Herbal Meds
Herbal Meds
Herbal Meds
(Cassia alata)
The Akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies
and eczema.. Akapulko leaves are also known to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, used to treat intestinal problems
including intestinal parasites. Akapulko is also used as herbal medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of
Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines. The
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has helped develop the technology for a Akapulko
herbal medicine lotion.
Skin problems and diseases. Akapulko is commonly used as an antibacterial and anti-fungal treatment for various skin
diseases that include
tinea infection,
ringworms,
eczema,
scabies
insect bites
and all sorts of skin itchiness.
Stomach problems. Akapulko has long been used to treat stomach related problems that include:
Anti-inflamatory activity. Akapulko is known to alleviate symptoms related to inflammation and is used in the treatment
of the following
arthritis,
gout,
rheumatitis
bursitis
and other joint and muscle problems.
Lung problems. Akapulko tea is also a folkloric remedy to prevent symtoms of lung problems such as
asthma attacks
bronchitis.
coughs
Mouth problems. Akapulko is used as mouth wash for various mouth problems that include ulcers, sores, and toothache.
Recent studies also suggests that it is a strong antioxidant that may have anti-peroxidation activities that is beneficial in
preventing the development of cancer.
Analgesic. The juice of Amplaya is used to alleviate symptoms of fever, headache and body pains.
Eye problems. Amplaya juice is also used to treat eye related problems that include sty and sore eyes. It is
thought to improve eyesight and prevents the development of cataract.
Respiratory ailments. The juice from amplaya fruit and leaves are used to treat various respiratory problems that
may include, asthma, wheezing cough, bronchitis and pharyngitis.
Hair and scalp problems. Ampalaya or bitter gourd has been used to treat various hair and scalp problems that
may include hair loss, dry scalp, lice and pimples on the scalp.
Weight loss. Ampalaya is also used to promote body metabolism and the burning of fats thus it is valued as a
weight loss supplement.
Source of energy. The vitamins and mineral found in ampalaya is considered as a stamina builder that combats
fatigue.
Antioxidant. Amplaya is also considered as a potent anti-oxidant acitivity that counters the oxidation of free
radicals that is the cause of cancer.
Stomach problems. Ampalaya leaf extract is a folkloric remedy for various stomach ache and problems that
include indigestion, dyspepsia, parasite infestation, diarrhea and constipation.
Hepatoprotection activity. Ampalaya is used as a herbal remedy to protect the liver from damage due to intake
of alcohol and other harmful substances.
Skin problems. Ampalaya is crushed or rubbed over the skin to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, ringworm,
athlete’s foot, wounds, burns and ulcers.
Boosts the immune system. Ampalaya is also used to boost the immune system and as a supplement to build
body resistance during sickness.
HIV virus. Ampalaya is also being considered as treatment ot viral diseases that include HIV, malaria, chicken
fox and measles.
Menopause. Ampalaya tea is taken as a remedy for pain and discomfort associated to menopause.
Anti-inflammatory activity. Ampalaya leaf extract combined with coconut oil is used to alleviate inflammation
and pain associated to gout, arthritis, rheumatism and other body pains.
Cholesterol control. Ampalaya is also widely consumed to lower the cholesterol level in the blood that helps to
prevent the build up of plaque along the arterial walls.
Contraceptive. Ampalaya has been used in folkloric medicine as an abortificient and as a contraceptive to
prevent pregnancy.
Bayabas (Psidium guajava)
Bayabas or guava fruit is known for being rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. It has value in herbal medicine for its
antiseptic activity in treating wounds, ulcers, bacterial infections and diarrhea. Bayabas leaves and fruits contain eugenol,
tannin, saponins, amydalin, phenolic acids, malic acid, ash, aldehydes, catequinic components and flavonoids. Bayabas or
guava is used in herbal medicine as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-
allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic.
Bayabas Medicinal Uses
Bayabas in Traditional and Folkloric Medicine for Skin Problems
Bayabas is traditionally used as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for skin conditions such
as:
skin burns,
scalds,
scrapes,
sunburn
wounds
psoriasis
eczema and others
Crushed bayabas leaf or boiled leaves is applied directly to the affected skin, providing relief and believed to
improve healing.
diarrhea
dusentery
flatulence
anti-spasmodic,
antioxidant
hepatoprotective,
anti-allergy,
antimicrobial,
anti-plasmodial,
anti-cough,
antidiabetic, and
antigenotoxic.
Expels Intestinal Worms and Parasites. The seeds of Niyog-niyogan are dried and taken orally. Recommended dosage
is 4 to 7 seeds for Children while 8 to 10 seeds for Adults.
Caution: Adverse reactions - diarrhea, abdominal pain, distention and hiccups more likely if nuts are eaten in consecutive
days or when fresh nuts are eaten.
Treatment of Inflammation of Kidneys, Niyog-niyogan fruits are believed to alleviate nephritis or inflammation of the
kidneys.
Remedy for boils and skin ulcers; Niyog-niyogan leaves are pounded and applied to externally to skin ulcers and boils.
Remedy for headaches, Niyog-niyogan leaves are applied to the head to relieve headaches.
Remedy for Diarrhea and Fever, ripe fruits of Niyog-niyogan are roasted and taken internally for diarrhea and fever
treatment.
Remedy for Dysuria or painful urination. A decoction of boiled Niyog-niyogan leaves are taken as tea to relieve pain
while urinating.
Anti-Cancer, According to Professor Dr. Thomas Efferth of the DKFZ who studied 76 kinds of Chinese Medicinal
plants, Niyog-niyogan or the Rangoon Creeper contains three ingredients with powerful anti-tumor activity that suppress
the growth of a specific tumor cell line that is particularly resistant to many commonly used cytotoxins due to
overproduction of a transport protein in the cell wall. In contrast, a whole range of standard anti-cancer drugs fail to be
effective against this cell.
Lagundi (Vitex negundo)
Lagundi or Vitex negundo has been traditionally used as herbal medicine by Philippine and Indian folks. It;'s
main health benefit is to ease respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally used for the treatment of
coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems.
In ancient Rome
bawang was fed to
the athletes for
increasing stamina
In ancient Chinese
and Indian medicine,
bawang is used to
aid respiration and
digestion and to treat
leprosy and parasitic
infestation
Bawang is also used
to treat arthritis,
toothache, chronic cough, constipation, parasitic infestation, snake and insect bites,
Bawang is also used for gynecologic diseases, as well as in infectious diseases (as antibiotic).
Bawang consumption is known to lower blood pressure
Consumption of bawang prevents heart diseases
Bawang is believed to help treat cancer.
Sambong |
Bulme
balsamifera
Medicinal Uses
Sambong in Traditional and Folkloric Medicine
Sambong roots and leaves are used as herbal treatment for fevers, sambong leaves and roots are pounded
then dissolved in cold water. Applied with a soft cloth over the nape, forehead, underarms and other
body parts to bring down the body temperature.
Sambong roots and leaves are also used as herbal medicine treatment for rheumatism.
Sambong roots and leaves are pounded and applied as poultice on the affected body part. Sambong roots
and leaves may also be boiled and are applied as warm compress onto affected area
Sambong is also used to treat headache, sambong leaves are pounded and applied as a poultice over the
forehead.
Sambong tea are also used as herbal medicine for colds and coughs.
Sambong tea are also used for herbal treatment of diarrhea and stomach spasms.
Sambong juice are also used for treatment of cuts and wounds.