Labisia

Description

Labisia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Primulaceae, native to Southeast Asia. It is a medicinal plant that has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including menstrual cramps, postpartum hemorrhage, and fatigue. The plant has a long history of use in traditional Malay medicine and is also known by the common names Kacip Fatimah or Selusuh Fatimah. The plant is a popular supplement for women’s health and is available in various forms, including capsules, teas, and tinctures.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Ericales
Family	Primulaceae
Genus	Labisia

Appearance

Labisia is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are green on top and pale underneath. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and are about 10-15 cm long. The flowers are small and pink or purple and grow in clusters at the end of the stem. The fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous seeds.

Care Guide

Labisia is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:

• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
• Sunlight: Labisia prefers partial shade to full shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Labisia is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Labisia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Here are some pests and diseases to watch for:

• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause yellowing or stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing or stippling on the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control.
• Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Use a well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Habitat

Labisia is native to Southeast Asia and grows in the understory of rainforests. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. The plant is grown commercially in Malaysia and Indonesia for its medicinal properties.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Labisia be grown indoors?

A: Yes, Labisia can be grown indoors in a pot with well-draining soil and partial shade.

Q: Is Labisia safe to use during pregnancy?

A: It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using Labisia during pregnancy.

Q: Can Labisia be used for men’s health?

A: While Labisia is traditionally used for women’s health, some studies suggest that it may have benefits for men’s health as well.

Q: How is Labisia traditionally used in Malay medicine?

A: Labisia is traditionally used as a tonic for women’s health, including menstrual cramps, postpartum recovery, and fatigue.

Related Plants

• Primula
• Cyclamen
• Androsace
• Ardisia

References

• “Labisia pumila (Blume) Fern-Vill. — The Plant List.” www.theplantlist.org, accessed 20 Aug. 2021.
• “Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila) – A Popular Herbal Remedy for Women’s Health.” www.natural-fertility-info.com, accessed 20 Aug. 2021.
• “Labisia pumila: A Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Review.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, accessed 20 Aug. 2021.