A Magic Leaf Called 'Sambung Nyawa'

Today I wanna write about Sambung Nyawa leaf, a kind of herbal medicine with friendly taste even for children.This leaf always reminds me of  my dear father, since I know this leaf the first time from him. He told me that Sambung Nyawa leaf can cure many diseases. He suggested me to plant this kind of plant in case I need it. Even my dad also gave one to my parents in law. 

Then, the chance to try this leaf came when my husband had stomachache, I picked 7 pieces of Sambung Nyawa leaf and ask him to chew and swallow them. And it worked!! He didn't need to go to the doctor. Sambung Nyawa leaf also cured my neighbor who had a diarrhea.  And it also worked to my son and I will tell you the detail. On Sunday morning at 1.30 p.m my 8 year old son woke me up and said " Mom, I have stomachache. I just threw up and now I think...." he couldn't finish his sentence and hurried back to the bathroom and vomit all he had in his stomach. I gave him a medicine we used to have and rub all his back and body with eucalyptus oil but he kept vomiting till 15 times. Then my husband took 3 pieces of Sambung Nyawa leaf and asked our son to chew and swallow them. It's a miracle, he stopped vomiting and fell asleep. Later after breakfast,  we gave him 3 more leaves and he was recovered. 

Well, now you know why do I feel it is important for me to share this magic leaf to the world. 
Honestly have you ever heard about this magic leaf? Do you know what does it look like? If you don't, here is a photo of Sambung Nyawa plant I took several months ago .

This plant grows vertically, or sometimes the edge collapses and comes out root, wet stem, branches, and purplish in color. It can reach 6 meters height and pleasant smell. Single leaf, quite thick, easily brake, has branches. The leaf is egg rounded shape, the edge is end and base pointed, serrated edge, bone fining, colored light green. The flower is orange yellow, however, it rarely flowering.

This plant is also called Daun Dewa (leaves of God), akar sebiak,  or Dawn Dewa. It has a scientific name called Gynura Sarmentosa DC, Calacia Procumbenss and belongs to Asteraceae family.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Chemical contents of Sambung Nyawa leaf are flavonoid (7, 3, 4 trihidroksi-flavon), glycoside kuersetin, fenoleat acid (from kafeat acid, penta kumarat, penta-hidroksi benzoate and vanilat acid) triterpenoid (steroid), alkaloid, saponin, tannin, and antineoplastic substances.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Sambung Nyawa can reduce the cholesterol rate and decrease the high blood pressure. It also used to cure constipation, diabetes and cancer. Even it is also used to treat kidney problems.

This plant is cold and neutral. The benefits are antineoplastic, lower body heat, cure lymph disease, kidney disease, skin disease, decrease the blood pressure, lower the blood glucose, antimicrobial, anticarsinogenic, sitotoxic towards cancer cells, hypertensive, stroke, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, disruption toss, fed up vocal cord, fed up scruff, cough and sinusitis. This plant stem commonly used to relieve fever.

It is also used in medication for kidney failure, dysentery, and throat infection. Besides that, it can be used to stop the bleeding, overcome menstrual cycle problems, improve the kidney function and counter insomnia. The corm is used to remove hematoma, swelling and brake bone.

PROCESSING STEP

We can just harvest the leaves, wash them with clean water, rinse them with drinking water and just chew them to cure your pain or it will be tastier if you eat them with rice and sambal.

But we can also make them into Sambung Nyawa tea, and here are the steps:

1) Harvest the Sambung Nyawa leaves from the plant
2) Then wash them with clean water
3) Dry under the sunlight and oven dried to release the moisture
4) The dried Sambung Nyawa leaves are then packaged and ready for consumption

TRADITIONAL & MODERN CONSUMPTION

Sambung nyawa can cure many diseases. It can be eaten raw with rice and it doesn't have any taste. To cure the disease like ulcer, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood preasure, tumor, sinusitis, hemorrhoid and lever disease, Sambung Nyawa leaves can be directly consumed or can be consumed as a juice. Because it has no specific taste, it is also edible for children.

To deflate the swollen, just get rub of Sambung Nyawa directly to the swollen until the sap come out. To overcome snake bite or insect, pound Sambung Nyawa leaves and stem, turmeric, and any other ingredients, then stick to wound and bandaged with clean water. Today, Sambung Nyawa is also available in form of capsules.

SAFETY PRECAUTION

1. Sambung Nyawa is a natural herb. It is safe to be consumed without side effect.
2. Pregnant women and individuals with special health conditions and under medication should consult their physician before consuming. 
3. Different individuals will have different sensitivity levels to medication. Begin with the lowest dosage and increase gradually. 
4. If any negative side effects are experienced with an herb, discontinue use.

SIDE EFFECTS

It can lower the blood pressure if taking too much.

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Source:

Retold from my dearest father and from many references.