Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak)
Eleutherine bulbosa
About Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak)
Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak) (Eleutherine bulbosa) is a herb used in the Jamu tradition to help with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Diarrhea, and Immune Support. The bulb is the part traditionally used, taken internally.
Botanical background
Eleutherine bulbosa is an herbaceous, perennial flowering plant species in the iris family (Iridaceae). Among Spanish-speakers, the plant is known as lagrimas de la virgen ("tears of the virgin").
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb may affect blood pressure. Since blood pressure changes are a significant pregnancy risk factor (e.g. preeclampsia), herbs in this category are generally used only under medical supervision rather than self-directed — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionGenerally used cautiously during breastfeeding, particularly if the nursing parent is also on blood pressure medication.
Children
Use CautionBlood-pressure-active herbs are generally used cautiously in children and typically only under pediatric guidance.
Contraindications
- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Warnings
⛔ Diabetes Medications
May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications
May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May affect blood sugar
Watch for: Insulin and oral diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas)
Additive blood-sugar-lowering effects can risk hypoglycemia — monitor glucose closely.
May affect blood pressure
Watch for: Antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)
Combined use can push blood pressure too high or too low — monitor readings if you take blood pressure medication.
May affect immune activity
Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)
Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines
Climate
Tropical equatorial
Habitat
Tropical rainforests, village herb gardens, and traditional farm plots across the Indonesian archipelago
🌿 To see Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Indonesian and Malaysian grocery stores
- Asian health food stores with Southeast Asian sections
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Dayak Onion (Bawang Dayak), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.