Bidens alba (L.) DC.

Ketul (Bidens alba) is an annual upright herb 30-180 cm tall of the Asteraceae family, a tough weed native to South Africa that has spread in Java since before 1835. Although considered a nuisance plant in many countries, ketul has wide-ranging traditional medicinal properties. This plant is believed to relieve influenza, sore throat, and help control blood sugar.

Grows well at elevations up to 3,600 m above sea level, tolerant of disturbed areas. Prefers abundant sunlight and dry soil. Drought-tolerant if average rainfall is between 500-3,500 mm/year, tolerant of pH 4-9, and tolerant of low temperatures. Optimum temperature for growth is around 15-45 °C.

• Roots soft and weak fibrous.
• Stem smooth or slightly hairy.
• Leaves egg-shaped or lance-shaped and 30-70 mm long, hairy, and serrated edges.
• Flowers small in size, white and yellow in color, with a diameter of 5-15 mm.
• Fruit has hairs, long, and needle-shaped.
• Seeds small, black, thin, about 6-12 mm long.

• Propagated through seed.
• Its pollination is aided by bees, flower flies, and self-pollination.
• First sown, with a germination temperature of around 25-30 °C.

Flavonoids, aurones, chalcones, phenolic acids, pheophytin, phytosterols, okanin glycosides, terpenes, 3,3-dimethylquercetin, kaempferol, polyacetylenes.

Treats influenza, sore throat, cough, chest pain (angina), headache, antiviral, fever, diabetes, constipation, worm infections, stomach ache, diarrhea, rheumatism, meningitis, toothache, itching, boils, antihyperglycemic, hemorrhoids, appendicitis.

• Prepare ketul leaves, wash thoroughly.
• Dry for a week under shade, until completely dry.
• Grind the dried leaves into powder. Store the powder in a closed, airtight container.

Ajeran, Hareuga (Sunda), Caringan (Java).