Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Labisia pumila

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Plant with activity compared to compounds with hormonal or estrogen-like effects: avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in case of hormone-dependent medical history, unless advised by a physician. Do not use without consultation if taking hormonal treatment, contraception, or with hormone-sensitive conditions. Traditional use in children is not documented and should be avoided. As safety data on prolonged use remain limited, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist before any regular use.

Decoction — Dried roots and leaves

Traditional Malay decoction

Dried roots and leaves are gently boiled in water for about fifteen minutes, then filtered. This preparation is the one historically passed down in Malay households, drunk warm. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Powder — Dried root

Dried root powder

The dried root is finely ground and then mixed with warm water, honey, or incorporated into local culinary preparations, according to reported village uses. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

It is found wild in the humid undergrowth of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo; outside this region, it is mainly encountered as dried root or powder in herbalist shops specialized in Southeast Asian plants.

Harvest season

When to harvest

Roots are traditionally harvested from mature plants, outside the rainy season, when the plant has reached several years of growth in the undergrowth.

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