Sambong

Blumea balsamifera is a flowering plant in the daisy family, also known as Ngai camphor and as sambong or sembung. The genus is found in the tropical and sub-tropical zones of Asia, especially the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and this species is a weed that often grows on disturbed land and in grasslands. In the Philippines it is most commonly called sambong in Tagalog, bukadkad or gabon in Visayas, and subusob, subsub or sobsob in Ilocos. There it is used in traditional herbal medicine as a diuretic and for the symptoms of the common cold, and as an astringent for wounds. In Thai folklore it is called naat and is reputed to ward off spirits, and in Thai and Chinese folk medicine it is used for infected wounds, respiratory infections and stomach pains. It is also used in traditional Chinese, Malay and Ayurvedic medicine. The Bodos of Assam add it as a flavourful herb to soups, chicken and curries.