Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC.

Kremah, or sessile joyweed (Alternanthera sessilis), is a herb up to 50 cm tall of the Amaranthaceae family, native to the Americas and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical Southeast Asia. Its leaves and shoots are commonly eaten as a vegetable, besides being grown as a yard ornamental. Traditionally, kremah is believed to boost immunity, improve blood circulation, and prevent premature graying.

Kremah grows in various soil types, but favors clay conditions with a soil pH of 5-7.5. In Indonesia, it is found from elevations of 0-2,650 m above sea level. Tolerant of extremely dry conditions and favors sunlight with an annual temperature of 15-30 °C.

• Roots taproot, white and brownish.
• Stem cylindrical, jointed, roots emerge at the nodes, smooth, reddish-purple.
• Leaves compound, opposite, oblong, pointed tip and base, ± 2 cm long, ± 5 mm wide, pinnate venation, reddish-purple.
• Flowers small, compound, spike-shaped, pom-pom shaped, pink or reddish-white, five stamens, emerging in the leaf axils and at the stem tip.
• Fruit small box-shaped, brown.
• Seeds round, black, glossy.

Propagated generatively (by seed) or vegetatively (by stem cuttings).

Sterols (stigmasterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, α and β-spinasterol, α-stigmastanol, palmitate sterol), 24-methylenecycloartanol, flavonoids, cycloeucalenol, alkaloids, saponins, polyphenols.

Stimulates appetite; warms the body; improves blood circulation; boosts the immune system; prevents premature graying; treats stomach ache or diarrhea, headache; helps prevent stomach ulcers; boosts breast milk production; acts as an antipruritic (relieves itching).

• Wash kremah stem and leaves thoroughly under running water, then drain.
• Dry the material using an oven (around 40-60 °C) until evenly dry.
• Once dry, grind the material into a powder.
• Pack in a clean, airtight container or bag.

Omak (Batak), Juruk demah (Lampung), Daun keremak, Daun rusa, Sayor udang (Malay), Bayem kremah, Matean (Java).