alata) - a shrub known to be a diuretic, sudorific and Akapulko (scientific name: Cassia alata) purgative. The medicinal uses of akapulko akap ulko are to treat fungal infection of the skin and for the treatment of ringworms. English name: ringworm bush. charantia) - a vegetable used to treat diabetes (diabetes Ampalaya (scientific name: Momordica charantia) mellitus) it is now commercially produced in tablet form and tea bags. English name: bitter melon and bitter gourd. name: Anona squamosa L.) L.) - a small tree used as a medicinal herb. The leaves, Atis (scientific name: Anona fruit and seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and fainting. English name: Sugar apple and Sweet sop. name: Lagerstroemia speciosa) speciosa) - a tree found throughout the Philippines. The Banaba (scientific name: Lagerstroemia leaves, roots, fruit and flowers all have medicinal uses. It is used in the treatment of diabetes and other ailments. It is a purgative and a diuretic. name: Allium sativum) sativum ) - a specie of the onion o nion family. English name: Garlic. Bawang (scientific name: Allium It is used to reduce cholesterol in the blood and thus helps lower blood b lood pressure. name: Psidium guajava) guajava) - more popularly known as guava, bayabas is a Bayabas (scientific name: Psidium small tree whose boiled leaves are used as an disinfectant to treat wounds. The decoction is also used as a mouth wash to treat gum infection and tooth decay. The bark is also used in children with chronic diarrhea. Linn) - called China rose or Hibiscus in the Gumamela (scientific name: Hibiscus name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn) West, it is a common ornamental plant in the Philippines. As a medicinal herb, it is used as an expectorant for coughs, cold, sore throat, fever and bronchitis. negundo) - one of the better known Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) k nown of the medicinal plants in the Philippines, lagundi (five-leaved chaste tree) is a shrub with many medicinal uses. It is used for the relief and treatment of coughs, asthma, dyspepsia, worms, colic, rheumatism and boils. The root is known to be an expectorant, tonic and febrifuge. officinale ) or Ginger. It is botanically not a root but a rhizome of Luya (scientific name: Zingiber name: Zingiber officinale) the monocotyledonous perennial plant. It has many uses as a medicinal herb with antifungal, an tifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, diuretic and antiseptic properties. L.) - is a vine that is an effective in the Niyog-niyogan (scientific name: Quisqualis indica L.) elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Trichina and Ascaris by ingesting its matured dried seeds. Chew (5 to 7 dried seeds for children or 8 to 10 seeds for adults) two hours after eating. Repeat treatment after a week if necessary. Roasted leaves are also used for fever and diarrhea while pounded leaves are used for skin diseases. English name: Chinese hon ey suckle. vulgare) - a perennial herb with antioxidant and Oregano (scientific name: Origanum vulgare) antimicrobial properties. Commonly used for cooking in the West, it is used as a medicinal plant in the Philippines. A decoction of oregano leaves is taken internally for the prevention of
degenerative arthritis, relief of cough, osteoarthritis, asthma and upset stomach. Linn.) - an herb used to treat arthritis, Pansit-Pansitan (scientific name: Peperomia name: Peperomia pellucida Linn.) gout, skin disorders, abdominal pains and kidney problems. It is applied to the skin as p oultice or as a decoction when taken internally. Sabila (Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) - one of the most common medicinal plants in the Philippines that can be found in many Filipino homes. It is a succulent plant used to treat burns, cuts, eczema and other disorders. Aloe vera has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, antioxidant and antiparasitic properties.
balsamifera) - a Philippine medicinal plant used to treat Sambong (scientific name: Blumea name: Blumea balsamifera) kidney disorders, colds, fever, rheumatism, hypertension and other ailments. As a diuretic, it helps in the excretion of urinary stones. A decoction of leaves is taken internally for treatment. It can also be used as an edema. English name: Blumea Camphora. Lam.) - a shrub prepared like tea, it is now Tsa ang Gub Tsaang Gubat at (scientific name: Ehretia name: Ehretia microphylla Lam.) commercially available in tablets, capsules and tea bags. This medicinal herb is effective in treating diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis and other stomach ailments. It has high fluoride concentration making it a good mouth wash for the prevention of tooth decay. English name: Wild Tea. pellucida) - an annual herb also known as "pansitUla simang Ulasim ang Bat Bato o (scientific name: Peperomia name: Peperomia pellucida) pansitan". It is a medicinal herb that is effective in treating gout, arthritis and prevents uric acid build up. A decoction of the plant is taken internally or the leaves and stem can be eaten fresh as salad. To make a decoction, boil a cup of washed chopped leaves in 2 cups of water, simmer for about 15 minutes, strain, let cool. Drink a cup 2 times a day after meals. douglasii) - a vine of the mint family, popularly Yerba Buena (scientific name: Clinopodium douglasii) known as Peppermint. Its analgesic properties make it an ideal pain reliever to alleviate the body's aches and pains. A decoction d ecoction of clean leaves is taken internally or externally as a poultice by pounding the leaves mixed with a little water then applied directly on the afflicted area. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) - Although not a medicinal plant, VCO is a product of the coconut tree. VCO is one of the more popular alternative medicine widely used in the Philippines today. It is taken internally for various aliments like diabetes to high blood pressure. Topically, VCO is also applied to the skin and scalp to nourish and heal.
BANABA Banaba (scientific name: Lagerstroenii speciosa) is commonly known as banaba in Tagalog and other dialects. Banaba tree grows from 4-15 m high, characteristically shedding off its leaves once a year. It can b identified easily through its flowers, whit are lilac purple and h ave petals with wavy margins. The parts which have medicinal uses are leaves, fruits, roots and bark. The following are its uses and applications: For treatment of diabetes, edema or to ease urination - Dry for a week 28 old leaves, 11 ripe fruits, 50 of young leaves. Boil any of the above in 1 cup of water for 45 minutes until it is reduced to 1/5 cup. Redilute the tea to 1 cup and divide this into 3 parts to be taken 1 hour before meals
For fever - Place 1 teaspoon of the bark powder in 1 cup boiling water (infusion), cover for 1015 minutes and drink. For jaundice, edema, dizziness,- Boil 10 pieces of roots, 6.5 cm long and 2.5. cm wide per piece, in 10 cups of water for one hour and drink. KATAKATAKA Katakataka (scientific name: Kalanchoe pinnaia) is an erect juicy herb reaching more than a meter high. In other dialects, it is known as maritana, lapak-lapak and in English, life plant. It is' abundant in thicket and open places, and is also cultivated for or ornamental purposes. The plant flowers for December to March. For medicinal purpose, the entire plant may be collected the whole year round. The parts are chiefly used fresh. And for a very important reminder, preparations from katakataka should not be taken internally. For sprains, eczema, infections, burn and headaches, just pound fresh material and apply as poultice on afflicted areas. Katakataka can be identified through it leaves. They are simple, thick and juicy, with scalloped margins; roots and baby plants may arise from these margins. The flowers o katakataka are hanging downward, reddish or purplish. p urplish. The fruits are dry, several seeded, opening on one side of the pod. As an antiseptic, Prepare a, tincture consisting of dried p ounded rhizome (2 inches long) mixed with oil and leave preparation for a week. Apply to cuts and wounds. CACTUS The lowly nopal cactus, which grows g rows wild in nearly all of Mexico and is even pictured on the national flag; can have a wide variety of medical benefits. Researchers say the cactus can help dieters as well as those suffering from diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Mexican scientists recently discovered that the juice of the nopal cactus may help alleviate a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. This was also the belief of p re-Hispanic Indians who once lived in the area. The nopal, native to Mexico and southwestern United States, can grow up to 6 feet tall. It bears a fruit called the prickly pear or "tuna" in Spanish. cardunculus) may reduce production cholesterol levels according to in Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) [81] vitro studies and a small clinical study. study.[82] Rubus fruticosus) fruticosus) leaf has drawn the attention of Blackberry ( Rubus o f the cosmetology community because it interferes with the metalloproteinases that contribute to skin wrinkling. wrinkling.[83] [84][85][86] ][85][86] Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) may have a role in preventing oral cancer.[84 Boophone disticha) disticha) This highly toxic plant has been used in South African Boophone ( Boophone traditional medicine for treatment of mental illness [87]. Research demonstrate in vitro and in vivo [88][89][90] ][89][90] effect against depression. depression.[88 (Petasites hybridus) Butterbur (Petasites Butterbur Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.[91] In animal research an aqueous-ethanol extract of Calendula of Calendula officinalis flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use. use.[91] There is "limited evidence" that calendula cream or ointment [92][93] ][93] is effective in treating radiation dermatitis. dermatitis.[92 Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) may be effective in treating urinary tract infections in women with recurrent symptoms.[94] Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea) purpurea) extracts may Echinacea ( Echinacea limit the length and severity of rhinovirus of rhinovirus colds; colds; however, the appropriate dosage levels, which [95][96] ][96] might be higher than is available over-the-counter, require further research. research.[95
nigra) may speed the recovery from type A and B influenza.[97] Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) However it is possibly risky in the case of avian of avian influenza because the immunostimulatory effects may aggravate the cytokine cascade. cascade.[98] parthenium) is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches.[99] Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) Although many reviews of Feverfew studies show no or unclear efficacy, a more recent RTC showed favorable results[100][101][102] Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant women as it may [103][104] ][104] be dangerous to the fetus.[103 Faidherbia albida), albida), a traditional herbal medicine in West Africa, has shown promise Gawo ( Faidherbia [105] in animal tests Allium sativum) sativum ) may lower total cholesterol levels[106] Garlic ( Allium chamomilla) has demonstrated antispasmodic, anxiolytic, German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) antiinflammatory and some antimutagenic and cholesterol-lowering effects in animal research. [107] In vitro chamomile has demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and [108][109] ][109] significant antiplatelet activity, as well as preliminary results against cancer.[108 Essential oil of chamomile was shown to be a promising antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus type 2 vitro.[110] (HSV-2) in vitro. Zingiber officinale), officinale), administered in 250 mg capsules Ginger (( Zingiber Ginger cap sules for four days, effectively [111][112] ][112] decreased nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in a human clinical trial. trial.[111 Grapefruit (Naringenin) components may prevent obesity. sinensis) components may inhibit growth of breast cancer cells[113] and Green tea (Camelia sinensis) may heal scars faster.[114] Hibiscus sabdariffa may have some antihypertensive, Purified extracts of the seeds of Hibiscus antifungal and antibacterial effect. Toxicity tested low except for an isolated case of damage to the testes of a rat after prolonged and an d excessive consumption.[115] Honey may reduce cholesterol cholesterol..[116] May be useful in wound healing.[117] citratus), administered daily as an aqueous extract of the fresh Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), leaf, has lowered total cholesterol and fasting plasma g lucose levels in rats, as well as increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Lemon grass administration had no effect on triglyceride levels.[118]
