Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing)
Averrhoa carambola
About Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing)
Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing) (Averrhoa carambola) is a herb used in the Jamu tradition to help with High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Fever, and Skin Health. The leaves are the part traditionally used, used both internally and topically.
Botanical background
Averrhoa carambola is a species of tree in the family Oxalidaceae; it has a number of common names, including carambola and starfruit.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing) 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 Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing).
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
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)
Warnings
⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.
⛔ 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 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 thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
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 Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing) 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 Starfruit Leaf (Belimbing), 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.