Galinsoga parviflora Cav.

Loseh (Galinsoga parviflora) is an annual herb up to 20-80 cm tall of the Asteraceae family, native to the mountains of Central America, now a common weed in wheat and tobacco plantations. Its dried plant is used as a soup seasoning, while its leaves can be eaten as a vegetable. Loseh is traditionally believed to relieve insect bites, cough, and fever.

Grows up to elevations of more than 1,900 m above sea level, prefers moist soil exposed to light. Commonly found along riverbanks, forests, and roadsides. Average annual rainfall 500-1,500 mm.

• Root a taproot and white in color.
• Stem upright, branched, has fine hair.
• Leaves single, arranged opposite each other, ovate-shaped with a tapering tip, serrated edges, 3-5.5 cm long, and 1.5-3.5 cm wide.
• Flowers compound, each capitulum consisting of two types of flowers (white flowers at the edge and yellow tubular flowers in the center). Resting on a long axillary stalk. Appears at the stem tip.
• Fruit flat, brown or black in color, containing only 1 seed inside.
• Seeds oval three-sided shape and finely hairy.

Propagated generatively, namely by planting its seed.

Flavonoid (patulitrin, quercimeritrin, quercitagetrin), diterpenoid, caffeic acid, steroid, phenolic, saponin, polyphenol, caffeoyl, aromatic ester.

Treats insect bite marks, itchy skin, blistered skin, cough, fever, flu, antiscorbutic, stops bleeding, relieves toothache, diuretic, antibacterial, antioxidant.

• Prepare loseh leaves and flowers as needed, wash thoroughly with running water and drain.
• Dry in the shade for several days, until evenly dry (leaves and flowers easily crumble when squeezed).
• Once dry, grind the leaves and flowers into powder form.
• Store in a clean, airtight container.

Balinggang, Rumput kuning, Balaketut, Joletos, Jukut loseh (Sunda), Bribil, Kuningan, Mondreng, Pakelele (Java).