Botany
An erect, branched shrub reaching 0.5 to 1.5 meteres in height. Leaves are oblong to rhomboid, 1 to 4 cm long, the apex rounded or pointed, the margins toothed, and the lower surface covered with very short pale hairs. Flowers occur singly in the axil of the leaves. Calyx is green. Corolla is yellow, about 1.5 cnm diameter. Fruit has 8 to 10 carpels which are smooth or somewhat wrinkled, about 2.5 mm long and awned.

Medicinal properties
Demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, stomachic, tonic.

Distribution
A very common weed in the Philippines.

Parts used
Whole plant.

Uses:
Folkloric
Decoction of the roots is used as a gargle for toothaches; internally, as a stomachic.
Decoction of bitter for fever.
A decoction from any plant part used for irregular menses.
Pulped leaves applied externally for stomach aches.
Pulped leaves with Blumea balsifera (dalapot) applied externally for headaches.
Plant parts with coconut oil externally for itching.
Decoction of roots for infantile diarrhea.
The roots when crushed with ginger, held in the mouth, for toothaches.
The leaves and juice, taken by mouth for stomach cramps.
Cataplasm of fresh leaves promote maturation of abscesses.
The leaves have been used as tea.
The flowers are used for wasp stings.
Root decoction has been used for bronchitis and asthma.
Others
Stem yields a good fiber.

Availability
Wild-crafted.