Question 1

What is Commelina diffusa used for in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's ayurvedic tradition, Commelina diffusa is used primarily for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. Traditional practitioners apply fresh juice or decoctions to manage fever, urinary complaints, and skin irritations. It is documented in Sri Lanka's catalogue of ayurvedic medicinal plants.

Question 2

Is Commelina diffusa native to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Commelina diffusa is not endemic to Sri Lanka; it is a pantropical species found across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific. In Sri Lanka it grows naturally in moist lowlands, paddy margins, and forest edges, and has been adopted into the local ayurvedic pharmacopoeia over many centuries.

Question 3

What does the Commelina diffusa plant look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a low, creeping herb with lance-shaped leaves that clasp the stem at their base. Its flowers are three-petalled, typically with two vivid blue upper petals and one smaller lower petal. Flowers open in the morning and close by midday, which is characteristic of the dayflower genus.

Question 4

What plant family does Commelina diffusa belong to?

Accepted Answer

Commelina diffusa belongs to the family Commelinaceae, a group of flowering plants found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. The genus Commelina contains around 170 species worldwide, of which several have recorded ethnobotanical uses.

Question 5

Is there scientific evidence for the medicinal use of Commelina diffusa?

Accepted Answer

Phytochemical studies have identified flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds in Commelina diffusa, which are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory settings. Some ethnobotanical research supports its traditional diuretic and antipyretic uses, though large-scale clinical trials remain limited.

Question 6

Where can I see ayurvedic plants like Commelina diffusa in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Ayurvedic herbal gardens, botanical gardens, and cultural excursions — particularly in the hill country around Kandy and the Cultural Triangle region — offer opportunities to observe medicinal plants in context. Some rural home-stays and eco-tours also include guided walks through herb gardens or paddy-margin habitats where such plants grow wild.

Question 7

Can Commelina diffusa be used safely at home?

Accepted Answer

Traditional uses of Commelina diffusa are documented, but self-administration is not recommended without guidance from a qualified ayurvedic practitioner. Dosage, preparation method, and individual health conditions all affect safety, and some applications — such as eye treatments — require professional oversight.