Blumea balsamifera

Blumea balsamifera

Blumea balsamifera
familia	Asteraceae
genus	Blumea
subfamilia	{{{subfamilia}}}
species	B. balsamifera
binomial	Blumea balsamifera
binomial_authority	(L.) DC.
unranked_ordo	Asterids
unranked_classis	Eudicots
ordo	Asterales
regnum	Plantae

Blumea balsamifera is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is commonly known as sambong or Ngai camphor. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and is widely distributed in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Description

Blumea balsamifera is a perennial herb that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It has a woody stem and branches that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are alternate, oblong to lanceolate in shape, and have serrated edges. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant produces small, dry fruits called achenes.

Medicinal Uses

Blumea balsamifera has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its various medicinal properties. The leaves and stems of the plant are commonly used to make herbal preparations. Some of the medicinal uses of Blumea balsamifera include:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism.

2. Antimicrobial activity: Blumea balsamifera has been found to possess antimicrobial properties, which can help in the treatment of various infections caused by bacteria and fungi.

3. Diuretic effects: The plant has diuretic properties, which means it can increase urine production and help in the elimination of toxins from the body.

4. Antipyretic properties: Blumea balsamifera has been traditionally used to reduce fever and relieve symptoms associated with fever.

Conservation Status

Blumea balsamifera is not listed as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, due to habitat loss and overharvesting for medicinal purposes, the populations of this plant are declining in some regions.

External links

• Medicinal Uses of Blumea balsamifera
• IUCN Red List