Do you remember being given lagundi for cough when you were younger? Or perhaps you may recall oregano as another alternative for relieving phlegm. For whatever ailment you have, your grandparents probably came to the rescue with some of the most common medicinal plants they swear by. These are just two among several awesome remedies in this varied herbal medicine list. Read on to learn more.
Get to Know Your Herbs: A Herbal Medicine List
You might be wondering about some of the known uses and benefits of natural herbs that make them so good to use for medication.
It is about time to get to know your herbs through this herbal medicine list of a few plants approved by the Department of Health.
Lagundi (Vitex negundo)
When you think about herbal plants, lagundi, for sure, tops your list as well. With its capacity to help treat cough, it is no doubt a staple to alleviate respiratory symptoms. In addition to that, it also has active ingredients that provide the following properties and effects:
- Anti-asthmatic
- Relaxant of air passages in the lungs
- Anti-histamine
- Anti-inflammatory
All of these help provide a powerful cough suppression effect without any known adverse side effects.
Some people also use this five-leaf chaste tree for the following reasons:
- Colds and fever
- Pharyngitis
- Rheumatism
- Dyspepsia
- Boils
- Diarrhea
Garlic/Bawang (Allium sativum)
No Filipino kitchen would be complete without this trusty vegetable. But more than being a common ingredient, garlic also has cardiovascular, antineoplastic, and antimicrobial properties that are helpful adjuncts for treatment.
According to research, consuming garlic offers favorable effects on your arteries and blood pressure. Scientists claim that red blood cells convert the sulfur in garlic into hydrogen sulfide gas, which opens the blood vessels. Thus, making it easier to control blood pressure.
Furthermore, bawang can help address other illnesses or even cuts or wound infections because of its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus: this herb also possesses anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties.
Bitter gourd/Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)
Another familiar herb is a vegetable that is known for its sharp, bitter taste. However, ampalaya is not about its taste alone. It brings so much more to the table, such as supporting those with diabetes who want to keep their blood sugar under control.
Ampalaya, or bitter melon, is known for its anti-diabetic properties that aid in the reduction of blood sugar levels. Some also use it to treat hemorrhoids, coughs, burns, and scalds due to its ample nutritive content.
Moreover, researchers and scientists alike are trying to study its relevance and effects in the realm of cancer treatment.
Ringworm bush/Akapulko (Cassia alata)
As the name suggests, the next one on this herbal medicine list is an herb that you can grab when your concern involves some skin infections.
Ringworm bush or akapulko has a fungicide called chrysophanic acid, which contributes to its antifungal and antibacterial properties to treat infections such as:
This plant extract is often used as an ingredient in lotions, soaps, and shampoos.
Guava/Bayabas (Psidium guajava)
This herbal medicine is not complete without a good fruit you can grow on your own and eat whenever and wherever.
Bayabas is known for its several uses as a fruit and as a folk treatment for a variety of diseases. Many people use it due its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-spasmodic, anti-plasmodial, anti-diabetic, antigenotoxic, and anti-cough properties.
Several scientific studies have proven that practically all of the parts of this plant have medicinal values, earning its label as one of the most popular therapeutic herbs in the Philippines.
Key Takeaways
These are just a few of the many herbs that you can use in so many ways to help you with your medical concerns.
Start planting your own herbs today and see for yourself why our grandparents and elders have placed great importance on considering all-natural and all-organic remedies.
For any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider.
Learn more about herbal medicines here.
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