HERBAL TEMPUYUNG | Sonchus Arvensis

Tempuyung (Sonchus arvensis) is a native Indonesian medicinal plant from the Astraceae family. Tempuyung has regional names including lempung, gelibuk, rayana (Sundanese), and jombang (Javanese). This plant grows in open or slightly sheltered areas on cliffs, embankments, and along water channels (Heyne 1987). This perennial herb can reach 2 m in height. The stems are ribbed, hollow, and contain white sap, monopodial branches, and are whitish-green. The stems are single, palmately or irregularly grooved, with pointed tips, and green. The flowers are compound, bulb-shaped, with bright yellow corollas that gradually turn reddish-brown. The taproot is sturdy. Based on taxonomy, tempuyung belongs to the Asteraceae family, Sonchus genus, and Sonchus arvensis species. Tempuyung contains flavonoids, oc-lactuserol, p-lactuserol, mannitol, inositol, silica, potassium, and taraxasterol. HOW TO GET TEMPUYUNG Currently, Tempuyung is not cultivated, but it can be obtained wild. Plant propagation is by seed. Care includes pest and weed control, fertilization, and adequate watering. This plant grows well at altitudes of 200-800 m above sea level. PLANT PART USED: Leaves BENEFITS OF TEMPUYUNG LEAVES In Indonesia, tempuyung leaves can be used medicinally to dissolve kidney stones and improve kidney function. Tempuyung leaves contain high levels of mineral ions, especially K+ and Na+, which can regulate electrolyte balance in the body, facilitating urination. In addition, tempuyung leaves can also lower high blood pressure, treat swelling, relieve fatigue and aches, and provide a sedative, even for asthma. RECIPE To treat kidney stones: Boil 3 tempuyung leaves in a small saucepan with 2 cups of clean water until the water is reduced by half. Cool, strain, and drink 3 times daily. To treat excess uric acid: Boil 6.25 grams of root and 6.25 grams of tempuyung leaves, one slice of ginger, 0.25 grams of cloves, and add sugar to taste in 500 ml of water until 250 ml remains. Then, strain and drink 20 ml each morning and evening. To promote urination: Roast tempuyung leaves over hot coals until slightly wilted, then eat them raw. To treat hemorrhoids and dysentery: Boil 15-60 grams of tempuyung leaves, strain, and drink the water. Source: A book on natural health with herbs from the Biopharmaceutical Conservation and Cultivation Unit, Biopharmaceutical Study Center, LPPM IPB. For a kidney stone-dissolving concoction, it's best to mix it with other herbs, namely: 1. Tempuyung leaves = 3 leaves 2. Kumis kucing = 3 stalks 3. Keji beling leaves = 5 leaves 4. Cogongrass roots = 5 leaves After washing thoroughly, boil all these ingredients in 3 cups of water until 1.5 cups remain. Drink half a glass 3 times daily, before meals.