Adenostemma viscosum J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.

Cirik babi (Adenostemma viscosum) is an annual herb up to 1 meter tall of the Asteraceae family, a plant native to Indonesia distributed across Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Maluku. Although often growing as a weed, its leaves can be eaten as a vegetable and have long been used as a traditional remedy for generations. Cirik babi is believed to relieve lung inflammation, toothache, and help prevent postpartum infection.

Grows well at elevations up to 2,100 m above sea level. Tolerant of various soil types. Requires sunlight with shaded conditions. Usually grows in forests, moist locations, and roadsides.

• Stem erect, sympodial branching, round-shaped, coarsely hairy surface, green.
• Leaves simple, positioned opposite crosswise, spur-shaped, toothed margins, bumpy surface, purplish base.
• Flowers compound, terminal position, white corolla, purplish-white stigma, 5 lobes, 3-5 mm tall.
• Fruit a brown achene, 1-3 mm, bumpy surface with 3 angles.

• Cirik babi is propagated by seed. Seeds can grow well without special treatment.
• Flowers grow after a 3-month germination period and bloom year-round when water is available.

Alkaloids, α-cubebene, caryophyllene, α-chamigrene, α-caryophyllene, γ-terpinene, d-limonene, α-pinene, 2-carene, and essential oil.

Treats lung inflammation; addresses heart disorders (palpitations), painful urination (dysuria), toothache; helps prevent infection after childbirth; treats dysentery, headache, nasal congestion; addresses baldness, sunburned skin, ear infections, cough; has cytotoxic activity (inhibits cell development) against cancer.

• Select cirik babi leaves that are undamaged and not rotten. Remove any adhering debris. Wash and drain.
• Slice the leaves and place on a tray, then sun-dry for several days, covered with a thin dark cloth.
• Once dry, place in clean, tightly sealed, airtight plastic. 

Legetan warak (Java), Daun muka sawit, Sayor babi (Maluku), Jotang leuweung (Sunda), Rumput babi (Jakarta).