Insulin Plant / Planta de Insulina

Insulina (Dianthera secunda, also known as Justicia secunda) is the Ecuadorian Insulina plant, a beautiful and incredibly useful medicinal shrub native to this part of the world. It has long, narrow green leaves growing from slender stems and develops into a soft, leafy bush that fits very naturally into a tropical or subtropical garden. When it flowers, it produces slender reddish flowers, adding another beautiful feature to what is otherwise a very simple and unobtrusive medicinal plant.

As its local name suggests, Insulina is traditionally valued for helping support healthy blood sugar and glucose balance, and the leaves are the part generally used. It has a much broader medicinal tradition as well. In Ecuador, the leaves have been prepared as an infusion for kidney and urinary support, and the plant has also traditionally been associated with supporting the blood, circulation and general vitality. The leaves contain a rich mixture of plant compounds, and when infused they can produce a surprisingly deep reddish-purple colour. It is one of those plants that deserves a place close to the house simply because the leaves are so easy to harvest whenever they are wanted.

Insulina enjoys the conditions we have here. It appreciates warmth, fertile living soil and regular moisture, particularly while it is becoming established. It will grow in sun but is very happy with light shade or filtered sunlight, especially where the afternoon sun is intense. Keep the soil moist but well drained rather than constantly saturated. Once established, it becomes a perennial leafy shrub and can be pruned regularly to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.

An excellent medicinal plant to multiply throughout the garden and to share with others. Insulina is not a dramatic plant that demands attention, but it is exactly the kind of plant I love having at Living Ground: easy to grow, generous, locally adapted and carrying a long tradition of medicine within its leaves.