Philippine Herbal Medicine Akapulko / Acapulco (Cassia Alata)

JOHN ARISTON C. RONQUILLO

Uses of Akapulko: Treatment of skin diseases: Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness. Internal: Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnea, mouthwash in stomatitis, alleviation of asthma symptoms, used as diuretic and purgative, for cough & fever, as a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems. A strong decoction of the leaves is an abortifacient. Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia)

Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya: Good for rheumatism and gout And diseases of the spleen and liver Aids in lowering blood sugar levels Helps in lowering blood pressure Relives headaches

 Disinfects and heals wounds & burns Can be used as a cough & fever remedy Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa)

Helps prevent some types of cancer Enhances immune system to fight infection Is an antioxidant, parasiticide, antibacterial & antipyretic

Benefits & Treatment of Banaba: Diabetes Fights obesity Helps regulate blood pressure Good for the kidneys Aids the digestive system Helps ease urination

Bawang, Bauang / Garlic (Allium Sativum)

Benefits of Bawang: Good for the heart Helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) Aids in lowering blood pressure

 Remedy for arteriosclerosis May help prevent certain types of cancer Boosts immune system to fight Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis With anticoagulant properties

infection With antioxidant properties Cough and cold remedy Relives sore throat, toothache

Bayabas or Guava (Psidium Guajava)

Uses of Bayabas: Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba Used to treat diarrhea in children For Hypertension, diabetes and Asthma Promotes menstruation

The fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing of wounds and cuts. A decoction or infusion of fresh leaves can be used for wound cleaning to prevent infection. Bayabas is also effective for toothaches. Luyang Dilaw -Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

Benefits: Relieves rheumatic pains & muscle pains Alleviates sore throat, fever, nausea Intestinal disorders and slow digestion Treat intestinal worms Hinder diarrhea, gas pains Relieve indigestion (dyspepsia), toothaches Lower cholesterol levels Aids treatment of tuberculosis

Gumamela (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Linn)

Gumamela is used for the treatment of: Bronchitis - as an expectorant Coughs, sore throat Fever - as refrigerant drink Treats dysentery Urinary tract infection, bladder infections High blood pressure Prevention of constipation Headaches Boils, swelling & abscesses, mumps

Lagundi (Vitex Negundo)

Benefits: Relief of asthma & pharyngitis Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox Removal of worms, and boils

Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)

Benefits of Oregano: Good for cough relief Helps prevent degenerative arthritis Has Anti-aging properties

 Help relieve osteoarthritis Healing wounds, insect bites & stings Ease asthma attacks

Relieves upset stomach Treatment of urinary tract problems

Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia Pellucida Linn.), Ulasiman-Bato

Pansit-pansitan is used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of: Arthritis Gout Skin boils, abscesses, pimples Headache Abdominal pains kidney problems

Sabila or Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller Liquid)

Benefits: Treatment of acne, pimples & psoriasis Analgesic properties for inflammation of skin Helps reduce high blood pressure Anti-aging properties Heals insect bites minor burns & sunburns Sambong (Blumea Balsamifera L.) Arthritis, diabetes Helps prevent cancer & tumors Eases Constipation Antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic antibiotic properties

&

Benefits: Good as a diuretic agent Effective in the dissolving kidney stones Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism Treatment of colds & fever Anti-diarrheic & Anti-gastralgic properties Helps remove worms, boils Treats dysentery, sore throat

Silymarin - Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum)

Anecdotal Health Benefits of Silymarin | Milk Thistle: Help improve liver function for those with cirrhosis of the liver and chronic hepatitis. Prevents inflammation of the liver Cure for Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning Helps control blood sugar in patients with diabetes and cirrhosis. Helps lower cholesterol levels. Reduces growth of breast, prostate, cervical and skin cancer cells. Helps reduce fatty infiltration on the liver caused by toxins and alcohol. A strong antioxidant that helps fight free radicals (see Key to Healing). Not used to prevent hepatitis C, but used to minimize the damage caused by it. Non-toxic / no known overdose symptoms.

Tsaang Gubat or Wild Tea (Ehretia Microphylla Lam.)

Benefits & Treatment of: Stomach pains Gastroenteritis Intestinal motility Dysentery Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM) Mouth gargle Body cleanser/wash

Philippine Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)

Benefits of

VCO A boost to the body's immune system A good source of saturated medium chain triglycerides VCO helps regulate blood sugar Lowers the viral load of AIDS patients. Has anti-viral & anti-microbial properties Helps hepatitis C, herpes patients Helps maintain healthy thyroid function Maintain LDL & HDL cholesterol levels Heals & nourishes the skin, hair & scalp

Yerba Buena (Mentha Spicata)

Benefits & Treatment of:

Arthritis Head aches Tooth aches Mouth wash Relief of intestinal gas

Stomach aches Indigestion Drink as tea for general good health.

Ten (10) Herbal Medicines in the Philippines Approved by the Department of Health (DOH) 1. Akapulko (Cassia Alata) - also known as "bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm bush" in English, this herbal medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections. 2. Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) - known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in English, it most known as a treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin dependent patients. 3. Bawang (Allium Sativum) - popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps control blood pressure. 4. Bayabas (Psidium Guajava) - "guava" in English. It is primarily used as an antiseptic, to disinfect wounds. Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth decay and gum infection. 5. Lagundi (Vitex Negundo) - known in English as the "5-leaved chaste tree". Its main use is for the relief of coughs and asthma. 6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis Indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". It is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina. Only the dried matured seeds are medicinal -crack and ingest the dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds for adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose. 7. Sambong (Blumea Balsamifera) - English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic that helps in the excretion of urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema. 8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia Microphylla Lam.) - Prepared like tea, this herbal medicine is effective in treating intestinal motility and also used as a mouth wash since the leaves of this shrub has high fluoride content. 9. Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia Pellucida) - also known as "pansit-pansitan" it is effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The leaves can be eaten fresh (about a cupful) as salad or like tea. For the decoction, boil a cup of clean chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup after meals (3 times day).

10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium Douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, this vine is used as an analgesic to relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally as a decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and applied directly on the afflicted area.