Lagundi Tea for stronger Lungs and Liver!

Lagundi or Vitex negundo is a large shrub native to the Philippines that has been used as a traditional herbal
medicine for centuries. It is commonly found in tropical, subtropical and also warm temperate regions throughout the
world, especially in the Philippines.
Research on lagundi conducted by the Philippine Department of Health has suggested that the plant has a number of
practical uses. Outside of the Philippines, preparations of lagundi are sometimes available at stores that supply
herbal medicines, or through practitioners of herbal and alternative medicine.

Leaves, root, flowers and seeds: All medicinal

This plant is native to the swamps of the Philippines, where it can sometimes grow quite tall. The plant has a single
thick, woody stem like a trunk, and has five pointed leaves that splay out like the fingers of a hand. The leaves, root,
flowers, and seeds of lagundi all appear to have medicinal values.

The use of the five-leaved chaste tree for medicinal purposes has been known for a long time in China, Korea,
Japan, Indonesia, Philippines and other Asian countries. Today, pharmaceutical companies in Japan are importing
wild vitex negundo from the Philippines.

The root is reported to be a tonic, febrifuge, and an expectorant. The root is also used to treat a great variety of
diseases: dyspepsia, colic, rheumatism, worms, boils, and leprosy. The flowers are used in to prevent diarrhea,
cholera, fever, and diseases of the liver, and are also recommended as a cardiac tonic. The seeds make a cooling
medicine for skin diseases like leprosy, and for inflammation of the mouth. The leaves are used as a tea for
conditions like coughs and asthma.Preparations of lagundi have been used for a wide variety of complaints
traditionally, although scientific research has concentrated on its use for respiratory complaints.

Especially good for Respiratory Problems

Lagundi is generally accepted in the Philippines to be useful for coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory
problems, and the Philippine government actively promotes it as an alternative to Western cough medicines. Some
doctors also prescribe lagundi to assist in the treatment of asthma, as regular doses appear to reduce the strength of
asthma attacks.As an analgesic, lagundi also appears to have some efficacy. It has been compared to drugs like
aspirin in trials, which show that lagundi may be useful in the treatment of things like pain after dental extractions.
Some people like to take lagundi before going in for extractions, in an attempt to pre-empt the associated pain and
discomfort.

Scientific Names:
Lagerstroemia speciosa L
Munchausia speciosa Linn.
Lagestroemia reginae Roxb
Banaba is also knows as:
Agaro, Mitla, Bugarom, Nabulong, Pamalauagon, Duguam, Pamarauagon, Kauilan, Parasabukung,
Makablos, Tabangau, Tauagnau
Banaba is a flowering plant that grows in warm climate like the Philippines, India and others. Banaba is
widely used in the Philippines and as herbal medicine for diabetes. While in India, Banaba is also used
in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The Banaba leaves and flowers contain corrosolic
acid, a substance being studied for its insulin like effect of lowering the glucose in the body. Banaba is
also being studied as a weight-loss supplement for its ability to delay or reduce the absorption of
carbohydraes. Banaba is also rich in vitamins and minerals including zinc and magnesium. Banaba is
also rich in dietary fibers.
Folkloric uses of Banaba herbal medicine include the treatment for diarrhea, constipation,
inflammation of kidneys, dysuria and other urinary dysfunctions
Banaba is a tropical flowering tree that grow up to 10 meters high. Banaba has large green oblong
leaves that is about 3 inches in width and 7 inches in length. The flowers or Banaba are racemes and
colored pink to lavender. Banaba bears nut-like fruits that are arranged in large clumps.
Banaba is used as herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes not only in India but also in the
Philippines. Studies have shown that Banaba contains corosolic acid that acts like insulin by lowering
the blood sugar in the body. Corosolic acid is a triterpenoid glycoside that improves the cellular uptake
of glucose (Murakami C, et al 1993, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin)