CHASTEBERRY as Herbal Medicine

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Possibly Effective for:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking vitex agnus-castus by mouth seems to decrease some symptoms of PMS, especially breast pain or tenderness (mastalgia), constipation, irritability, depressed mood or mood alterations, anger, and headache in some women. Vitex agnus-castus might not be effective for symptoms of bloating.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS. Vitex agnus-castus is about as effective as the prescription drug fluoxetine (Prozac) for relieving symptoms of PMDD. However, vitex agnus-castus seems to be somewhat more effective for physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, swelling, cramps, and food cravings. Fluoxetine seems to be somewhat more effective for psychological symptoms such as depression, irritability, insomnia, nervous tension, and feeling out of control.

Vitex agnus-castus is LIKELY SAFE for most people. Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, itching, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain. Some women notice a change in menstrual flow when they start taking vitex agnus-castus.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Using vitex agnus-castus during pregnancy or breast-feeding is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. The concern is that vitex agnus-castus can interfere with hormones. Don’t use vitex agnus-castus if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as endometriosis; uterine fibroids; or cancer of the breast, uterus, or ovaries: Vitex agnus-castus can affect hormones and might affect estrogen levels. Don’t use vitex agnus-castus if you have a hormone-sensitive condition.

In vitro fertilization: Vitex agnus-castus can interfere with the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization. Don’t use vitex agnus-castus if you are undergoing this procedure.

Sabah Snake Grass as Herbal Medicine

Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus Nutans Lindau) is natural common plant and has been widely used in Malaysia and other Asia countries as traditional cure. In malay language it also known as " BELALAI GAJAH or ELEPHANT TRUNK leave.

Herbal cancer treatment : Traditional uses of SSG

Sabah Snake Grass has traditionally been used for the following health problems:

Sore throat
Uric acid
Gout
Uterine fibroid
Kidney problems
Prostate inflammation
Skin problems like eczema, shingles, and psoriasis


Herbal cancer treatment : SSG cures cancer

This is the piece of information that might save lives. Who knows. So no harm sharing here. I shall give the links to the relevant sites at the end of this article.

It was reported in another site that Sabah Snake Grass has cured so many types of cancer:

Lung cancer
Uterus cancer
Prostate cancer
Breast cancer
Leukemia
Dialysis patients

Others with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high uric acid and diabetes have also benefitted from Sabah Snake Grass.

Two varieties of this plant

Apparently there are two varieties of this plant. The effective one is the Sabah Snake Grass (SSG). The other variety is the Indian Snake Grass (ISG). The leaves of SSG taste sweet, whereas those of ISG taste very bitter. The leaves of SSG are longer than those of ISG.

Wild Strawberry as Herbal Medicine

The herb represents a great remedy and its usage is situated somewhere between food and medicine, but it can also cause serious allergic reactions. The small yellow dots that cover the fruit (the herbs seeds) are the ones that give the herb its therapeutical power.

Uses

-liver disorders such as hepatitis, chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis
-Diabetes, goutiness, high cholesterol levels and arteriosclerosis
- Rheumatism
-skin diseases such as acne, dermatosis and psoriasis, catalyzing the healing processes.
- increase the resistance to high temperatures. It has a cooling effect and it stimulates the nervous system, acting against fatigue and asthenia that appear during hot periods.
-represents an elixir that prevents wrinkles and refreshes complexions. Mashed strawberries used for face treatments have an excellent effect even in the cases of people who have faded complexions.
- good remedy against chilblains.
-have a laxative effect healing constipation

Caution
Special attention must be directed at those who suffer form allergies, because in those cases it is best to consume small quantities of wild strawberries. The consumed quantity can be increased gradually only if there are no digestive, dermatological or respiratory problems.

Wood Avens as Herbal Medicine

The rhizome (radix gei) is the only part of the herb which has medicinal usages. It has a cylindrical shape and measures about 1 inch in diameter. Due to the secretion of eugenol, a volatile chemical substance, the rhizome as well as its roots give off a pleasant clove smell. It should be noted that rhizomes and the roots are uprooted either in the springtime, before the appearance of leaves or in the fall when the cocnnetration of eugenol is higher. In November, the concentration of the active substances contained - like tannin - is the highest.

wood avens plant For therapeutic purposes, rhizomes are used in their dry form. After being uprooted, the roots are washed with cold water and are then laid in thin layers in the sunlight or in rooms without humidity with temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius. The process of drying ends as soon as the roots assimilate a ligneous appearance, easily breakable. The quantity of dry substance obtained from 2-3kg of fresh roots is about 1kg.

Proprieties and benefits of Wood Avens
Tannin (10-20%), saccharose, starch, bitetr substances and mineral salts are the predominant chemical substances contained by the herb. The presence of tannin in cerentel ensures that wood avens can effectively alleviate stomach afflictions, infectious diarrhea, liver or biliary disorders. As it was previously mentioned, wood avens also contains eugenol, a substance with multiple usages in medicine and stomatology. The herb has astringent effects (eliminates painful muscular contractions), analgesic effects (it alleviates pain), antiseptic (keeps bacteria infections away), soothing (at intestinal level) and haemostatic effects (it can stop bleedings and soothe the haemorrhoidale pain).


Treatments and mixtures


Some of wood avens's usages are as follows. Due to the fact that it is a good disinfectant, the herb is recommended in alleviating enterocolitis and menstrual pains (because of its haemostatic properties it can stop bleedings). As an astringent, the herb effectively treats diarrhea and intestinal infections. Other usages of the plant are noticeable in internal treatments: pharyngitis, amygdalitis, bronchitis, asthenia, depressions and even cancerous diseases. As an antiseptic, it is good for gargling in case of toothaches, dental abscesses, amygdalitis, stomatitis, gingivitis and plaques.

Wood avens powder
Wood avens powder. Half of spoonful of powder administrated three times a day for two weeks is the ideal treatment against pharyngitis, amygdalitis and bronchitis. In cases of intestinal infections and diarrhea, the dosage is increased to four spoonfuls of powdered root a day. Against weak states and anemia produced by bleedings, an initial dose of 2-3 spoonful of powder is administrated, after which the treatment is continued with one spoonful of powder four times a day for five straight days.

Wood avens infusion
Wood avens infusion. This mixture can successfully treat stomatitis and gingivitis if gargling is done three times a day for a period of one to two weeks. It is efficient also for depressive, melancholic states and fatigue by being administered a cup of this mixture twice a day for six weeks. After a pause of two weeks the treatment can be resumed.

wood avens By combining powdered root of wood avens with the infusion, a mixture is made that is efficient in treating cancerous disorders because it amplifies the assimilation processes and also it maintains the physical and psychic tonus. Thus, before each important meal, a cup of wood avens infusion in which half a spoon of powdered herb was dissolved is consumed.

Wood avens tincture
Wood avens tincture. Owing to its anesthetic proprieties, a wad moisted in tincture and used as a poultice can alleviate toothaches. This tincture can also be used for massages to eliminate muscular strains.

Warning
An overdose can trigger nausea states. Also it is not recommended for the products based on wood avens to be consumed between meals, because it can sometimes produce gastro-intestinal irritations. In hepatic afflictions the consumption of wood avens is not indicated.

Wood Spurge as Herbal Medicine

Traditionally: well developed plants in bloom were used in many villages for dying eggs, fibers and fabrics.

The wood spurge, carefully dosed by old women, experts in medicinal plants, has had many applications in medicine, both human and veterinary ones. The latex in the plant was used against infections, warts and freckles.

In the Bran area, the wood spurge was placed in the ears against tooth aches.

The floral stalks were boiled and the decoct helped wash away wounds and scabies.

The boiled plant was placed on the head, in bunches, in a cloth, against head aches.

Drink with warm water as an abstergent and, for stomach aches, take a small dose with wheat flower.

Boil it in sweet milk or water and administer against severe fever. It was also used for rheumatic pains or wounds on the ill persons' bodies. The wood spurge was boiled with water and the resulted broth was used to wash their bodies, while the spindle was used to foment them. It is no longer used as a medicinal plant, being abandoned because other plants with less powerful effects for the diseases they treat were discovered, plants that are not toxic.
Chemical composition:
- latex, gum, resin, fatty and ethereal oils, tannin, albumen, etc.

Properties of Wood spurge
Properties of Wood spurge it has effects against mycoses and is very useful in treating eczema. It can also be used for treating intestinal worms and as an external revulsive.

Toxicology! The plant is poisoning so it has to be consumed internally with a great deal of attention. It can lead to blindness and the seeds can actually kill a person.

It can be used for the following medical conditions: warts, ringworms, etc.

Usage: they used the latex, which was applied locally. It is obtained from the fresh plant.

Saffron Threads as Herbal Medicine

Parts Used: dried stigma (stamens) of the flower

Saffron, the worlds most expensive spice, is spice derived from the dried stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus. The use of saffron comes down to us from anitquity, and was used by ancient Greeks, Indians and Egyptian in both cooking and medicine. Traditional uses of saffron extend far beyond the kitchen. Saffron has been used to reduce fever, to regulate the menstrual cycle, to combat epilepsy and convulsions and to treat digestive disorders. The bitter glucoside picrocrocin is responsible for saffron's flavour.

Saffron yields a deep, rich yellow that has given its mark to the robes of Tibetan monks, and just a single thread can flavor a whole meal, Saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds.

Granadilla ( Passion Flower as Herbal Medicine)

Parts used
Roots, bark, flowers, fruit.
Dried leaves and stems.

Uses
Skin of the fruit , bark of root, used for intestinal tapeworms and parasites.
- Decoction of root bark used for malaria, splenic enlargement, tuberculous afflictions.
Infusion of powdered flower buds prescribed for bronchitis, as a wound wash, and to expel worms.
- Fruits, powdered with the seeds, as an infusion for dyspepsia, stomach pains, dysentery, colitis, and antihelmintic.
- Used for anxiety , nervousness and insomnia.
- Used for epilepsy, neuralgia, premenstrual tension.
- Folk remedy for hyperactivity.
- Use for whooping cough, morphine addiction, insomnia, neuroses in children, teething, spasms.
- Poultice of roots applied to boils, cuts, earaches, inflammation.
- In the Americas and Europe, used traditionally as a "calming" herb for anxiety, seizures and hysteria.
- In Mauritius, used as diuretic and emetic.
- In Guiana, used as vomitive and taeniacide.
- Indigenous tribes in the Amazon have long used the leaves for its sedative and pain-relieving properties; also, as a heart tonic and for coughs.
Homeopathic medicine
- Used for treatment of insomnia, epilepsy, tetanus and muscle spasms.

Passionflower may aggravate conditions caused by excessive testosterone (baldness and prostate problems in men, unusual aggression, hair growth, and skin problems in men and women) so this should be evaluated before consuming too much Passionflower. Not for use in pregnancy, can cause uterine contractions.

Wormwood as Herbal Medicine

Parts Used: Aerial parts
Constituents: volatile oil (mainly composed of thujone, but also other compounds including chamazulene), bitter principle (absinthum), carotene, vitamin c, tannins.

Wormwood is an herb. The above-ground plant parts and oil are used for medicine.

Wormwood is used for various digestion problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, gall bladder disease, and intestinal spasms. Wormwood is also used to treat fever, liver disease, and worm infections; to increase sexual desire; as a tonic; and to stimulate sweating.

Wormwood oil is also used for digestive disorders, to increase sexual desire, and to stimulate the imagination.

Some people apply wormwood directly to the skin for healing wounds and insect bites. Wormwood oil is used as a counterirritant to reduce pain.

Small doses of wormwood tea taken before meals can stimulate digestion and prevent heartburn and gas, and even boost energy.

As the name implies, wormwood is a powerful worming agent that has been used for hundreds of years to expel tapeworms, threadworms, and especially roundworms from dogs, cats, and their humans. Although wormwood makes like miserable for parasites, it is not kind to the host. Wormwood is a common ingredient in many herbal "cleansing" formulations. If you suspect you or you child has been infested with worms, it really is best to seek medical help rather that rely on home cures.

Wormwood oil contains the chemical thujone, which excites the central nervous system. However, it can also cause seizures and other adverse effects.

Marihuana (MARIJUANA) as Herbal Medicine

Parts used
Leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers.

Uses
Cannabis has be used medicinally worldwide for thousands of years.
- Described in ancient Chinese writings, together with ginseng and ephedra, as mainstays of herbal medicine where it was recommended for more than 100 ailments, including gout, rheumatism, malaria, and absentmindedness. Later Chinese texts describe its use for treating vomiting, parasitic infections and hemorrhage. Today, it is still a folk remedy for diarrhea, dysentery and as appetite stimulant.
- In Ayurvedic medicine, used to promote sleep, appetite, digestion, pain relief; also described as aphrodisiac and intoxicant.
- In Africa, used for a variety of ailments, including snakebites, labor pains, malaria, and dysentery.

Caution
- Already powerful and mind-altering, marijuana is mixed and smoked with other substances, like angel dust (PCP, phencyclidine hydrochloride) or cocaine.
- Marijuana today is much more potent than the 70s. Average THC levels have risen from less than one percent to more than 6% in 2002. Sinsemilla potency has increased in the past two decades from 6% to 13%, with some samples boasting THC levels up to 33%.
- Although the popular myth holds to marijuana's non-addictiveness, current research supports that marijuana is both physically addictive and psychologically addictive.

Calendula as Herbal Medicine

Parts Used: flowers and oil
Constituents: carotenoids, resin, essential oil, flavonoids, sterol, bitter principle, saponins, mucilage

Calendula is a stunningly beautiful flower, the deep orange and yellow petals form a colorful contrast with the greenery in the herb garden. It is little wonder that Calendula, called "Marygold", Marigold or "sunbride" in the herbals of the middle ages was ascribed such magical powers and healing virtues, the flower's oil heals the skin so well. The German Commission E has verified the effectiveness of calendula in healing wounds and reducing inflammation.

Calendula is particularly good treatment for cuts, scrapes, bruises, insect bites and minor wounds. Calendula is also antifungal and so can help to cure thrush (Candida albicans). Mabey, pp46 The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of calendula make it a good face wash for dry, irritated skin and acne. Fresh calendula petals can also be infused in boiling water and used to treat minor infections, conjunctivitis, and mouth sores. Calendula tinctures are also a concentrated and convenient way to treat sore or infected gums.

Komprey (COMPREY) as Herbal Medicine

Toxicity !
• Hepatotoxicity: Since the late 70's, subject of persisting concerns and debate on certain alkaloid contents that may cause liver damage, veno-occlusive liver disease, ascites and hepatic fibrosis.
• Advice is given against use of comfrey as salad green or tea.
• In July 2001, the US FDA took steps to stop the marketing of comfrey as a dietary supplement. (Source)

Parts utilized
Leaves , flowers and roots.

Uses
Decoction of leaves used for a variety of illnesses: Asthma, cough, ulcers, constipation, hypertension.
· Poultice of fresh leaves used for sprains and fractures, inflammatory swelling, external wounds, sores, athlete's foot, burns, insect bites, and abscesses.
· Used for excessive menstrual flow, cancer, angina, gums disease
· Juice of leaves used for a variety of skin ailments and wounds healing; apply three times daily.
· Decoction of tea as a sleep-aid.
· Roots and leaves used for broken bones and wounds.
· In Ayurveda, used for peptic ulcer.
· In Polish pharmacopoeia, as Radix symphyti, recommended as expectorant, especially for children.

Safety studies
· Probably safe when used topically on unbroken skin. Use should be limited to 4 to 6 weeks per year at less than 100 mcg of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, with toxicity concerns, it is advisable to seek alternatives.
· Avoid oral use. Probably not safe when taken orally. Potential for liver toxicity.
· Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.

Ginseng Root as Herbal Medicine

Parts Used: root
Constituents: hormone-like saponins,(ginsenosides), volatile oil, sterols, starch, sugars, pectin, vitamins bl, b2 and b12, choline, fats, minerals

Ginseng is one the best known and widely prescribed herbs in Chinese medicine as a general adaptogenic and restorative tonic. Adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng are especially useful in debilitated persons suffering from exhaustion, fatigue, liver disease, stress and wasting from chronic disease.
It should not be taken during acute inflammatory disease or bronchitis since it can drive the disease deeper and make it worse. Moreover, in China, ginseng is rarely used on its own, but is usually combined with other herbs, such as licorice or Chinese dates, which temper its powerful nature.

Ginseng Side Effects: Do not use during pregnancy. Consult with a health professional before self treating if you have high blood pressure.

Devil's claw as Herbal Medicine

Devil’s claw is an herb. The botanical name, Harpagophytum, means “hook plant” in Greek. This plant, which is native to Africa, gets its name from the appearance of its fruit, which is covered with hooks meant to attach onto animals in order to spread the seeds. The roots and tubers of the plant are used to make medicine.

Devil’s claw is used for “hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis), arthritis, gout, muscle pain (myalgia), back pain, tendonitis, chest pain, gastrointestinal (GI) upset or heart burn, fever, and migraine headache. It is also used for difficulties in childbirth, menstrual problems, allergic reactions, loss of appetite, and kidney and bladder disease.

Some people apply devil’s claw to the skin for injuries and other skin conditions.

Taking devil’s claw alone or along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seems to help decrease osteoarthritis-related pain.

Devil’s claw contains chemicals that might decrease inflammation and swelling and resulting pain.

Parts Used: tuberous root
Constituents: aluminum, calcium, chlorogenic acid, chromium, harpagide, kaempferol, luteolin, magnesium, oleanolic acid, selenium, tin, zinc

Devils claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been shown to relieve muscle pain and enhance mobility for people with either arthritis or muscle injuries.

Because improper digestion of protein plays a role in gout, causing the uric acid buildup, this is a remedy tailor-made for people with gout.


Devil's Claw Side Effects: Not recommended for those with an ulcer. High doses could interfere with blood pressure, heart, and diabetes medications.

Romero (Rosemary) as Herbal Medicine

Parts Used: Leaves, stems and flowers
Constituents: essential oil (borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene, linalool); flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and other phenolic acids; diterpenes, triterpenes

Uses
Cough: Inhale steam of strong decoction of herb.
- Diuretic: Take decoction of herb as needed.
- Gas pains: Take decoction of herb as needed.
- Rheumatism: Make decoction of herb and soak affected area.
- Conjunctivitis: Infusion of leaves used as an eyewash, 4 to 5 times daily.
- Vapor baths, using 30 to 40 gms of leaves in boiling water for rheumatism, catarrh.
- Juice of leaves applied to areas of thinning hair and dandruff; also, as rosemary vinegar.
- Rosemary tea also used as conditioning hair rinse,
- Infusion of leaves as tea for dyspepsia, flatulence.
- Decoction of leaves as mouthwash for gums disease, halitosis, sore throat.
Aromatic bath: Use decoction of herb.
- Infusion with oil for massages.
- Daily use of rosemary tea believed to prevent cataracts.
- For Hair wash: Steep 25 g of rosemary in 2 pints of cider vinegar for two weeks, shaking occasionally; strain. In hair washing, put 1-2 tsp in the final rinse.
- For dandruff, massage rosemary vinegar thoroughly into scalp, 20 mins before washing.
- As hair restorer, romero is macerated in alcohol and rubbed on twice daily. The hair lotion is suppose to stimulate the hair bulbs to renewed activity and prevents baldness.
- Postpartum bath: Boil a head of petals in a quart of water). (Related article: Suob)
- Used as antispasmodic in renal colic and dysmenorrhea.
- Decoction of leaves used as carminative and as an abortive.
- Infusion of leaves used for gastralgia, dyspepsia, flatulence and palpitations.
- Leaves used as febrifuge.
- In Mexico, a 2% infusion of leaves or its essence (6 drops every 24 hours) is considered stomachic.
- Volatile oil used as stimulant in liniments.

Chamomile as Herbal Medicine

Parts Used: Chamomile flowers, tea, chamomile oil
Constituents: volatile oil (containing chamazulene, farnesene, bisabolol), flavonoids (including rutin and quercimertrin), coumarins, plant acids (including valerianic acid), fatty acids, cyanogenic glycosides, salicylate derivatives

Chamomile is an herb that people have used for centuries. People in the United States probably know it as tea to calm an upset stomach or to help with sleep. Two types of chamomile are used for good health: German chamomile (Matricaria retutica) and Roman (or English) chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

German chamomile is used and studied the most. A German governmental organization (Commission E) has approved its use on the skin to reduce swelling and fight bacteria and as a tea or dietary supplement for stomach cramps.

You can buy chamomile as dried flower heads, an infusion (tea), liquid extract, tinctures (concentrated in alcohol), and in creams and ointments.

People use German chamomile to treat irritation from chest colds, slow-healing wounds, abscesses, gum inflammation, and skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash. For these conditions, you use chamomile in an infusion or bath, or as a tincture, which is a concentrated extract mixed with alcohol. People use Roman chamomile as a tea to treat an upset stomach, sleeping problems, or menstrual pain.

The bitter principles in chamomile make it an excellent tonic for the liver and digestive system. The bittersweet flavor stimulate the gastric juices, and help to settle the stomach. Chamomile teas can be used as part of a treatment program for irritable bowel syndrome because of its antispasmodic properties. Chamomile's anti-inflammatory actions soothe inflammation throughout the digestive tract. Chamomile is more effective for nausea and morning sickness when used with ginger.

Chamomile calms anxiety, eases stress and may have a positive effect on attention deficit disorder (ADD). Laboratory tests on animals show that inhaling the vapors of essential oil of chamomile reduces the body's production of adrenocorti-cotropichormone (ACTH), a stress hormone. WhiteChamomile tea and chamomile oil are safe for children and babies who have trouble sleeping or are under stress.

Chamomile is an excellent healing agent in douche formulas and sitz baths to treat vaginitis and yeast infections.

The pollen found in chamomile preparations may cause allergic reactions. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, you may not be able to use chamomile. Chamomile may interfere with blood thinners (anticoagulants).

California Poppy as Herbal Medicine

California poppy is a plant. It is the state flower of California. People use the parts that grow above the ground for medicine.
California poppy is one of the oldest North American remedies for stress-induced maladies including sensitivity to changes in the weather. The above ground parts and roots of this wildflower show promise in the treatment of insomnia without the side effects and dependency risks of sleep aids. Higher doses of California poppy are sedating, lower doses reduce anxiety and lower stress. The effect is far milder than that of opium, which contains a different class of alkaloids.

California poppy is used for trouble sleeping (insomnia), aches, nervous agitation, bed-wetting in children, and diseases of the bladder and liver. It is also used to promote relaxation.

In combination with other herbs, California poppy is used for depression, long-term mental and physical tiredness (neurasthenia), nerve pain, various psychiatric conditions, blood vessel problems, sensitivity to weather changes, and sedation. An herb combination including California poppy is also used for sleep and mood disturbance associated with strong, warm wind in the Alps (foehn illness).

How does it work?
California poppy contains chemicals that might cause relaxation and sleepiness.

California poppy appears to be safe for most people when taken appropriately by mouth for three months or less. There isn't enough information to know if California poppy is safe for longer term use.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of California poppy during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: California poppy can slow down the central nervous system, causing sleepiness and other effects. There is some concern that California poppy might slow down the central nervous system too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using California poppy at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Yerba buena (PEPPER MINT) as Herbal Medicine

A vine of the mint family, popularly known as Peppermint. Its analgesic properties make it an ideal pain reliever to alleviate the body's aches and pains. A decoction 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.

Properties
- Carminative, stimulant, stomachic, aromatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sudorific, emmenagogue.
- Oil is rubefacient and stimulant.
- Tops and leaves are carminative.

Parts utilized
Leaves and stems.

Uses
One of the oldest household remedies known.
- In the Philippines, tops and leaves are considered carminative; when bruised used as antidote to stings of poisonous insects.
- Mint is used in neuralgic affections, renal and vesical calculus.
- Used for stomach weakness and diarrhea.
- Decoction and infusion of leaves and stems used for fever, stomach aches, dysmenorrhea, and diuresis.
- Pounded leaves for insect bites, fevers, toothaches, headaches.
- Crushed fresh plants or leaves are sniffed for dizziness.
- Powdered dried plant as dentrifice.
- Crushed leaves are applied on the forehead and temples for headaches.
- For toothaches: (1) Wet a small piece of cotton with juice expressed from crushed leaves; apply this impregnated cotton bud to the tooth. (2) Boil 6 tbsp. of leaves in two glasses of water for 15 minutes; strain and cool. Divide the decoction into 2 parts and take every 3 to 4 hours.
- For flatulence: Boil 4 tbsp of chopped leaves in 1 cup water for five minutes; strain. Drink the decoction while lukewarm. Facilitates expulsion of flatus.
- Alcohol or ether extract used as local anesthetic for affections of the nose, pharynx, and larynx.
- Used for obstinate vomiting of pregnancy.
- An alcoholic solution of menthol has been used as inhalation for asthma. Menthol is also used as local anesthesia for headache and facial neuralgia.
- Decoction or vapor from menthol used with lemon grass as febrifuge. Also used in hiccups.
- Plant used as emmenagogue; also used in jaundice.
- Dried plant used as dentrifice.
- Leaves and stems used as carminative, antispasmodic, and sudorific.
- Infusion of leaves used for indigestion, rheumatic pans, arthritis and inflamed joints.
- For coughs, boil 6 tbsp of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 mins; cool and strain. Divide the decoction into three parts; take 1 part 3 times a day.
- Diluted essential oil used as wash for skin irritations, burns, pruritus, scabies, ringworm and as mosquito repellent.
- For arthritis, warm fresh leaves over low flame; then pound. Apply pounded leaves while warm on the painful joints or muscles.
- As mouthwash, soak 2 tbsp chopped leaves in 1 glass of hot water for 30 minutes; strain. Use the infusion as mouthwash.

Tsaang gubat (Wild Tea) as Herbal Medicine

A shrub prepared like tea, it is now 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.

Properties
- Considered analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antispasmodic and anti-mutagenic.

Parts utilized
Leaves.

Uses
Leaf decoction or infusion for abdominal colic, cough, diarrhea and dysentery.
- Root decoction used as an antidote for vegetable poisoning.
- For diarrhea: Boil 8 tbsp of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes; strain and cool. Use 1/4 of the decoction every 2 or 3 hours. Decoction has also been used as a dental mouthwash.
- Decoction of leaves used as disinfectant wash after childbirth.
- In Sri Lanka, used for diabetes: 50 gm of fresh leaves or roots are chopped; 100 cc of water is added, and 120 cc of juice is extracted by squeezing, and given once or twice daily.
New Application
• Being promoted by the Department of Health (DOH) as an antispasmodic; for stomach/abdominal pains.
• One of a few herbs recently registered with the Bureau of Foods and Drugs as medicines

Tanglad (Lemon Grass) as Herbal Medicine

A permanent or perennial plant, and the benefits of which are not restricted to its fragrance. The utility of tanglad basically lies in its leaves, where all the benefits are derived.

Properties
The oils are reddish-yellow with an intense odor and taste of lemons.
Carminative, tonic, stimulant, diuretic, purgative, sudorific.
Leaves considered antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and sedative.

Parts utilized
Leaves

Uses
Folkloric
· Diarrhea: Boil 10 leaves in 2 glasses of water for 10 minutes; add a tablespoon of sugar and one small piece of crushed ginger.
· For adults: 1 cup, 3 times daily and after each loose bowel movement.
· Children: (Babies) 1 tablespoon 3 times daily and after each loose bowel movement; 2-6 years, 1/4 cup 3 times daily and after each loose bowel movement; 7-12 years, 1/2 cup three times daily and after each loose bowel movement.
· Suob: One of the 10 herbal ingredients in the decoction/bath in the post-partum ritual of suob. (See: Suob)
· Hot decoction of roots for toothaches. Roots also used as a diuretic.
· A stomachic for children.
· The oil, mixed with equal amounts of coconut oil, is used as a liniment for back pains, rheumatic complains, neuralgia, sprains and other painful afflictions.
· Decoction of leaves used as stomachic, diuretic, and refrigerant.
· In various traditional systems, leaf infusions used as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and sedative.
· In Cuban folk medicine, used to lower blood pressure and as anti-inflammatory.
· In Brazil, used as sedative, for gastrointestinal maladies, and as febrifuge.
· In Malaya, used as a potion after childbirth.
· In Indonesia, used as digestive, diuretic, sudorific and emmenagogue.
· In India, used for gastrointestinal problems.
· In China, used as ansiolitic.
· In Nigeria, used as antipyretic, stimulant and antispasmodic.
· In Trinidad and Tobago, used for diabetes.
· In various folk medicinal use: oil used for cough, cold, hemoptysis, rheumatism, back pain, bladder problems

Silymarin (Milk Thistle ) as Herbal Medicine

Silymarin is derived from Milk Thistle (seed extract from the flower of silymarin plant). The Milk thistle herb is a flowering plant of Silybum Adans genus, a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae). It grows mainly in North Africa, the Mediterranean region and the Middle East (now also grown in the U.S.) but is marketed and is widely available in the Philippines as a herbal liver supplement (silymarin capsules, trademark: Liveraide). Silymarin and milk thistle are frequently used interchangeably.

Silymarin is a polyphenolic flavanoid consisting of three chemicals: silybin, silicristin and silidianin which are antioxidants that neutralizes and breaks down free radicals. When there is an existing liver damage, research shows that silymarin may help repair the damage and help regenerate new liver cells but is unlikely to help in the late stages of liver cirrhosis.

In very rare instances, silymarin can cause headaches, upset stomach and joint pains. Silymarin is not recommended during pregnancy. Dozes over 1.5 grams a day may cause diarrhoea. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor or a health care provider before taking silymarin herbal supplements, liver supplements or any herbal medicine.

Uses
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.

Sambong (BLUMEA CAMPHOR) as Herbal Medicine

A a Philippine medicinal plant used to treat 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.

Properties
Considered anthelmintic, antidiarrheal, antigastralgic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, stomachic, and vulnerary.

Parts utilized
Leaves (fresh or dried) and young roots before flowering.
Mature, healthy, fully expanded leaves are harvested while senescent leaves are discarded. Air-dry until they crumble when crushed with the fingers. Store in amber colored bottles in a cool, dry place.

Uses
Leaves as poultice for abscesses.
- Decoction of roots and leaves for fevers, kidney stones, and cystitis.
- Decoction of leaves used to induced diuresis for purpose of treating kidney stones.
- Sitz-bath of boiled leaves, 500 gms to a gallong of water, for rheumatic pains of waist and back.
- Used in upper and lower respiratory tract affections like sinusitis, asthmatic bronchitis, influenza.
- Applied while hot over the sinuses. Used for wounds and cuts.
Fresh juice of leaves to wounds and cuts.
- Poultice of leaves applied to the forehead for relief of headaches.
- Tea is used for colds and as an expectorant; likewise, has antispasmodic and antidiarrheal benefits.
Postpartum baths.
- In Vietnam, decoction of fresh leaves used for cough and influenza or as inhalation of vapour from boiling of leaves.
- In Thailand, dried leaves are chopped, made into cigarettes and smoked for treating sinusitis.
- For fever, leaves boiled and when lukewarm used as sponge bath.
- Decoction of roots used for fever.
- Decoction of leaves, 50 gms to a pint of boiling water, 4 glasses daily, for stomach pains.
- In SE Asia widely used for various women problems. Postpartum, leaves are used in hot fomentation over the uterus to induce rapid involution. Also used for menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, functional uterine bleeding and leucorrhea.
- Roots used for menorrhage.
- Decoction of roots and leaves used for rheumatism and arthritis; also used for treatment of post-partum joint pains.
- Poultice of fresh leaves applied to affected joint.
- In Chinese and Thai medicine, leaves used for treatment of septic wounds and other infections.
- A sitz-bath of boiled leaves used in the treatment of lumbago and sciatica.
As a diuretic and for dissolution of renal stones.
- As a diuretic in hypertension and fluid retention. Also used for dissolution of kidney stones. Some clinical studies, including double blind/placebo randomized studies, have shown encouraging results for Sambong to be both safe and effective in the treatment of kidney stones and hypertension. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute has promoted the use of this herbal medicine for many renal patients to avert or delay the need for dialysis or organ transplantation.
- Being promoted by the Department of Health (DOH) as a diuretic and for dissolution of renal stones. One of a few herbs recently registered with the Bureau of Foods and Drugs as medicines.
Other benefits
Possible benefits in use patients with elevated cholesterol and as an analgesic for postoperative dental pain.

Saluyot (White Jute) as Herbal Medicine

Saluyot, also known as jute, is a green leafy vegetable that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. It has also been determined that 100 grams of saluyot contains an ample amount of Vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and is also rich in fiber. With these facts alone, we can appreciate the benefits that can be derived from eating and incorporating saluyot in one’s diet. This vegetable also assures safety of intake even for pregnant mothers. Unlike other plants with medicinal benefits like makabuhay, it is safe to be eaten even by those which are medically considered to be in a weak state. Saluyot can be found basically everywhere. From warm, tropical countries like the Philippines to tropical deserts and wet forest zones, saluyot is abundant. It does not require much attention and care, and thus, thrives without cultivation the whole year round.

Properties
- Considered carminative, cardiac, laxative, febrifuge, and tonic.
- Leaves considered stimulant, laxative, demulcent, appetizer and stomachic.
- The corchorin considered toxic and poisonous; some studies suggest a digitalis-effect on the heart.
- Fiber, one of nature's stronger vegetable fibers, is referred to as the "golden fiber." It is long, soft, shiny, 1 to 4 meters in length, with a diameter of 17 to 20 microns, with high insulating and anti-static properties, with moderate moisture regain and low thermal conductivity.

Parts used
Seeds and leaves.

Uses
Leaves are used for headaches.
- Seeds, either as power or decoction, used as tonic, carminative and febrifuge.
- In Bengal, decoction of dried leaves used for disorders of the liver.
- Malays use a decoction of the leaves for dysentery, for coughs and phthisis, and as a tonic for children. Also, used for poulticing sores.
- The powdered leaves, dried, 1 or 1 1/2 tbsp to a cup of water, steep for 3 to 5 minutes, and strain before drinking.
- Leaves used as stomachic.
- Finely carded fiber sometimes used as base for antiseptic surgical dressings.
- Infusion of leaves used for atonic dyspepsia, liver disorders and as febrifuge. Also used for chronic cystitis, gonorrhea, dysuria, worms in children, hepatic and intestinal colic, and for gastric catarrh.
- Cold infusion of the leaves as a bitter tonic; used in patients recovering from acute dysentery
- A compound infusion of the leaves with coriander and anis seed is an effective bitter stomachic and tonic.
- Poultice of leaves for sores.
- Six grains of the powder combined with equal amounts of Curcuma longa used for acute dysentery.
- A compound infusion of the leaves with coriander and anis seed used as an effective bitter, stomachic and tonic.
- Bitter seeds given in small doses (60-80 grain dose) for fevers.
- Oil from seeds is used for a variety of skin diseases.
- Fruits used by Sino-Annamites for inflammation, abscesses and as purgative.
- In Bengal, oil from the seeds used for skin diseases.

Sabila (Aloe Vera as Herbal Medicine)

It is a succulent plant used to treat burns, cuts, eczema and other disorders. Aloe vera has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, antioxidant and antiparasitic properties.

Properties
• Aromatic, astringent, aperient, purgative, emmenagogue, emollient, cholagogue, laxative, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary.
• Considered antitoxic, anticancer, antimutagenic.

Parts utilized
Leaves, pulp, and sap.
Dried juice from leaves.
Harvest mature leaves and rinse with water; remove spines prior to use.

Uses
Use for dandruff.
- Juice of fleshy leaves is usually mixed with gogo by Filipino women and used to prevent falling of fair or as a cure for baldness.
- Juice from leaves mixed with wine used to preserve the hair
- In the Philippines, leaves used to poultice edema associated with beriberi.
- Juice from leaves mixed with milk used for dysentery and pains of the kidney.
- Fresh juice expressed from the leaves is spread on skin burns, scalds, scrapes, sunburn and wounds.
- Burns and scalds: Use ointment made by mixing equal amounts of powdered aloe and coconut oil.
- Used for wound healing.
- For conjunctivitis, leaf juice is applied to the outer eyelid.
- Used for sprains, sore throat.
- In small doses, used as a tonic; in larger doses, as aperient; and in still larger doses, drastically so; it is also used as emmenagogue and cholagogue.
- In small doses, considered stomachic tonic; in large doses, as purgative.
- In Costa Rica, the mucilaginous pulp of leaves is used as purgative.
- For contusions or local edema, bruised fresh leaves are applied as poultice over affected areas.
- For alopecia and falling hair, remove the spines, cut leaves and rub directly on the scalp. The juice of fresh leave may be mixed with gogo and used as a shampoo.
- Juice mixed with coconut milk used for dysentery and kidney pains.
- For bruises, equal parts of juice and alcohol are applied to affected areas.
- For hemorrhoids, cuticle from leaves used as suppository for hemorrhoids.
- In India and the Antilles the alcoholic tincture of inspissated juice is used for bruises, contusions and ecchymoses.
- In the Arabian peninsula, used for diabetes.
- For burns and scalds, an ointment is prepared by mixing 2 drams of powdered aloe with 2 drams
New uses
- Benefits are derived from a combination of all active components; the aequous form provides the most benefits.
- Leaf jelly used for various cosmetic and new-age concoctions for pimples, acne, stomatitis, hemorrhoidal itching, superficial burns. Aloe gel is a common household remedy for minor cuts, burns and sunburns.
- Salicylic acid content can inhibit prostaglandin and thromboxane formation by blocking the arachidonic acid cascade.
- UV-B protection through cinnamic acid.

Caution !
- Not for internal use.
- Some mineral cyto-toxicity of the juice. Should be rinsed off after 30 minutes.
- Allergies: People with known allergy to other plants in the Liliaceae family (onions, garlic, tulips) may have allergic reactions to aloe. Delayed allergic reactions - hives and rash - may develop with prolonged use.

Pansit-Pansitan (SHINY BUSH) as Herbal Medicine

A herb used to treat arthritis, gout, skin disorders, abdominal pains and kidney problems. It is applied to the skin as poultice or as a decoction when taken internally.

Parts utilized
Leaves and stems.

Properties
• Considered anti-inflammatory, refrigerant, analgesic, antifungal, anticancer.

Uses
Infusion and decoction of leaves and stems are used for gout and arthritis.
Decoction of leaves used for urinary tract infections.
Externally, as a facial rinse for complexion problems.
Pounded whole plant used as warm poultice for boils, pustules and pimples.
In Jamaica and the Caribbean used for colds and as a diuretic for kidney problems.
In Brazil, used for abscesses and conjunctivitis.
In Bolivia, decoction of roots used for fever; aerial parts for wounds.
In Bangladesh, leaves used in the treatment of excited mental disorders.
In Africa, used for convulsions and tumors.
Used for headaches, rheumatic pains, impotence.
In Brazil, used to lower cholesterol; for treatment of abscesses, furuncles and conjunctivitis
New uses
Belongs to the "preferred list" of Philippine medicinal plants, being studied for its use in the treatment of arthritis and gout.
For arthritis: Leaves and stems of the fresh plant may be eaten as salad. Or, as an infusion, put a 20-cm plant in 2 glasses of boiling water; and 1/2 cup of this infusion is taken morning and evening.

Pandan (FRAGRANT SCREW PINE) as Herbal Medicine

Its trunk bears plenty of prop roots. Its leaves spirals the branches, and crowds at the end.

Parts utilized
Leaves and roots.

Properties
The prop roots possess diuretic properties.
Oil and attar considered stimulant and antispasmodic.
Considered emmenagogue.
Fruits of wild forms contain calcium oxalate crystals which may cause mouth irritation.

Uses
Diuretic: Take decoction of fresh or dried prop root as tea.
- Roots used to strengthen the gums.
- In the Philippines, as far back as 1837, water from cuts made near the base of the trunk use to stimulate urination.
Headache, arthritis, stomach spasms: Decoction of leaves.
- Poultice of fresh leaves mixed with oil also used for headaches.
- Wound healing: Pulverized dried leaves used to facilitate wound healing.
- Poultice of mash of cabbage of plant, mixed with salt and juice of Citrus microcarpa, for abscesses.
- Decoction of roots believed to have aphrodisiac and cardiotonic properties.
- Also used for arthritis and to prevent spontaneous abortion.
- Chewing the roots strengthens the gums.
- Decoction of aerial roots use as beverage for cases of blenorrhea.
- Decoction of roots combined with sap of banana plant for urethral injections for variety of urinary complaints.
- Leaves of plant titurated into a mash, slightly salted and added with juice of Citrus microcarpa, used as hot poultice for new boils.
- In Ayurveda, leaves used for filarial diseases, leucorrhea, leprosy, smallpox, scabies, syphilis and leukoderma.
- In traditional Indian systems, used for filarial disease, leucorrhea and as emmenagogue.
- Anthers of male flowers used for earaches and headaches.
- In the Marshall Islands, used for abnormal menstrual bleeding, after delivery, infant jaundice, colic and restlessness.
- In Palau, roots used to make a drink to alleviate stomach cramps. Leaves used to alleviate vomiting.