Eleutherine palmifoliaL. Merr. (Bawang Dayak)

Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine palmifoliaL. Merr.) is traditionally used to cure diabetes and other diseases by Dayak tribes in Kalimantan Island (Borneo), Indonesia.

A study conducted by Febrinda, A. E., Yuliana, N. D., Ridwan, E., Wresdiyati, T. and Astawan, M, available in the International Food Research Journal has proven that Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine palmifolia L. Merr.) is indeed effective in treating diabetes. The research also justified the use of the plant to treat diabetes among the natives of Borneo. Planting this herb is easy. In the tropics, you just need to plant it on a rich soil and water it frequently.

Eleutherine palmifoliaL. Merr.

It looks similar to a ground orchid

The Bawang Dayak (Dayak Onion) has been used for generations to treat various diseases. This onion (roots) is red in colour while the leaves are green. Sometimes it can be mistakenly identified as a ground orchid because it has white flowers similar to some common ground orchids.

The roots of the herb contain compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic, steroids and tannins. Generally the onion has been utilised by the local community as medicine to treat various illnesses including treatment for breasts cancer, hypertension, diabetes, cancer of the intestines and to prevent stroke as well as reducing cholesterol.

Eleutherine palmifolia could be utilised in the form of fresh (bulb) which is eaten raw or in a powder form. The potential for the onion as a multifunctional medicine crop is very promising – it is remarkably easy to grow has no known pests.

Clinacanthus Nutans and Cancer

Clinacanthus Nutans (Snake Grass) has been used in traditional medicine to treat common insect bites including venomous snakes and other animals. The popularity of the herb soared when an incredible story of a cancer patient, Mr. Liu Hui Lian who had recovered from the illness by taking the herb was published in a Chinese Daily – Kwong Wah Yit Poh Press.

                                                  Clinacanthus Nutans herb

Since then many other patients suffering from various chronic diseases such diabetes, heart and kidney problems claimed that the herb helped in the curing of the disease.

Clinacanthus Nutans helps

• reduce suffering from various types of cancers such as lung, breast, prostate, uterus and leukemia

• reduce uric acid, cholesterol and diabetes

• reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow

• improve skin problems such as eczema, shingles and psoriasis

• reduce the discomfort of dialysis and kidney disease

• detoxify, heal bruises and swelling

The Efficacy of the Clinacanthus Nutans herb

According to a study conducted by the Institute of Vegetable Research at the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, stated that Clinacantus Nutans leaves have nutritional value as follows:

• It has a high content of flavonoids that have antioxidant capabilities in preventing and prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease

• Contains many important minerals, especially vitamins, more than 45% crude protein and 17 types of amino acids.

• Rich in vitamin C, protein, fiber and minerals that have the effect against free radicals which help prevent cancer.

• Contains mineral such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and some traces of iron.