Stevia (Daun Stevia)
Stevia rebaudiana
About Stevia (Daun Stevia)
Stevia (Daun Stevia) (Stevia rebaudiana) is a herb used in the Jamu tradition to help with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Weight Loss, and Dental Health. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Botanical background
Stevia rebaudiana is a plant species in the genus Stevia of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), commonly known as candyleaf, sweetleaf, sweet leaf, or sugarleaf.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Stevia (Daun Stevia) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Stevia (Daun Stevia) 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 Stevia (Daun Stevia) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Warnings
⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.
⛔ 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.
⛔ Ragweed / Daisy Family Allergy
Stevia (Daun Stevia) belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. If you're allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies, you may also react to this herb — start with a small amount.
⚠️ 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 have a stimulant effect
Watch for: Other caffeine-containing products, MAOIs, and stimulant medications (for ADHD or weight loss)
Additive stimulant effects can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
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 Stevia (Daun Stevia) 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 Stevia (Daun Stevia), 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.