Banaba has been used in Filipino folkloric herbal medicine for the treatment of

diabetes for centuries. It is now gaining popularity and getting recognition as a

herbal medicine not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Banaba is also
known as Queen's Flower, Crepe Myrtle and the Pride of India. In India, Banaba
has also been used to cure diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time.
Recent studies and laboratory test showed that it's active ingredient, corosolic
acid is a potent compound that has insulin like effect to lower glucose in the
body and is effective in treating diabetes. Initial findings also shows that
Banaba extract may delay and reduce the absorption of carbohydrates in the
body and promote weight loss.
Aside from the medicinal value of Banaba, as a herbal medicine, it is also good
for the health. Banaba contains high concentrations of dietary fiber and
minerals such as zinc and magnesium. The leaves can be boiled and taken
daily as tea.
There have been no findings of any negative side effects when taking Banaba
extract orally. However, caution is advised against taking Banaba with any
diabetic drug or any other drug. Always consult with a qualified physician or a
medical practitioner before taking any medication or any herbal medicine.

Benefits & Treatment of Banaba: Preparation & Use

• Diabetes Note: Fresh leaves, dried leaves,

• Fights obesity
• Helps regulate blood pressure
• Good for the kidneys
• Aids the digestive system
• Helps ease urination
flowers, ripe fruit, root and bark of
Banaba can all be used.
• Wash the leaves in running water (if
fresh). Cut into smaller pieces if
desired.
• Boil Banaba
Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) or it's scientific name, Momordica charantia has been
a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to be an effective
herbal medicine for many aliments. Most significant of which is for Diabetes.
The Philippine variety has proven to be most potent. Ampalaya contains a
mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin
that controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from Ampalaya's medicinal
value, it is good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous
and calcium.
Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese for centuries. The effectively
of Ampalaya as an herbal medicine has been tried and tested by many
research clinics and laboratories worldwide. In the Philippines, the Department
of Health has endorsed Ampalaya as an alternative medicine to help alleviate
various ailments including diabetes, liver problems and even HIV.

Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya: Preparation of Ampalaya:

• Good for rheumatism and gout
• And diseases of the spleen and liver
• Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
• Helps in lowering blood pressure
• Relives headaches
• Disinfects and heals wounds & burns
• Can be used as a cough & fever
remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms,
diarrhea
• Helps prevent some types of cancer
• Enhances immune system to fight
infection
• Is an antioxidant, parasiticide,
antibacterial & antipyretic
• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea,
diabetes, juice the Ampalaya leaves
and drink a spoonful every day.
• For other ailments, the fruit and
leaves can both be juiced and taken
orally.
• For headaches wounds, burns and
skin diseases, apply warmed leaves to
afflicted area.
Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya
juice can be a purgative and
abortifacient.
Yerba Buena is a herb of the mint family. It is an aromatic plant used as herbal
medicine worldwide. It has elongated leaves and in summer bears small
whitish or purplish flowers. The word Yerba Buena is Spanish for "good herb"
and was the former name of the California city of San Francisco.
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 Heath (DOH) as an effective
alternative medicine for aches and pains.
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 stomach aches 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 for a good mouth wash for a clean, fresh smelling breath.

Benefits & Treatment of : Preparation & Use

• Arthritis • Wash fresh Yerba Buena leaves in

• Head aches running water. Chop to size for dried
• Tooth aches leaves, crush) and boil 2 teaspoons of
• Mouth wash leaves in a glass of water. Boil in
• Relief of intestinal gas medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Stomach aches • As analgesic, take a cupful every 3
• Indigestion hours.
• Drink as tea for general good • For tooth aches, pound the fresh
health. leaves, squeeze juice out and apply
on a cotton ball then bite on to the
aching tooth.
• Leaves may be heated over fire and
placed over the forehead for
headaches.
Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) is a amazing medicinal plant.
It is a antiurolithiasis 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, it 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) in treating particular disorders.
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.

Benefits: Preparation:

• Good as a diuretic agent • Boil the leaves as like tea and drink
• Effective in the dissolving kidney 3 or more times a day.
stones • The leaves can also be crushed or
• Aids in treating hypertension & pounded and mixed with coconut oil.
rheumatism
• Treatment of colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic & Anti-gastralgic
properties
• Helps remove worms, boils
• Treats dysentery, sore throat
About Gumamela
Gumamela is a shrub that grows from one meter up to 4 meters high.
Gumamela is also known as: Hibiscus, China Rose and Shoeflower. In the
Philippines, gumamela is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The gumamela
flower comes in many colors: red, yellow, orange, white, purple, pink and other
color combinations.
Gumamela leaves, usually blended with Rose Hip has long been used in the
Middle East and Okinawa as herbal tea. Today, the use of gumamela tea is
gaining worldwide popularity - including Asia. Gumamela (Hibiscus) is
associated with longevity.
Gumamela as Herbal Medicine
As herbal medicine, gumamela flower, leaves and roots are used. Gumamela
has the following medicinal characteristics: expectorant, diuretic, emollient,
anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anodyne and refrigerant.
Preparation & Use of Gumamela:
There are two ways to utilize gumamela as herbal medicine. One is dried and
the other is fresh. For Dried gumamela, collect the flower, leaves and/or roots.
Wash, then cut into small pieces and sun dry. To use as decoction, boil the
dried gumamela parts (1/4 cup dried gumamela in 1 glass of water).
To make a decoction from fresh gumamela, Wash gumamela flower and/or
leaves, cut into small pieces and boil (1/3 cup in 1 glass of water), let cool and
drink.
Use Gumamela as Poultice:
Poultice is the use or fresh or dried herbs that is mashed, crushed or pounded -
often heated (boiled in water to soften and heat the herb) and applied directly
to the skin. A clean cloth or gauze can be used to help the poultice stay in
place.

Gumamela is used for the treatment of: Application of Gumamela:

• Bronchitis - as an expectorant • Decoction is used to treat:

• Coughs, sore throat Bronchitis, coughs, fever, dysentery,
• Fever - as refrigerant drink urinary and bladder infections, high
• Treats dysentery blood pressure and constipation.
• Urinary tract infection, bladder • Poultice is applied externally on the
infections afflicted area. This is used to treat:
• High blood pressure headaches (on the forehead), boils,
• Prevention of constipation swelling, abscesses and mumps.
• Headaches • Intake of gumamela (alone or mixed
• Boils, swelling & abscesses, mumps with papaya or papaya seeds)
specially in large quantities can be an
abortifacient.
As a herbal medicine, Luyang Dilaw or Ginger Root (scientific name: Zingiber
officinale) has long been used as a cold, cough, fever and sore throat remedy.
It helps in the digestion and absorption of food, lowering of cholesterol,
alleviating nausea and vomiting. Luyang dilaw has antifungal, antiseptic,
antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits: Preparation:

• Relieves rheumatic pains & muscle
pains
• Alleviates sore throat, fever, nausea
• Intestinal disorders and slow
digestion
• Treat intestinal worms
• Hinder diarrhea, gas pains
• Relieve indigestion (dyspepsia),
toothaches
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Aids treatment of tuberculosis
• Boil the root in water and drink. The
more concentrated the better.
• For sore throat and tooth ache,
remove the skin and chew small
portions.
• For cuts & bruises, apply the juice
directly to the skin.
• For rheumatism and muscle pains,
pound the root and apply to painful
areas -can be mixed with oil for easy
application
Tsaang Gubat is one of the 10 herbs that is endorsed the Philippine
Department of Health (DOH) as an antispasmodic for abdominal (stomach)
pains. And is registered as a herbal medicine at the Philippine Bureau of Food &
Drug (BFAD).
Tsaang Gubat 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.

Benefits & Treatment of : Preparation & Use

• Stomach pains • Thoroughly wash the leaves in

• Gastroenteritis running water. Chop to a desirable
• Intestinal motility size and boil 1 cup of chopped leaves
• Dysentery in 2 cups of water. Boil in low heat for
• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement 15 to 20 minutes and drain.
(LBM) • Take a cupful every 4 hours for
• Mouth gargle diarrhea, gastroenteritis and stomach
• Body cleanser/wash pains.
• Gargle for stronger teeth and
prevention of cavities.
• Drink as tea daily for general good
health.
Bawang or Garlic (scientific name: Allium sativum) is one of the most widely
used herbal medicine in the Philippines. The Philippine bawang variety is more
pungent than the imported ones. It's medicinal properties has been known for
a long time and has been specially proven during World War II. Because of
Bawang's antibacterial compound known as Allicin, lives were saved by
preventing wounds from having infection and later develop into gangrene when
the juice of Bawang or garlic was applied to the wounds.
Bawang/garlic is known as nature's antibiotic. It's juices inhibits the growth of
fungi and viruses thus prevents viral, yeast and viral infections. Preliminary
test also shows some positive results in the treatment of AIDS.
Several clinical test and published studies have shown the efficacy of bawang
in lowering cholesterol in the blood and is beneficial to the circulatory system
of the body. Today as more research is done with bawang, more medicinal and
therapeutic properties become more evident.
After thorough research and test, the Philippine Department of Health has
endorsed bawang as one of the ten Philippine herbs with therapeutic value and
recommends it's use as an alternative herbal medicine.

Benefits of Bawang: Preparation of Bawang:

• Good for the heart • For disinfecting wound, crush and

• Helps lower bad cholesterol levels
(LDL)
• Aids in lowering blood pressure
• Remedy for arteriosclerosis
• May help prevent certain types of
cancer
• Boosts immune system to fight
infection
• With antioxidant properties
• Cough and cold remedy
• Relives sore throat, toothache
• Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis
• With anticoagulant properties
juice the garlic bulb and apply. You
may cover the afflicted area with a
gauze and bandage.
• For sore throat and toothache, peal
the skin and chew. Swallow the juice.
• Aside from being an herbal medicine
for hypertension, arteriosclerosis and
other ailments, garlic is also
recommended for maintaining good
health - eat raw garlic bulb, and
include bawang regularly in the food
you eat. It's healthy and taste good in
a variety of dishes.
Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a shrub that grows in the
Philippines. It is one of the ten herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine
Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine with proven therapeutic
value. Lagundi has been clinically tested to be effective in the treatment of
colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and pharyngitis. Studies have
shown that Lagundi can prevent the body's production of leukotrienes which
are released during an asthma attack. Lagundi contains Chrysoplenol D. A
substance with anti-histamine properties and muscle relaxant.
The leaves, flowers, seeds and root of Lagundi can all be used as herbal
medicine. A decoction is made by boiling the parts of the plant and taken
orally. Today, Lagundi is available in capsule form and syrup for cough.
Plant Description: The Lagundi plant can grow up to five meters tall. It can be
described as a cross between a shrub and a tree with a single woody stem
(trunk). Lagundi's distinctive feature are the pointed leaves with five leaflets
set like a hand.
Lagundi tablets (300 mg) are available from the Department of Health's
Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)
Telephone # (632) 727-6199.

Benefits: Preparation:

• 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
• For boil half cup of chopped fresh or
dried leaves in 1 cup of water for 10
to 15 minutes. Drink half cup three
times a day.
• The lagundi flowers are also good
for diarrhea and fever. Boil as with
the leaves.
• The root is specially good for
treating dyspepsia, worms, boils, colic
and rheumatism.
Akapulko or Acapulco in English is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. 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 extracts from the Akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient for
lotions, soaps and shampoos.

Uses of Akapulko: Preparation:

• Treatment of skin diseases: • For external use, pound the leaves

Tinea infections, insect bites,
ringworms, eczema, scabies and
itchiness.
• Internal:
Expectorant for bronchitis and
dyspnoea, mouthwash in stomatitis,
alleviation of asthma symptoms, used
as diuretic and purgative, for cough &
fever, as a laxative to expel intestinal
parasites and other stomach problems.
A strong decoction of the leaves is an
abortifacient.
of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the
juice and apply on affected areas.
• For internal use: cut the plant parts
into a manageable size then soak
and boil for 10 to 15 minutes let cool
and use as soon as possible. Note:
The decoction looses its potency if
not used for a long time. Dispose
leftovers after one day