Labisia Pumila is a herbaceous shrub with a rhizome. The leaves are erect and dark green. The petiole is short and slightly flattened. The stem is slightly woody, dark brown and at the older nodes of the stem, roots are produced that grow down into the soil. Flowers are pink or pale violet, about 2mm in size. The fruit is a globose berry, bright red.

Labisia Pumila, traditionally are used by Malay women mostly before childbirth in inducing and ease delivery and as postpartum medication to help contract the birth channel, to delay re-conception and to regain body strength. Others claimed traditional uses of the plants include used effectively to treat dysentery, rheumatism and gonorrhoea. It is also used as an anti flatulence agent by helping to drive away and prevent the formation of gas. It helps in cleansing and avoiding painful or difficult menstruation. The plant will also help to firm and tone the abdominal muscles.

References:

1. Samy J., Sugumaran M., Lee Kate. L. W. (2005) Herbs of Malaysia: An introduction to the medicinal culinary, aromatic and cosmetic use of herbs. Times Editions, Selangor, Malaysia. 135.
2. Zakaria,M. and Mohd., M.A. 1994. Traditional Malay Medicinal Plants. Fajar Bakti, Kuala Lumpur.
3. Norhayati, I., Manaf, M.A. and Ismail, Z. Proceedings of the international conference on the use of traditional medicine and other natural products in healthcare. 574 p.