animals suggest mild toxicity of systematical consumption of Stachytarpheta tea, but most of studies and traditional knowledge sources claim it to have hight safety level. It is traditionally given to children for worms, for mothers after birth and added for herbal bath for infants. However no doubt that like every other substance it can be unhealthy if consumed in excess. All parts of this plant except its tiny flowers should not be consumed raw.
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