Blue Canna (Plumbago zeylanica)

Blue Canna (Plumbago zeylanica) is a member of the Rubiaceae family, native to Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its roots, leaves, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and african traditional medicine.

Blue Canna (Plumbago zeylanica) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Blue Canna (Plumbago zeylanica) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Blue Canna
Scientific Name	Plumbago zeylanica
Plant Family	Rubiaceae
Genus	Plumbago
Species	zeylanica
Native Range	Sri Lanka, India, Southeast Asia
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Leaves, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, African Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Plumbago zeylanica
Common Name: Blue Canna
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Indian Plumbago, Ceylon Plumbago, Blue Curls
Plant Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Plumbago

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Opposite, broad, smooth, upper surface blue-green, lower surface pale green, with prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescences are racemose with blue flowers having five petals, five sepals, and a superior ovary with two carpels, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, woody stems with nodes, often branched in a sympodial pattern, and covered with a smooth, glabrous surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: Commonly referenced as a warming diuretic, in urinary system discussions.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a mild anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a soothing tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Antispasmodic: Historically regarded as a gentle antispasmodic, in muscle-related contexts.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: A diverse group of secondary metabolites present in numerous plants.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Glycoside: Plant-produced compounds commonly stored in inactive glycosylated forms.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Reports indicate that this herb may exhibit toxic properties in some contexts.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers seasonally moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.