Alternanthera sessilis
A Wonderful Medicinal Plant
The simple plant has been a part of traditional as well as folk medicine
Two varieties are available: one with green leaves and other with pink leaves. Both are good to consume and offer the same benefits
The leaves and tender stems are consumed as a vegetable in various regions of Asia as a part of the regular diet.
Adding the cooked leaves in your diet regularly offers you several benefits
Promotes Hair Growth
A good source of plant protein, consuming the leaves twice a week promotes hair growth
Improves milk secretion in lactating mothers
Consuming the cooked leaves and soft stems increase breast milk secretion in lactating mothers
'Poonnanganni', the Tamil vernacular name of this plant, literally means 'Golden eye'. Regular intake of the cooked leaves can treat many eye problems and improves vision
Improves Eyesight
Being high in minerals and iron, consuming cooked leaves twice a week will promote intellectual health
Promotes Intellect
Regular consumption of the leaves improves Digestion and is effective in treating Pile symptoms, Constipation, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Treats Stomach Issues
Topical application of the the paste made from the leaves is used to treat wounds. The same can treat the sting from insects too
Treats Wounds and Insect bites/stings
Ayurveda: Matsyakshi Unani: Machechi, Panachooni Siddha: Ponnanganni TCM: Xia Qiao Cai, Man Ti Xian, Lian Zi Cao
NAME IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE SYSTEMS
English: Sessile joy weed, dwarf copperleaf Hindi: Gudrisag, Garundi Telugu: Ponnagantikura Kannada: Honagonesoppu Malayalam: Meenamgani, Ponnankannikkira Bengali: Chanchi, Haicha, Sachishak Manipuri: Phakchet Assamese: Matikaduri Marathi: Kanchari, Koypa Indonesian: DaunTolod Malaysia: Keremak Sinhalese: Mukunuwenna
VERNACULAR NAMES
Incorporate this excellent plant (leaves and stems cooked until soft) two to three times a week, and enjoy the many benefits it offers