Scoparia dulcis L.

Sapu manis (Scoparia dulcis) is an upright herb 50-100 cm tall of the Plantaginaceae family, originating from tropical America, introduced to Java before 1860 and then spreading naturally throughout Indonesia. This plant commonly grows wild but has long been used as traditional medicine. Sapu manis is believed to help address diabetes, fever, and gum inflammation.

This plant is commonly found in moist shrubland, along riverbanks and on abandoned or cultivated land. Spread from lowlands up to elevations of 800 m above sea level and can grow in almost all soil types.

• Stem round and smooth, green in color and the lower part of the stem slightly woody.
• Leaves green in color, alternating position, oval shape with a tapering base and tip, serrated edges, pinnate venation, and rough leaf surface.
• Flowers single, growing at leaf axils, very small size, white petals, green calyx, somewhat greenish stigma. 
• Fruit round, green when young, turning brown when mature.
• Seeds light brown in color, very small in size.

Propagated generatively (by seed).

Saponins, glycoside, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, terpenoids, tannins, active compounds scopadulin, scopadulcol, scopadulcic acid, scoparic acid, scoparinol.

Treats diabetes, herpes, cough, fever, nausea, headache, gum inflammation, bruises, dysentery, diuretic, has anticancer activity. 

• Prepare fresh sapu manis plant then clean with running water.
• Dry the plant in the sun and cover with a thin dark cloth.
• Once dry, store the dried material in a clean, airtight plastic/container. 

Grinje menir, Grinje jepun (Java), Jaka tuwa (Sunda).