Common names: air plant, cathedral bells, life plant, miracle leaf, hoja del aire, siempreviva Family: Crassulaceae Origin: Madagascar
Description: This strong, mostly upright, often branched, perennial, succulent plant reaches a height of 0.3 to 2 m. The opposite, stalked leaves are succulent, leathery, fleshy, 5 to 20 cm long and 2.5 to 12 cm wide; the lower ones are simple and ovate, the upper ones are pinnate and up to 13 cm long. Brood buds often form on the indentations of the notched to serrated leaf edges. The petiole is 2 to 10 cm long. Use: The leaves are astringent, antibacterial, antiseptic, demulcent, diuretic and febrifuge. They are also used as a counterirritant against poisonous insect bites. The juice, used on its own or miixed with lard, is used in the treatment of bilious diarrhoea, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, acute nephritis, lithiasis and phthisis. The leaf-juice, combined with salt, is used as a treatment for colds, coughs, grippe, loose bowels and teething babies. Applied externally, the fresh leaves are pounded and then applied to burns; are used as poultices on boils and ulcers; as a treatment for headaches; as a remedy for ringworm; or are placed on the soles of the feet in order to stop haemorrhages. They are used as a topical application in the treatment of dislocations, equimosis, callosities, etc. Mixed with salt, they are applied as a plaster to the abdomen to relieve eneurosis. The leaves can be made pliable by being held over fire, and are then applied as a treatment on wounds, bruises, and boils. The dried leaves can be applied as a powder on bad ulcers. The juice is applied topically in the treatment of earache, conjunctivitis and ophthalmia. The leaves and leaf-juice are mixed with coconut oil and Carapa oil and then rubbed on the head to treat violent and persistent headache. A cough medicine is made from the roots. The leaves contain malic acid. The plant contains fumaric acid, and saponins that have cicatrizant properties. 63. Scientific name: Asystasia gangetica (L.) T.ANDERSON
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