Leaves - raw or cooked [46 , 301 ]. Adds a pungent flavour to salads that stimulates the salivary glands whilst having a numbing effect on the tongue and lips [301 , 348 ]. Eating the leaves is a memorable experience. They have a smell similar to any green leafy vegetable. The taste, however, is somewhat reminiscent of Echinacea, but lacking the bitter and sometimes nauseating element of that plant. First, a strong, spicy warmth spreads outward across one's tongue, turning into a prickling sensation. With this the salivary glands leap into action, pumping out quantities of saliva. As the prickling spreads, it mellows into an acidic (slightly metallic) sharpness accompanied by tingling, and then numbness. The numbness fades after a time (two to twenty minutes, depending on the person and amount eaten), and the pungent aftertaste may linger for an hour or more [372 ]. A very popular ingredient in Amazonian soup dishes, and has become the favourite vegetable for Europeans living in Madagascar [301 ]. A concentrated extract of the plant, sometimes called jambu oil or jambu extract, is used as a flavoring agent in foods, chewing gum, and chewing tobacco. It is described as having a citrus, herbal, tropical or musty odor, and its taste can be described as pungent, cooling, tingling, numbing, or effervescent.

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The most common and widespread medicinal use is to treat toothache and throat and gum infections [299 ]. Worldwide the flower heads are used either fresh or dried and powdered, but the use of roots and leaves has been recommended as well [299 ]. The plant is further recommended as a cure for dysentery and rheumatism, and to enhance the immune system. It is used against blood parasites, especially against malaria, both prophylactic and curative [299 ]. The leaves are sialagogue [348 ]. The leaves and flower heads are analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial and antifungal [372 ]. Some of the medicinal compounds are destroyed by desiccation or freezing [372 ]. In-vitro studies have shown strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. Also Candida albicans is inhibited [299 ].

Use as an natural insecticide has proved effective against yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and corn earworm moth (Helicoverpa zea) larvae. [299]. Used widely as an ornamental because of the attractive colourful heads[299]. Attracts fireflies when in bloom. Jambu extract can also be used in cosmetics and shampoos. Flowers are good for cutting, drying and preserving. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Suitable for growing in containers.

Special Uses