Plumbago zeylanica L.

DeFilipps, Robert A. & Krupnick, Gary A., 2018, The medicinal plants of Myanmar, PhytoKeys 102, pp. 1-341 : 140

Plumbago zeylanica L.

Names.

Myanmar: kan-gyok-phyu, tanah-con-kamor (Mon). English: Ceylon leadwort, white leadwort.

Range.

Southeast Asia. Found growing naturally throughout Myanmar; also cultivated. there.

Uses.

The entire plant, root, and sticky sap are used. Whole plant: Used to stimulate the palate and promote digestion. The plant in its entirety is used as an ingredient in medicines for diarrhea, gastric diseases, and herpes-like skin disorders. Sap: The milky sap is also used topically for skin problems, including ringworm and boils. Leaf: Sweet with a sharp taste, used for dissolving phlegm. Root: Used for gas, phlegm, and bile problems; and used in deworming and blood purification medicines. It can also be used to cure dysentery, leucoderma, lung diseases, bloating, wasting, and aches and pains, as well as skin problems, such as eczema, scabies, and ringworm. A mixture of crushed roots, milk, and vinegar or salt is applied topically as a remedy for leprosy and other skin infections. The juice of the roots is used to induce sweating. A mixture of the root and other ingredients is used to heal boils and sores.

Notes.

The medicinal uses of this species in India are discussed in Jain and DeFilipps (1991). Medicinal uses of this species in China are discussed in Duke and Ayensu (1985).

References.

Agricultural Corporation (1980), Forest Department (1999).