Ancient Herbarium — Detailed Monograph

Pergularia daemia

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of 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 traditional use that is poorly documented scientifically: never use it without advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to its supposed traditional emmenagogue use, which presents a risk to pregnancy. Avoid prolonged use or high doses, as digestive or other adverse effects may occur; no safe dose has been clearly established. Do not administer to children without medical supervision, as the plant has not been sufficiently studied for this use.

Decoction — Leaves and roots

Traditional leaf and root decoction

In traditional uses, a few leaves or a piece of root were brought to a boil in water and then left to steep before consumption. This preparation remains reserved for supervised traditional use and should be discussed with a healthcare professional before any use. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Poultice — Fresh leaves

Crushed leaf poultice

Fresh leaves were crushed and then applied directly to the affected skin area, in traditional short-term external use. A test on a small area of skin is recommended before any wider application. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

This wild climbing plant is found mainly in South Asia and tropical Africa, rarely cultivated in Europe; it is sometimes available in dried form at certain herbalist shops specializing in Ayurvedic plants.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

Leaves are traditionally harvested during the active growth period, generally during the warm and humid season, while roots are collected outside the flowering periods.

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