GANDARUSA

When I was reading up on a herb called Gandarusa 尖尾鳳 (Justicia Gendarussa Burm. F.) I found out that besides having medicinal uses, the leaves of the plant are also used to ward off evil. It seems that putting a few leaves of the gandarusa will help to prevent being disturbed by supernatural beings. Stalks of the leaves are also used in offering ceremonies by bomohs as well as to heal the sick. It is believed that planting the plant in ones compound would deter evil spirits from entering the house.

Common name: Gandarusa, Water Willow, Willow-Leaved Justicia, Daun rusa, Kisi-kisi

Scientific name: Justicia Gendarussa Burm. F.

Family: Acanthaceae

Chinese name: 驳骨丹 , 小驳骨 , 接骨草

Medicinal uses:

Gandarusa is used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory disorders like cough, cold, bronchitis, throat infections, pulmonary infections and allergic disorders like bronchial asthma.

References:

http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Justicia%20gendarussa/Main.html

http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Gandarusa.html