Proiphys amboinensis (L.) Herb.

Daun tepung tawar (Proiphys amboinensis) is a herb up to 100 cm tall of the Amaryllidaceae family, distributed from Maluku and Sulawesi to Western Australia. In Malaysia, this plant is believed to prevent evil spirits from entering the house, while the Ambon community traditionally uses it to help treat breast cancer. Daun tepung tawar is also believed to be an antidote and to help heal sprains.

This plant grows well up to elevations of 800 m above sea level. Generally found in open forests and rainforests. Prefers conditions with full or partial sunlight.

• Bulb forms layers like an onion
• Leaves heart-shaped, large, green in color. Leaf edges slightly wavy, leaf veins form clear and beautiful curved lines, supported by a sturdy elongated petiole.
• Flowers pure white, fragrant, 5 cm wide, consisting of 10-18 flowers per raceme. Anthers bright yellow.
• Fruit irregularly round (globose)-oblong, greenish-yellowish-black, diameter 15-30 mm.
• Seeds black, fleshy.

• Propagated using seed and bulb.
• Flowers two to three times a year, in April and at the start of the rainy season.

Alkaloid, flavonoid, steroid, eugenol, aliphatic hydrocarbon, carboxylic acid, lycorine.

Treats rheumatism, breast cancer, smallpox, induces vomiting, antidote (for arrow poison and food poisoning), difficulty conceiving, stomach ache, headache, colds and chest congestion, sprains and fractures, draining pus from wounds, treats inflammation.

• Wash the daun tepung tawar plant stem thoroughly then cut into small pieces.
• Air-dry the simplisia material for 7 days.
• Once dry, grind the simplisia into powder.
• Store in a clean, closed container.

Bawang laut, Si kudip, Lili ambon.