Akapulko / Acapulco

(Cassia alata)

kapulko or Acapulco in English is a shrub

found throughout the Philippines. It is
known under various names in different

A
regions in the country. Locals call the plant
katanda, andadasi, and palochina in
Tagalog, Ilocos and in the Visayas regions,
respectively. The shrub belongs to the family of
Leguminosae, and grows about one to two meters
tall. It has thick branches and the leaves are
embraced with 8 to 20 leaflets that are oblong-elliptical in shape. The flowers of
the Akapulko have oblong sepals, and its fruits are tetragonal, which are also
winged and glabrous. A medicinal herb that contains chrysophanic acid, a
fungicide used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies, and eczema.
Akapulko also contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal
parasites.

The primary part used for herbal purposes are the leaves, although the roots and
flowers are also used for certain preparations with medicinal value. The extracts
from the Akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient for lotions, soaps, and
shampoos.

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following skin diseases

• Tinea infections,
• insect bites,
• ringworms,
• eczema,
• scabies and
• itchiness.

Preparation & Use:

• For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice
and apply on affected areas.
• As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea, drink decoction (soak and
boil for 10 to 15 minutes) of Akapulko leaves. The same preparation may
be used as a mouthwash, stringent, and wash for eczema.
• As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers, and the leaves) into a
manageable size then prepare a decoction Note: The decoction looses its
potency if not used for a long time. Dispose leftovers after one day.
 • The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative functions, specifically
against ringworms.

Note: A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an abortifacient. Pregnant women

should not take decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.

Ampalaya
(Momordica charantia)
mpalaya (Bitter Melon) or its scientific name,

A
Momordica charantia has been a folkloric
cure for generations but has now been
proven to be an effective herbal medicine
for many aliments.

The Philippine Department of Health has

endorsed Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) as an
alternative herbal medicine for liver problems.
Research about Ampalaya has shown that
Amplaya increases the production of beta cells
by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s
ability to produce insulin, that controls the blood
sugar for diabetics.

Ampalaya leaves and fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin B, iron, calcium, and
phosphorus. It is also rich in beta carotene.

Ampalaya is used as herbal treatment for diabetes, HIV, coughs, skin diseases,
and sterility in women, parasiticide, antipyretic and as purgative among others.

Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya:

Diabetes. Ampalaya fruits and leaves can be eaten as vegetable. Ampalaya
tablets and capsules are also now available in the
Philippines.

Hemorrhoids. Powdered leaves and root decoction

of Ampalaya are applied to hemorrhoids as
astringent.

Stomach Problems. Ampalaya leaf juice is used to

expel intestinal parasites, treat dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic colitis. Grounded
seeds may also be used. Taken in a spoonfull 3x a day until ailment subsides.
Cough. Ampalaya leaf juice is used for mild coughs for children. Administered in a
teaspoon 3x a day.

Burns, Scalds and Wounds. Pounded Ampalaya seeds or leaf are used to treat
burns, scalds and wounds.

Other acclaimed uses are for the treatment of HIV, hypertension, treatment of
fever and headaches, treatment of rheumatism and gout, disease of the spleen
and liver.

Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and abortifacient.

Bayabas or Guava
(Psidium guajava)

B
ayabas or guava is a fruit bearing shrub or small tree that grows in the
tropical climate like Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. Bayabas is widely
used in the Philippines as herbal medicine and is recognized by the
Philippine Department of Health for its antiseptic property. Bayabas or
guava fruit is known for being rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. 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 or guava tree grows 3 to10 meters tall with greenish to
red-brownish smooth bark. Bayabas produce a round globular
bayabas fruit that starts as a flower. The bayabas fruit is green
and turns yellowish-green and soft when ripe. Bayabas fruit has
many small hard seeds contained in a yellowish pulp. Bayabas
fruit is usually eaten while still green and hard.

Uses of Bayabas :
• Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic
• Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba
• Used to treat diarrhea, nosebleeding
• For Hypertension, diabetes and Asthma
• Promotes menstruation
the fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing of wounds and cuts. A
decoction (boiling in water) or infusion of fresh leaves can be used for
wound cleaning to prevent infection. Bayabas is also effective for
toothaches.

Preparation:
• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Let
cool.
• Use decoction as mouthwash, gargle.
• Use as wound disinfectant - wash affected areas with the decoction of leaves 2
to 3 times a day. Fresh leaves may be applied to the wound directly for faster
healing.
• For toothaches, chew the leaves in your mouth.
• For diarrhea, boil the chopped leaves for 15 minutes in water, and strain. Let
cool, and drink a cup every three to four hours.
• To stop nosebleed, densely roll Bayabas leaves, then place in the nostril cavities.

Note: Bayabas can cause constipation when consumed in excess.

Bawang, Bauang | Garlic

(Allium sativum)
awang or garlic, is a specie in the

B
onion family Alliaceae. Bawang is a
close relative of onion (sibuyas), the
shallot, the leek and the chive.
Bawang has been used throughout
recorded history for both culinary
and medicinal purposes.

Bawang is a low herb, growing to up to 2 feet

high. Bawang is widely popular for its bulbs.
Bawang bulbs are broadly ovoid, 2 to 4 cm in
diameter, consisting of several cloves. Bawang
leaves are linear and flat. Umbels are globose,
many flowered. Sepas are oblong, greenish
white, slightly tinged with purple.

Bawang has a characteristic pungent, spicy

flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably
with cooking. Bawang cloves are used as seed,
for consumption (raw or cooked), and for
medicinal purposes. The leaves, stems (scape)
and flowers (bulbils) on the head (spathe) are also edible and most often
consumed while immature and still tender.

Bawang has been used as herbal medicine in many cultures for thousands of
years, dating at least as far back as the time that the Egyptian pyramids were
built. Bawang is claimed to help prevent heart disease including atherosclerosis,
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Bawang contains antibacterial compound known as Allicin,

Because of this bawang or garlic is known as nature's
antibiotic. Bawang juice inhibits the growth of fungi and
viruses thus prevents viral, yeast and viral infections.
Preliminary test shows Bawang to have some positive
results in the treatment of AIDS.

The Philippine Department of Health has endorsed Bawang as an alternative

herbal medicine for its anti bacterial properties and its efficacy for controlling
hypertension, blood cholesterol and blood sugar for diabetics among others.

Health Benefits of Bawang-Garlic:

Bawang - Antiinfectious: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic. Bawang
juice is applied to the afflicted area. Scientifically ajoene 0.4% cream when
applied topically, has been found 70% effective in certain dermatologic fungal
infections. A 0.6% gel was effective in tinea corporis and tinea cruris.

Bawang - Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity when included in diet.

Bawang - Hypertension: Bawang when eaten or chewed raw. Studies suggest

ingestion of Bawang has beneficial antihypertensive effect but blood-lowering
effects probably not dramatic. Other studies show a vascular benefit through
improvement of aortic elasticity and possible slowing of the rate of atherosclerosis
progression

Bawang - Hyperlipidemia: Bawang eaten or chewed raw is found to lower blood

cholesterol. Though still controversial, but probably has beneficial effect on serum
cholesterol and LDL levels. Some studies have shown a 4% to 12% lowering of
total cholesterol. Bawang seems to have no effect on high density lipoprotein
(HDL).

Bawang - Anti-cancer: Bawang is studied to have possible anticarcinogenic

properties, specifically for colon, stomach and prostate cancers. In stomach
cancers, probably through its inhibitory effect on H. pylori. In epidemiologic
studies on stomach and colorectal cancer prevention, the garlic use was 3.5
grams to 30 grams of fresh or cooked garlic per week.

Other folkloric uses of Bawang as herbal medicine that needs further

studies for verification:

Arthritis, rheumatism, toothaches: Crush several

Bawang cloves and rub on affected areas.

Headaches: Crush one Bawang clove and apply to both

temples as poultice.

Insect bites: Crush Bawang or cut clove crosswise and

rub directly to affected area.

Athlete's foot.Crush Bawang or cut clove crosswise and rub directly to affected
area.

Fever, Decoction of boiled Bawang leaves and bulbs set to luke warm and applied
to the head and body.

Colds, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma and bronchitis; Nasal

congestion steam inhalation of chopped Bawang and a teaspoon of vinegar in
boiling water.

Fresh Bawang has been used as a complement herbal medicine to INH therapy for
tuberculosis.

Digestive problems and gastrointestinal spasms. drink an infusion of a

peeled bawang clove or can also be used as suppository.

Lagundi
(Vitex negundo)
agundi (scientific name: Vitex

L
negundo) is a large native shrub
that grows in the Philippines and
has been traditionally used as
herbal medicine. The Philippine
Department of Health has
conducted research and study for
Lagundi and has suggested that the
lagundi plant has a number verifiable therapeutic value
Lagundi is an erect, branched tree or shrub, that grows to as much as 5 m high.
Lagundi has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk and is usually seen in swamps
of the Philippines. Lagund leaves appear palmately, in the form of five pointed
leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. Lagundi leaves are 5-foliate,
rarely with 3 leaflets only. Lagundi leaves are 4-10 cm long, slightly hairy beneath.
The lagundi flowers are blue to lavender, 6-7 mm long bearing fruit globose of
about 4mm in diameter that turns black when ripe,

Lagundi has been traditionally used as herbal medicine by Philippine folks. The
efficacy of Lagundi has also been verified by the Philippine Department of Health
and other Philippine based scientists which concentrated on its use to ease
respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally used for the treatment of coughs,
asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems,

Lagundi is also known for its analgesic effect that helps alleviate pain and
discomfort. Other traditional benefits that are derived from the use of Lagundi are
as follows:

• 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

Lagundi leaves, root, flowers, and seeds are believed to have medicinal value.
Lagundi concoction is prepared by boiling, steeping, and then straining various
parts such as lagundi leaves, roots, flowers and seeds.
• wash fresh or dried Lagundi leaves
• chop then add in 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of lagundi parts
• let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes
• Let it steep then strain the various parts.
• Drink half cup of Lagundi three times a day.
• Lagundi concoction can be stored in suitable blass container for later
consumption.

Niyog-Niyogan
(Quisqualis Indica L.)

N
iyog-niyogan or Rangoon Creeper is an excellent vine for
outdoor gardens. This ligneous plant, scientifically called
Quisqualis indica L. It is also known as Burma or Rangoon
Creeper, Liane Vermifuge and Chinese honeysuckle. Niyog-
niyogan is perfect for covered walkways as it grows at least 2.5m long and
reaches up to 8m long when it matures. This active climber, which belongs
to the combretaceae family grows best in tropical areas and demands
constant sunlight. Perhaps due to its tropical characterization that it is
found in primary and secondary forests of countries like Africa,
China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Papua New
Guinea and other Asian regions.

Niyog-niyogan is cultivated in greenhouses and can be naturalized in

tropical areas. This vine starts as a shrub about 3-feet tall with
branches growing from all directions. The mother shrub seizes to grow
and dies after six months allowing the creeper to rapidly climb walls,
trees, and the like. The branches of niyog-niyogan are filled with oblong-shaped
leaves growing on opposite sides attached to 6mm to 10mm long petioles. The
leaves of niyog-niyogan can grow up to 15cm long and more than 5cm wide with a
pointed tip. Its flowers grow in clusters and it blossoms year-round. Its flowers
open at night with five bright red petals and gives out a distinct perfume. The
young flowers of niyog-niyogan start with white-colored petals that turn pink then
red as it matures. It also bears fruits, which can grow up to 3cm long with five
angles on its sides.

The niyog-niyogan plant grows in haste during the rainy season, hence constant
pruning is especially recommended during this time. It is advised to place this
plant in spacious areas to avoid crowding with a temperature of at least 60°F with
evenly moistened soil to produce flowers. Niyog-niyogan can thrive in almost all
kinds of soil and can even tolerate moderate amount of drought in cold seasons.

Benefits & Treatment of Niyog-Niyogan:

Almost all of its parts are used individually, or mixed with other ingredients, as
remedy to different ailments. In the Philippines, these are taken to rid people of
parasitic worms. Some also use these to help alleviate coughs and diarrhea.
Medical experts, advice patients to consult their doctors as improper dosing may
cause hiccups. Niyog-niyogan’s leaves are used to cure body pains by placing
them on specific problematic areas of the body. Compound decoctions of the
leaves of niyog-niyogan are used in India to alleviate flatulence.

Preparation & Use:

Seeds of niyog-niyogan can be taken as an anthelmintic. These are eaten raw two
hours before the patient’s last meal of the day. Adults may take 10 seeds while
children 4 to 7 years of age may eat up to four seeds only. Children from ages 8 to
9 may take six seeds and seven seeds may be eaten by children 10 to 12 years
old.

Decoctions of its roots are also sometimes used as a remedy for rheumatism while
its fruits are used as an effective way to relieve toothaches.

Sambong
(Blumea balsamifera L.)

S ambong (scientific name: Blumea

balsamifera) is an amazing medicinal
plant. Coming from the family of
Compositae, it goes by several names
locally. It is known in the Visayas as
bukadkad and as subsob in Ilocos. The plant
is a strongly aromatic herb that grows tall
and erect. Its height ranges from 1.5 to 3
meters, with stems that grow for up to 2.5 centimeters. It is an anti-urolithiasis
and work as a diuretic. It is used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders. The
Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is
a diuretic, this herbal medicine helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in
the body.

Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine Department
of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders. This
plant possesses a multitude of properties that make it worthy of the DOH
approval. It functions as an astringent and as an expectorant, and has been found
to be anti-diarrhea and anti-spasm. As an astringent, preparations made of
sambong leaves may be used for wounds and cuts. It is also suggested to be
incorporated to post-partum baths, as well as considerable immersion of particular
body areas that are afflicted with pains caused by rheumatism. Its expectorant
properties make it as a popular recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat
colds.

Powdered Sambong leaves are available in 250 mg tablets at the DOH's Philippine
Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) Telephone # (632)
727-6199.

Health Benefits of Sambong:

• Good as a diuretic agent

• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism
• Treatment of colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic properties
• Anti-gastralgic properties
• Helps remove worms, boils
• Relief of stomach pains
• Treats dysentery, sore throat

Preparation & Use:

• A decoction (boil in water) of Sambong leaves as like tea and drink a glass 3 or 4
times a day.
• The leaves can also be crushed or pounded and mixed with coconut oil.
• For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples.
• Decoction of leaves is used as sponge bath.
• Decoction of the roots, on the other hand, is to be taken in as cure for fever.

Tsaang Gubat or Wild Tea

(Ehretia microphylla Lam.)

T
saang Gubat is one of the 10 herbs that is endorsed the Philippine
Department of Health (DOH) as an antispasmodic for abdominal
(stomach) pains. It is registered as an herbal medicine at the
Philippine Bureau of Food & Drug (BFAD).

It is a shrub (small tree) that grows (from 1

to 5 meters) abundantly in the
Philippines. In folkloric medicine, the leaves has been used as a disinfectant wash
during child birth, as cure for diarrhea, as tea for general good heath and because
Tsaang Gubat has high fluoride content, it is used as a mouth gargle for
preventing tooth decay. Research and test now prove it's efficacy as an herbal
medicine. Aside from the traditional way of taking Tsaag Gubat, it is now available
commercially in capsules, tablets and tea bags.

Tsaang Gubat is also knows as: Wild Tea, Forest Tea, Alibungog (Visayas Region),
Putputai (Bicol Region) and Maragued (Ilocos Region). Scientific name: Ehretia
Microphylla Lam.

Health Benefits of Tsaang Gubat:

• Stomach pains
• Gastroenteritis
• Intestinal motility
• Dysentery
• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM)
• Mouth gargle
• Body cleanser/wash

Preparation & Use:

• Thoroughly wash the leaves of tsaang gubat in running water. Chop to a

desirable size and boil 1 cup of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil in low heat
for 15 to 20 minutes and drain.
• Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea, gastroenteritis and stomach pains.
• Gargle for stronger teeth and prevent cavities.
• Drink as tea daily for general good health.
Yerba Buena
(Clinopodium douglasii)

Y
erba Buena is an herb
of the mint family. It
is an aromatic plant
used as herbal
medicine worldwide.
This perennial plant’s growth
ranges from 0.6 meters to 1
meter. It has elongated leaves
and in summers, it bears small
whitish or purplish flowers. Such
flowers possess both male and
female organs that allow it to be
pollinated by bees and animals of
the same nature. The word Yerba Buena is Spanish for "good herb" and was the
former name of the California city of San Francisco.

Before its medicinal value has been recognized, Yerba Buena was first used as an
ingredient in numerous cuisines. It became popular because of its distinctively
strong spearmint flavor, thus making it ideal for salads. The leaves are the source
of this flavor, and they may be added to viands and meals, either raw or cooked. It
has also been effective to drive away rats and other rodents, because of its strong
smell of mint that it emits. Thus, besides its medicinal value, it has long been
recognized to have strong commercial demand due to the variety of uses that the
plant have.

Yerba Buena has been consumed for centuries as tea and herbal medicine as a
pain reliever (analgesic). Native American Indians used it even before the "white
men" colonized the Americas. Today, this folk medicine's efficacy has been
validated by scientific research. In the Philippines, Yerba Buena is one of the 10
herbs endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an effective alternative
medicine for aches and pains. It has been recognized for its antiseptic, anti-
cancer, diuretic, anti-spasm, anti-emetic activities. Properties of this herbal plant
are also found to function as stimulant and to have restorative effects.

As an herbal medicine, a decoction (boil leaves then strain) of Yerba Buena is

effective for minor ailments such as headaches, toothaches, and joint pains. It can
also relive stomachaches due to gas buildup and indigestion. The fresh and dried
leaves can both be used for the decoction. And because Yerba Buena belongs to
the mint family, soaking fresh leaves in a glass of water (30 to 45 minutes) makes
a good and effective mouth wash for a clean, fresh smelling breath.

Yerba Buena may be used to treat:

• Arthritis
• Head aches
• Tooth aches
• Mouth wash
• Relief of intestinal gas
• Stomach aches
• Indigestion
• Drink as tea for general good health.

Preparation & Use:

• Wash fresh Yerba Buena leaves in running water. Chop to size for dried leaves,
crush) and boil 2 teaspoons of leaves in a glass of water. Boil in medium heat for
15 to 20 minutes.
• As analgesic, take a cupful every 3 hours.
• For tooth aches, pound the fresh leaves, squeeze juice out and apply on a cotton
ball then bite on to the aching tooth.
• Yerba buena leaves may be heated over fire and placed over the forehead for
headaches.
Stems of Yerba Buena may be crushed and applied directly to bruises. Folkloric
use include poultice preparation and the oil extracts from its stems are suggested
to be a remedy for cancerous tumors. Caution should be observed in taking this
herbal medicine as it can be toxic in large doses.