Difference between revisions of "Shiny Bush (Pansit-pansitan)"

An annual herb, shallow rooted, may reach 40 cm high, with succulent stems. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped and turgid, as transparent and smooth as candle wax. Tiny dotlike flowers scattered along solitary and leaf-opposed stalk (spike); naked; maturing gradually from the base to the tip; turning brown when ripe. Propagation by seeds. Numerous tiny seeds drop off when mature and grow easily in clumps and groups in damp areas.

An annual herb, shallow rooted, may reach 40 cm high, with succulent stems. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped and turgid, as transparent and smooth as candle wax. Tiny dotlike flowers scattered along solitary and leaf-opposed stalk (spike); naked; maturing gradually from the base to the tip; turning brown when ripe. Propagation by seeds. Numerous tiny seeds drop off when mature and grow easily in clumps and groups in damp areas.

An annual herb, favoring shady, damp and loose soil.

An annual herb, favoring shady, damp and loose soil.

Often grows in groups in nooks in the garden and yard.

Often grows in groups in nooks in the garden and yard.

Conspicious in rocky parts of canals.

Conspicious in rocky parts of canals.

Leaves and stems.

Leaves and stems.

Leaves and stems may be eaten as vegetable.

Leaves and stems may be eaten as vegetable.

In salads, the fresh plant has the crispness of carrot sticks and celery.

In salads, the fresh plant has the crispness of carrot sticks and celery.

Infusion and decoction of leaves and stems are used for gout and arthritis.

Infusion and decoction of leaves and stems are used for gout and arthritis.

Externally, as a facial rinse for complexion problems.

Externally, as a facial rinse for complexion problems.

Pounded whole plant used as warm poultice for boils, pustules and pimples.

Pounded whole plant used as warm poultice for boils, pustules and pimples.

Belongs to the “preferred list” of Philippine medicinal plants, being studied for its use in the treatment of arthritis and gout.

Belongs to the “preferred list” of Philippine medicinal plants, being studied for its use in the treatment of arthritis and gout.

For arthritis: Leaves and stems of the fresh plant may be eaten as salad. Or, as an infusion, put a 20-cm plant in 2 glasses of boiling water; and 1/2 cup of this infusion is taken morning and evening.

For arthritis: Leaves and stems of the fresh plant may be eaten as salad. Or, as an infusion, put a 20-cm plant in 2 glasses of boiling water; and 1/2 cup of this infusion is taken morning and evening.