Paederia foetida L.

Family: Rubiaceae

Synonym:Paederia chinensis Hance

Bengali/Vernacular name: Gandhabhaduli, Gandhal, Modhulata, Badali, Baduli-badulia, Gandhabhadali.

Tribal name: Patabansludi (Chakma); Sibu-ri-fu (Chak); Clemra, Ambikku (Khumi); Kha bu noya, Noya bock (Marma); Thai-vnn (Murang); Noy-bawn (Rakhaing); Ghorbobaishak, Ghorbobhai shak (Tanchangya).

English name:Chinese flower plant, Chinese moon-creeper, Kings tonic.

Description of the plant: An extensive, foetid climber. Leaves opposite, ovate or lanceolate, 10 cm long, 3.5-5 cm wide, pointed at the tip, rounded or slightly heart-shaped at the base. Flowers sessile or very short pedicelled, pink or blue, funnel-shaped.Fruits globose, yellow to reddish-brown.

Plant parts used: Leaf, stem, root.

Herbal uses: Fresh juice extracted from the plant is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons amount each time) until the dysentery, jaundice, and gout is cured, after adding few drops of honey.

Decoction made with the roots of the plant is usedfor expelling gas.

Pounded leaves areapplied to the abdomen for flatulence remedy.

A paste made with the leaves and stems of the plant is applied to the fractured bone and tied with a piece of cloth, the bandage to be replaced at three days interval up to 15 days.

Roots of the plant are used as emollient and carminative remedy for colic, spasms, and rheumatism. 

A fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is taken thrice a day for four days to treat diarrhoea.

Fresh juice extracted from the roots of the plant is taken with cow milk every day for three days to treat piles.

Root juiceis used for the treatment of liver and spleen ailments.

The plant is used for the treatment of fever, spermatorrhoea, stomach disorder, tuberculosis, asthma, bowel problems, diabetes, and seminal weakness.

Distribution: It is found in most of the district on fences and bushes.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….