Since ancient times, our ancestors have known how to use the plants growing around us to create effective remedies for various ailments. One such plant is Eclipta prostrata, commonly known as false daisy or hairy herb, which is familiar yet remarkably beneficial for human health.
Introduction to Eclipta prostrata
Eclipta prostrata is also referred to as cỏ nhọ nồi in some regions. This wild-growing plant is easily found in many areas, and when crushed, it releases a black liquid resembling ink.
Despite being a wild herb, Eclipta prostrata is utilized in traditional medicine. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has a sweet and sour taste, a cooling property, and is non-toxic. It is known for its ability to nourish blood, stop bleeding effectively, and tonify the kidneys, often used to treat deficiencies in liver and kidney Yin, as well as heat in the blood.
The scientific name of this herb is Eclipta prostrata. It is commonly used for both internal and external bleeding, treating conditions such as hemoptysis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and dysentery. This herb is also effective for coughs, burns, infections during fevers, flu, chickenpox, respiratory infections, skin boils, eczema, eye inflammation, dental swelling, and stomach pain; it helps treat skin fungi and dermatitis.
Eclipta prostrata is a perennial herb with branching stems that can grow 15-30 cm tall. It prefers moist, sunny environments and is found throughout Vietnam, as well as in many countries in Southeast Asia and southern China.
Although a wild herb, Eclipta prostrata is used as medicine.
Numerous studies worldwide have published findings on the chemical composition and biological activity of this species. Among the key compounds identified are Wedelolactone and various triterpene saponins such as eclalbasaponin I, II, III, IV, and V. The notable biological activities of Eclipta prostrata include antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. According to TCM, Eclipta prostrata is cooling, sweet, sour, beneficial for the spleen and stomach meridians, and is effective for clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling blood, stopping bleeding, and nourishing the liver and kidneys.
What are the Benefits of Eclipta prostrata?
Eclipta prostrata has been found to be effective in treating several conditions:
Treating Fatigue
For those suffering from fatigue and loss of appetite, Eclipta prostrata can be used as a remedy to improve overall vitality. This can be done by combining Eclipta prostrata with betel leaves and dried ginger, chopping all ingredients finely, lightly frying them, and boiling in water to drink.
Liver Qi Stagnation
Symptoms include pain in the right flank, jaundice, dark urine, constipation, restlessness, poor sleep, and low appetite. A remedy made from Eclipta prostrata, burdock root, gotu kola, plantain, and Vietnamese coriander can be boiled to make a tea to be consumed throughout the day.
Eclipta prostrata is widely distributed in Vietnam, India, China, Thailand, and Brazil.
Helps Treat Cough and Phlegm
Containing compounds that help dissolve phlegm and reduce inflammation, Eclipta prostrata is used to treat dry coughs, productive coughs, flu, and more severe respiratory infections. However, this herb should only be used when symptoms are mild, and under a doctor’s guidance. If patients experience difficulty breathing or respiratory distress, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Reduces Fever
This remedy is often applied for young children. Combine Eclipta prostrata with ground soil, kudzu, licorice, and other ingredients, and boil to make a drink.
Counteracts High Blood Sugar
According to Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Huyen from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Natural Sciences, Eclipta prostrata has a long history in traditional medicine across many countries, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. This herb is widely found in Vietnam, India, China, Thailand, and Brazil.
This herb is known for its healing properties and has been utilized as an antidote, pain reliever, antibacterial, liver protector, hemorrhage inhibitor, and antioxidant. A variety of chemical compounds, including coumestan, alkaloids, thiophenes, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, triterpenes, and glycosides, have been extracted from Eclipta prostrata.
Eclipta prostrata is very popular in folk remedies in Vietnam and China.
“Recent studies have shown that consuming a solution made from Eclipta prostrata leaves (2 and 4 g/kg body weight) over 60 days significantly reduced blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c levels. The extracts reduced the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase enzymes while increasing liver hexokinase enzyme activity. Therefore, drinking Eclipta prostrata infusions has a strong anti-hyperglycemic effect. However, studies also indicate that a dosage of 2 g/kg body weight is more effective in lowering blood sugar than a dose of 4 g/kg body weight,” said Associate Professor Huyen.
Hemostatic Effects
In fact, Eclipta prostrata is very common in folk remedies in Vietnam and China. Fresh or dried Eclipta prostrata is used directly to stop bleeding from wounds or in remedies for conditions caused by hemorrhage, such as nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, menorrhagia, and hemoptysis.
Benefits for Liver Health
Eclipta prostrata has been shown to be extremely beneficial for liver health. Its composition contains high levels of flavonoids along with other bioactive compounds, specifically wedelolactone. These compounds support the treatment of common conditions like jaundice and enhance liver function. Notably, using decoctions made from Eclipta prostrata also helps eliminate the harmful effects of toxins from food, such as alcohol, while regenerating liver cells.
Helps with Pain Relief and Infection Control
Eclipta prostrata effectively combats 9 different types of bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus.
For a long time, traditional medicine practitioners in several Asian countries have researched and effectively used Eclipta prostrata to treat infections, such as urinary tract infections, oral thrush in children, and boils. Additionally, Eclipta prostrata is effective against 9 different types of bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.
With its antibacterial benefits, fresh Eclipta prostrata is also used to treat oral health issues such as toothaches and gingivitis. Thanks to its pain-relieving effects from ethanol extracts and alkaloid compounds in Eclipta prostrata, it can be a safe alternative to pain relievers for those with stomach, duodenal, liver, or kidney issues.
Prevention of Cancer
A study conducted in 2011 in India demonstrated that Eclipta prostrata possesses the ability to eliminate and prevent the reproduction of cancer cells. Furthermore, the antioxidant compounds in Eclipta prostrata contribute to breaking the connections of DNA segments, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, and minimizing their impact on other cells.
Precautions When Using Eclipta prostrata
Despite its numerous healing properties, it is not advisable to consume Eclipta prostrata decoctions daily.
Eclipta prostrata is commonly found; however, according to Associate Professor Le Thi Huyen, despite its valuable medicinal benefits, it is not advisable to consume Eclipta prostrata decoctions daily. Here are some precautions to consider when using this herb:
- Using excessive amounts can cause stomach irritation, vomiting, and nausea.
- Not recommended for pregnant women, as Eclipta prostrata may increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Avoid using Eclipta prostrata for individuals with cold spleen and stomach deficiency, bloating, diarrhea, or chronic colitis.
- Young children should be particularly cautious; consult a doctor for dosage and usage recommendations.
- Patients with kidney or liver failure should not self-medicate with any medications or herbs, including Eclipta prostrata, without medical consultation.
- When using Eclipta prostrata or related remedies for treatment, it’s essential to consult a doctor regarding dosage and usage. Ideally, patients should be examined to diagnose their condition, stage, and severity for the most appropriate treatment and remedy, avoiding interactions that may cause allergies or unwanted side effects.
- Avoid self-medicating with dietary supplements or traditional remedies advertised online. In addition, maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and limit alcohol, tobacco, and stimulants.
Close-up of the solitary plant growing on the salt island of the Dead Sea
