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Plumbago indica L., (=Plumbgao rosea L.), Plumbaginaceae, is probably a native of Sikkim and the Khasia hills, but is cultivated in gardens throughout the country for its attractive red flowers (Plumbago indica1) and its medicinal uses, which are similar to those of Plumbago zeylanica. The plant is easily identified from the stalked glands on the calyx which also is red.
Some Ayurvedists prefer Plumbago indica, over Plumbago zeylanica, the rarity of the former probably being a more impressive reason, than the properties of the species.
Plumbago indica posses much the same therapeutic properties as Plumbago zeylanica, and is indicated in literature for the following:
The root is acrid, vesicant, abortifacient and a stimulant. Applied in bland oil, it is used externally or internally in rheumatism and paralytic afflictions. The root is a powerful sialogogue and a remedy for secondary syphilis, leprosy and leucoderma.
The milky juice of the plant is used in ophthalmia and in scabies.
The plant, more particularly the root, contains an orange-yellow compound plumbagin.
See Plumbago zeylanica.