Lengundi is also known as Lemuni Puteh here in Langkawi. It is basically a sea side shrub from the family Verbenaceae. I have seen at leas one growing in the wild at Pulau Jemurok. It was on the landward edge of the beach there. The one on Pulau Jemurok differs slightly from the one I have in my collection in the shape of the flower. The leaflet of the Pulau Jemurok plant is more acute than the one I have at home. Did took a cutting of the plant but unfortunately it did not grow.
This is a profile of Pulau Jemurok. A small island situated along the north coast of Pulau Langkawi. Position between 6 23' 58.11" N - 6 25' 45.09"N and 99 44' 40.92" E - 99 44' 31.72" E. A very nice little island with a nice beach. It is basicaly made up of Quartzite of the Machinchang Formation. Fossils were seen which has been used to date the rocks at 500 Million Years ago.
For those who wants to see where Pulau Jemurok is I have edit a satellite photo from Google Earth to show you where it is.
This is the Pulau Jemurok tree.
Lemuni Puteh is said to have the following properties: bitter, acrid and slightly cold. It has sedative, analgesic and antipyretic activities. On this basis the Chinese advocate its used in the treatment of common cold, dizziness associated with wind and heat, headaches and migraine headaches and gingivitis. I suppose the Japanese and the Koreans used it in the same manners since they the drug by almost the same name. In the Philippines it has been found that the leaves effectively treats burning of the feet (? Plantar fasciitis). I must use this the next time I get a patient with Plantar Fasciitis. They (the Filipino) also use a decoction of the leaves in aromatic baths.
Closer to home here in Malaysia the leaves are used in poultices and lotions to treat various complaints like ulcerations in the nose (called Restong which is Tertiary Syphillis/ Leprosy). A hot decoction of the roots or leaves is used to reduce high fever by inducing perspirations. In Indonesia's Maluku Island the leaves are used as vegetable after it has been treated by boiling in salt water to remove some of its irritant properties.
These are just some of the ways this plant is used in traditional medicine.
This is a profile of Pulau Jemurok. A small island situated along the north coast of Pulau Langkawi. Position between 6 23' 58.11" N - 6 25' 45.09"N and 99 44' 40.92" E - 99 44' 31.72" E. A very nice little island with a nice beach. It is basicaly made up of Quartzite of the Machinchang Formation. Fossils were seen which has been used to date the rocks at 500 Million Years ago.
For those who wants to see where Pulau Jemurok is I have edit a satellite photo from Google Earth to show you where it is.
This is the Pulau Jemurok tree.Now let get back to the plant itself. This particular plant I received from my neighbour Pak Mat Shah and elder of the island who was the OCPD (if I am not mistaken) during the time Tun Dr. Mahathir was the Medical Officer at the District Hospital in Langkawi. I suppose they must know each other very well.
Where it grew it has been used as medicine and picked up local names eg. in China it is called Man Keng Ji, the Japanese called it Man Keishi and the Koreans called it Manhyongja. Further east the people of the Phillipines called it by various names Danglang, lagundi, lagundian, lagundiang dagat, lingei, lipuk, tigau to name a few. In Samoa it is namulega.
Where it grew it has been used as medicine and picked up local names eg. in China it is called Man Keng Ji, the Japanese called it Man Keishi and the Koreans called it Manhyongja. Further east the people of the Phillipines called it by various names Danglang, lagundi, lagundian, lagundiang dagat, lingei, lipuk, tigau to name a few. In Samoa it is namulega.
Lemuni Puteh is said to have the following properties: bitter, acrid and slightly cold. It has sedative, analgesic and antipyretic activities. On this basis the Chinese advocate its used in the treatment of common cold, dizziness associated with wind and heat, headaches and migraine headaches and gingivitis. I suppose the Japanese and the Koreans used it in the same manners since they the drug by almost the same name. In the Philippines it has been found that the leaves effectively treats burning of the feet (? Plantar fasciitis). I must use this the next time I get a patient with Plantar Fasciitis. They (the Filipino) also use a decoction of the leaves in aromatic baths.
Closer to home here in Malaysia the leaves are used in poultices and lotions to treat various complaints like ulcerations in the nose (called Restong which is Tertiary Syphillis/ Leprosy). A hot decoction of the roots or leaves is used to reduce high fever by inducing perspirations. In Indonesia's Maluku Island the leaves are used as vegetable after it has been treated by boiling in salt water to remove some of its irritant properties.
These are just some of the ways this plant is used in traditional medicine.
5 comments:
Dr
What do you think about using the Legundi as a repellent to the Dengue Mosquito?? Some of the banjar in my area are planting it and I am considering following. I just recovered from my first bout of Dengue Fever and another man in my street is now in hospital receiving a blood transfusion with his second bout. Look forward to hearing your comments regarding it's properties as a repellent
thanks
Jo
I've been in Lemuni Puteh twice. Last year I went with my family and we were enjoying everything around us. It's a beautiful place and everyone can be happy there.
This is something new for me because I had never seen a plant like that, actually if I getting one like that I would plant at home.
This place looks beautiful!
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