Herb's Introduction
Justicia carnea, commonly known as the Brazilian plume flower, is a flowering shrub belonging to the Acanthaceae family. This plant is native to South America, particularly Brazil, and is highly valued for its striking, colorful flowers and lush foliage. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Justicia carnea holds significant importance in traditional medicine, especially in regions of Africa like Nigeria, where its leaves are used for various healing purposes.
Names in Different Countries and Terminology
The plant is known by many names depending on the region.
English: Brazilian plume flower, Brazilian plume, flamingo flower, king's crown, pink jacobinia, and plume flower.
Spanish: Cola de pavo real (peacock tail) and vara de la justicia (rod of justice).
Yoruba (Nigeria): Ewe eje, which literally translates to "blood leaf," a name that speaks directly to its primary traditional use for blood-related conditions.
Igbo (Nigeria): Ogwu obara.
Malay: Tarum dayak.
Finnish: Isojaakonkukka.
Swedish: Praktjakobinia.
Chinese: 珊瑚花 (shānhú huā), meaning "coral flower."
The term Jacobinia is a former genus name that is now considered a synonym for Justicia. So, plants formerly known as Jacobinia carnea are now classified as Justicia carnea.
Availability
Justicia carnea is readily available globally as an ornamental plant from nurseries, garden centers, and online plant retailers. You can find it sold as starter plants, cuttings, or mature shrubs. Its popularity is due to its low maintenance and ability to thrive in warm, shaded conditions. 🌿 In traditional medicine contexts, particularly in West Africa, the leaves are often available fresh from local markets or cultivated in home gardens for personal use. You can also find dried leaves sold as herbal supplements or for making teas.
External Look
Justicia carnea is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters. It has a dense, upright, and bushy habit. Its key features include:
Leaves: The leaves are large, glossy, and dark green, with a prominent vein pattern. They are simple, lance-shaped, and can grow up to 20 cm long. In some varieties, the undersides of the leaves may have a purplish tint.
Flowers: The most striking feature is its flowers, which form a dense, terminal, cone-shaped or plume-like spike. The flowers are tubular and two-lipped, typically a vibrant pink or pink-purple color. Other cultivars exist with white, yellow, or deep red flowers. These flower plumes appear from mid-summer to autumn, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Healing Properties and Advantages
The medicinal properties of Justicia carnea are largely attributed to its rich composition of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins, as well as essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, and vitamins (A, C, and B vitamins).
Antianemic Properties: This is the most well-known traditional use. The plant is believed to be a potent blood-booster. Studies have shown that its extracts can increase red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelet levels, making it a valuable remedy for anemia, especially in pregnant women and people recovering from illness.
Antioxidant Activity: The plant's high concentration of antioxidants like flavonoids and phenols helps protect the body from oxidative stress, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Anti-diabetic Effects: Research indicates that leaf extracts can lower blood glucose levels, suggesting its potential use in managing diabetes.
Hepatoprotective (Liver-Protective) Agent: Studies have shown that Justicia carnea extracts can protect the liver from damage and support detoxification processes.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: The leaves have been shown to possess properties that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, useful for conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps.
Wound Healing: In traditional practices, crushed leaves are applied topically to wounds and burns to promote faster healing.
Uses and Using Way
In traditional medicine, the leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant. The preparation methods include:
Decoction/Herbal Tea: The most popular method involves boiling a handful of fresh or dried leaves in water. The water turns a deep purplish-red color, which is then consumed. This is primarily used as a blood tonic.
Culinary Use: Fresh leaves are sometimes washed, chopped, and added to soups or stews as a vegetable supplement, especially in local Nigerian cuisine. This provides both nutritional benefits and a gentle therapeutic effect.
Topical Application: The leaves can be crushed and applied as a poultice directly onto the skin to treat wounds, burns, and soothe stomachaches in children.
Powder Form: Dried leaves are ground into a fine powder, which can be stored for long periods and added to food or mixed with other herbs.
Conclusion
Justicia carnea is a fascinating plant that beautifully bridges the gap between ornamental beauty and medicinal value. While it is widely admired for its stunning, plume-like flowers in gardens around the world, its traditional use, particularly in West Africa, highlights its significant healing properties. Scientific research is beginning to validate its long-held reputation as a powerful antianemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. The plant's rich phytochemical composition and relative safety make it a promising subject for further pharmacological studies.
