Commelina communis -Asiatic Dayflower

 (Asiatic Dayflower)

1. Taxonomic insights

   Species: Commelina communis

   Family: Commelinaceae

   Genus: Commelina

   Related Herbs from the same family:Commelina benghalensis (Benghal Dayflower, Kena) - A common weed in India used similarly in traditional medicine for swelling and wounds.Tradescantia spathacea (Oyster Plant) - Often grown ornamentally. The Commelinaceae family is not a major medicinal family in classical texts but has significant ethnobotanical uses as cooling agents and demulcents.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Commelina communis | English: Asiatic Dayflower, Day Flower | Sanskrit: Kena | Hindi: Kana, Kawana | Tamil: Kanavazhai, Vazhukkaṇṇan | Telugu: Kannagūba | Kannada: Kanne Gida | Malayalam: Vazhukanvan, Kanamelukayyan | Bengali: Kanchira | Chinese: Yā Zhī Cǎo (Duckfoot Herb) | Japanese: Tsuyukusa |

3. Medicinal UsesAntipyretic (fever-reducing), Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Detoxifying, Antitussive (relieves cough), Demulcent (soothes irritation), Laxative (mild).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

   Mucilage: A polysaccharide-rich substance. This is responsible for the plant's Demulcent property, soothing irritated tissues in the throat and digestive tract, and contributing to its mild Laxative effect.

   Flavonoids: Norcaritin, Commelinin (a blue pigment). These compounds have demonstrated Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory activities in scientific studies, supporting its traditional use for fevers and sore throats.

   Tannins: Provide a mild Astringent action, which can help in toning tissues and reducing minor bleeding.

   Amino Acids and Polysaccharides: Contribute to the plant's nutritive and soothing qualities.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

   Antipyretic & Detoxifying (for Fevers and Infections)

   Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

   Preparation & Use: A decoction of the fresh whole plant is consumed to reduce high fever, especially in children, and to help the body eliminate toxins during infections.

   Reasoning: The Diuretic action helps flush out toxins through urine, while the flavonoids act on the hypothalamus to reduce fever, demonstrating Antipyretic effects.

   Anti-inflammatory & Demulcent (for Sore Throat and Cough)

   Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

   Preparation & Use: The juice of the fresh plant or a weak decoction is used as a gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis. It is also consumed to relieve dry cough.

   Reasoning: The Demulcent mucilage coats and soothes the inflamed mucous membranes of the throat, while the Anti-inflammatory flavonoids reduce the underlying swelling and irritation.

   Diuretic (for Urinary Tract Infections)

   Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

   Preparation & Use: The decoction is consumed to relieve difficult or painful urination.

   Reasoning: The plant helps increase urine output, flushing out the urinary system and providing relief from infection-related discomfort.

   Topical Anti-inflammatory (for Boils and Swellings)

   Formulation: Leaf poultice.

   Preparation & Use: The fresh leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice to boils, abscesses, and inflamed joints to draw out toxins and reduce swelling.

   Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory and cooling properties provide localized relief and help in reducing pus formation.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

   In some East Asian cultures, the young leaves and shoots are eaten as a potherb. Its primary use is medicinal.

   Soothing Throat Gargle

   Purpose: To relieve sore throat and tonsillitis.

   Preparation & Use:

   1. Take a handful of the fresh aerial parts of the plant.

   2. Boil in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.

   3. Strain and allow to cool to a warm temperature.

   4. Use this decoction as a gargle 3-4 times a day.

   Fever-Reducing Decoction

   Purpose: To reduce fever and promote sweating.

   Preparation & Use:

   1. Use 20-30 grams of the fresh whole plant.

   2. Boil in 3 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

   3. Strain and divide into two doses.

   4. Consume one dose in the morning and one in the evening.

7. Disclaimer:Commelina communis is generally considered safe when used in the modest quantities found in traditional preparations. However, due to the presence of oxalates, excessive consumption should be avoided. As with any wild plant, proper identification is crucial to avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid its medicinal use due to a lack of safety data. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

   • Ethnobotany of India Series

   • Chinese Medicinal Herbs (by F.P. Smith and G.A. Stuart) - It has a significant mention in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

9. Further study:Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

   Commelina benghalensis, Family: Commelinaceae. The Indian counterpart, used almost identically in folk medicine for fevers, sore throats, and topical inflammation, sharing the same demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties.

   Malva neglecta (Common Mallow), Family: Malvaceae. A plant from a different family but with a very similar high-mucilage content, making it an excellent demulcent for coughs and sore throats, and a soothing poultice for skin irritations.