Botanical name: Gynura procumbens
Some other names: Longevity spinach, Sambung Nyawa, Leaf ginseng
How to Grow It
Sambung is one of those plants you’ll wonder how you ever gardened without. It’s a hardy perennial shrub to about 50 cm high, spreading outward with soft green stems and plenty of juicy leaves.
Climate & range: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, growing all year round where there’s no frost. In cooler zones, it may die back over winter but reshoots from the base as soon as things warm up.
Sun & soil: Sambung will happily grow in full sun or part shade. Leaves are juicier and more tender in moist, fertile soil, but the plant is remarkably forgiving — it’ll handle poor soil, dry spots, and even the odd neglectful gardener.
Water & drought tolerance: Loves regular water but is drought-hardy once established. In dry spells it just slows down, ready to bounce back with the next good rain.
Propagation: Very easy. Any stem cutting (tip, mid-stem, even a stray piece) will strike roots in soil or water. You can also lift and replant rooted sections — they take off without complaint.
Container growing: Brilliant in pots and tubs. Keep it fed, mulched, and watered, and it will reward you with a steady supply of leaves right outside the kitchen door.
Sambung can spread like crazy in the growing season — which is great for harvesting. If it gets too wild, just cut it back hard; it will respond with fresh, tender new growth.
Herbal & Nutrient Value
Sambung isn’t just another leafy green — it’s a well-loved medicinal plant across Asia.
- Rich in vitamins A, B, and C for eye health, immunity, and energy.
- A source of iron, calcium, potassium, and trace minerals that keep the body balanced.
- Traditionally eaten daily — often just 3 leaves a day — for overall vitality and longevity.
In folk medicine, Sambung is called the “Life Extender” or “Leaf Ginseng” and is used for diabetes, inflammation, prostate health, arthritis, and even cancer support. Scientific research is ongoing, but early studies suggest Sambung has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditional & Home Remedies
Diabetes tonic tea – fresh leaves steeped in hot water; drunk daily.
Leaf poultice – mashed leaves applied to cuts, boils, or bites.
Blood pressure salad – leaves eaten raw daily (5–7 leaves).
Postpartum tonic – leaves cooked in soups for recovery.
Wound wash – boiled leaves cooled and used as a rinse.
Using It in the Kitchen
Sambung is one of those versatile greens you’ll use in everything once you’ve got it.
Flavour & texture: Mild, slightly grassy, and pleasantly “green-tasting,” with soft, juicy leaves that don’t overpower a dish.
How to use it:
- Eat fresh in salads, sandwiches, juices, or smoothies.
- Toss it into stir-fries, omelettes, and soups just like spinach.
- Add leaves to stocks and broths — they release minerals and a subtle flavour without becoming slimy.
Storage tips: Best picked fresh as it wilts quickly, but you can freeze leaves for later or dry them for herbal tea.
Simple recipe ideas:
– Longevity Smoothie: Blend a small handful of Sambung leaves with banana, pineapple, and coconut water for a refreshing green boost.
– Quick Garlic Sambung Stir-Fry: Toss a big handful of leaves in hot oil with garlic and soy sauce — a 2-minute side dish.
– Healing Sambung Tea: Steep 5–6 leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes for a soothing herbal tea.
– Sambung Omelette: Chop the leaves finely and fold them into eggs with spring onions and cheese.
– Brothy Sambung Soup: Add leaves at the last minute to chicken or veggie broth for extra nutrition and flavour.
Other Uses
- Mulch & compost: Sambung’s lush growth makes excellent “chop-and-drop” mulch.
- Animal fodder: Chickens, ducks, and goats will happily snack on it.
- Living groundcover: Its spreading habit suppresses weeds and protects soil.
Why it’s a survival plant:
Low effort, high reward – Sambung thrives with almost no care.
Year-round harvest in warm climates – fresh greens even in the dry season.
Food + medicine in one plant – you get nutrition, healing, and resilience in a single patch.
Sambung is the kind of plant every survival garden should have — abundant, forgiving, and quietly powerful.
