Gynura procumbens (leaves of God. Green Harmony,

Gynura procumbens is believed by the Chinese to be one that possesses the ability to lower blood pressure and sugar levels. Usually will recommend to eat 3 – 7 leaves daily in the raw form, 5-8 leaves per meal is enough.       The leaves have a mild raw taste which makes it quite easy to consume. To date, there had been a limited number of scientific studies done on this herb. A Singapore study that used diabetic rat models showed that an alcoholic extract of Gynura procumbens was able to reduce elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while another study by a Korean group of researchers reported that this herb possessed anti-hypertensive properties in a rat model. Gynura Procumbens, an herbal treatment of eruptive fever, rash, kidney disease, migraine, constipation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer. <source> Gynura procumbens  Besides the above medicinal properties, according to the Plant Resources of South East Asia (PROSEA), this plant is also used in Africa, where the boiled leaves are applied externally to relieve general body pains and raw leaves for rheumatic pains. Dried and pounded leaves are mixed with oil and applied as a poultice to treat skin compliants. It also used for the treatment of kidney problems and dysentery.   Gynura procumbens is generally regarded to be a relatively harmless herb to consume. In fact, in Java Indonesia, the young shoots of this plant are eaten raw as a vegetable. Singaporeans may find it more palatable if the leaves have been blanched in hot water before consumption. This plant grows easily from stem-cuttings. Seeds are not available. It is best grown in well-draining, fertile soil that is kept moist at all times. Semi-shade is preferred by this plant although it can be slowly adapted to grow in full sun, provided the plant does not dry out at the roots. Initial planting under direct sunshine will result in burnt leaves and stunting in growth. Growth should resume once the plant has acclimatised to its new growing conditions. Gynura procumbens Gynura procumbens grows as a scrambling perennial plant with stems that can extend to 6m long if left to grow. The fleshy leaves are bright green that are rather smooth to touch. The shape of leaves can vary depending on the growing conditions and they can range from roundish to ovate in shape but are all shallowly toothed at the margins. In shade, they are darker green and appear rather flat but under direct sun, the two sides of each leaf may develop a slight V shape along the mid-rib and take on a lighter green colour.                       Gynura Procumbens Sambung Nyawa (Leaves Of The Gods) In Malay its called : Sambung Nyawa,  Scientific name      : Gynura procumbens. Other names           : Daun Dewa, Leaves of the Gods, Googoolipid,                 Mollucan Spinach,Sam Akar, Akar Sebiak, Kelemai Merah and Bai Bing Cao
Plant Information Common Asian Names: Paetumpung (Thailand), Mollucan Spinach, Sambung Nyawa 'extending life' (Malaysia), Daun Dewa (Indonesia), Akar Sebiak, Kelemai Merah, "NAN FEI YE" "Bai Bing Ca" (Chinese). Scientific Name: Gynura procumbens United States: Green Harmony, Longevity Spinach, Cholesterol Spinach Description: • Perennial • Growing 10 – 25 cm tall. • Young stems are green, turning light purple with green spots. • New shoots and branches appear frequently at base and leaf nodes. • Fleshy branches can be trimmed and pinched regularly to grow as a low bush, or staked on trellis. Culinary Uses: • Leaf vegetable - Incredible taste, perfect addition to any salad, or stand alone salad. • Young leaves/ shoots can be eaten fresh by itself/ included in rice dishes/ mixed in with salads (like lettuce or spinach). • Fresh Juice or Smoothie • Cook with butter /add to a casserole /soup/ stir-fried (fry garlic in a little oil and then saute the leaves and young shoots in oyster sauce)/ sauteed lightly like one would spinach. • Tea. Parts Used: • Leaves, shoots. • Keep in the fridge. Medicinal Folk Medicine Uses. It is said that: • Lowers blood sugar (diabetes), cholesterol (lipid, serum, triglyceride levels). • Topical inflammation, rheumatism, viral ailments, diarrhea, dysentery, febrifuges, hypertension, urinary tract infection, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic. • Anti-cancer: Inhibition effect on growth of cancer cells. • Contains Asparaginase, kind of enzyme to inhibit protein syntheses by hydrolyzing asparagines (amino acid which is very essentially, needed by cancer/tumor cells) into aspartic acid and ammonia, so the cancer cells/tumor cells will stop growing and die. • Poultice: relieves rheumatic and general body-pains. Many countries throughout Asia have multiple folk medicine uses for this miraculous herb	http://www.green-harmony.com/home_growing.html