Akapulko (scientific name: Cassia alata) - a shrub known to be a diuretic, sudorific and

purgative. The medicinal uses of akapulko are to treat fungal infection of the skin and for the
treatment of ringworms. English name: ringworm bush.

Ampalaya (scientific name: Momordica charantia) - a vegetable used to treat diabetes (diabetes
mellitus) it is now commercially produced in tablet form and tea bags. English name: bitter
melon and bitter gourd.

Atis (scientific name: Anona squamosa L.) - a small tree used as a medicinal herb. The leaves,
fruit and seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and fainting. English name: Sugar
apple and Sweet sop.

Banaba (scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciosa) - a tree found throughout the Philippines. The
leaves, roots, fruit and flowers all have medicinal uses. It is used in the treatment of diabetes and
other ailments. It is a purgative and a diuretic.

Bawang (scientific name: Allium sativum) - a specie of the onion family. English name: Garlic.
It is used to reduce cholesterol in the blood and thus helps lower blood pressure.

Bayabas (scientific name: Psidium guajava) - more popularly known as guava, bayabas is a
small tree whose boiled leaves are used as an disinfectant to treat wounds. The decoction is also
used as a mouth wash to treat gum infection and tooth decay. The bark is also used in children
with chronic diarrhea.

Gumamela (scientific name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn) - called China rose or Hibiscus in the
West, it is a common ornamental plant in the Philippines. As a medicinal herb, it is used as an
expectorant for coughs, cold, sore throat, fever and bronchitis.

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) - one of the better known of the medicinal plants in
the Philippines, lagundi (five-leaved chaste tree) is a shrub with many medicinal uses. It is used
for the relief and treatment of coughs, asthma, dyspepsia, worms, colic, rheumatism and boils.
The root is known to be an expectorant, tonic and febrifuge.

Luya (scientific name: Zingiber officinale) or Ginger. It is botanically not a root but a rhizome of
the monocotyledonous perennial plant. It has many uses as a medicinal herb with antifungal,
anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, diuretic and antiseptic properties.

Niyog-niyogan (scientific name: Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine that is an effective in the
elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Trichina and Ascaris by ingesting its matured
dried seeds. Chew (5 to 7 dried seeds for children or 8 to 10 seeds for adults) two hours after
eating. Repeat treatment after a week if necessary. Roasted leaves are also used for fever and
diarrhea while pounded leaves are used for skin diseases. English name: Chinese honey suckle.

Oregano (scientific name: Origanum vulgare) - a perennial herb with antioxidant and
antimicrobial properties. Commonly used for cooking in the West, it is used as a medicinal plant
in the Philippines. A decoction of oregano leaves is taken internally for the prevention of
degenerative arthritis, relief of cough, osteoarthritis, asthma and upset stomach.

Pansit-Pansitan (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida Linn.) - an 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.

Sabila (Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) - one of the most common medicinal plants in the
Philippines that can be found in many Filipino homes. It is a succulent plant used to treat burns,
cuts, eczema and other disorders. Aloe vera has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, antioxidant and
antiparasitic properties.

Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) - 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.

Tsaang Gubat (scientific name: Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - 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.

Ulasimang Bato (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida) - an annual herb also known as "pansit-
pansitan". It is a medicinal herb that is effective in treating gout, arthritis and prevents uric acid
build up. A decoction of the plant is taken internally or the leaves and stem can be eaten fresh as
salad. To make a decoction, boil a cup of washed chopped leaves in 2 cups of water, simmer for
about 15 minutes, strain, let cool. Drink a cup 2 times a day after meals.

Yerba Buena (scientific name: Clinopodium douglasii) - 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.

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) - Although not a medicinal plant, VCO is a product of the coconut
tree. VCO is one of the more popular alternative medicine widely used in the Philippines today.
It is taken internally for various aliments like diabetes to high blood pressure. Topically, VCO is
also applied to the skin and scalp to nourish and heal.
BANABA
Banaba (scientific name: Lagerstroenii speciosa) is commonly known as banaba in Tagalog and
other dialects. Banaba tree grows from 4-15 m high, characteristically shedding off its leaves
once a year. It can b identified easily through its flowers, whit are lilac purple and have petals
with wavy margins. The parts which have medicinal uses are leaves, fruits, roots and bark. The
following are its uses and applications:
For treatment of diabetes, edema or to ease urination - Dry for a week 28 old leaves, 11 ripe
fruits, 50 of young leaves. Boil any of the above in 1 cup of water for 45 minutes until it is
reduced to 1/5 cup. Redilute the tea to 1 cup and divide this into 3 parts to be taken 1 hour before
meals
For fever - Place 1 teaspoon of the bark powder in 1 cup boiling water (infusion), cover for 10-
15 minutes and drink.
For jaundice, edema, dizziness,- Boil 10 pieces of roots, 6.5 cm long and 2.5. cm wide per piece,
in 10 cups of water for one hour and drink.
KATAKATAKA
Katakataka (scientific name: Kalanchoe pinnaia) is an erect juicy herb reaching more than a
meter high. In other dialects, it is known as maritana, lapak-lapak and in English, life plant. It is'
abundant in thicket and open places, and is also cultivated for or ornamental purposes. The plant
flowers for December to March.
For medicinal purpose, the entire plant may be collected the whole year round. The parts are
chiefly used fresh. And for a very important reminder, preparations from katakataka should not
be taken internally. For sprains, eczema, infections, burn and headaches, just pound fresh
material and apply as poultice on afflicted areas. Katakataka can be identified through it leaves.
They are simple, thick and juicy, with scalloped margins; roots and baby plants may arise from
these margins. The flowers o katakataka are hanging downward, reddish or purplish. The fruits
are dry, several seeded, opening on one side of the pod.
As an antiseptic, Prepare a, tincture consisting of dried pounded rhizome (2 inches long) mixed
with oil and leave preparation for a week. Apply to cuts and wounds.
CACTUS
The lowly nopal cactus, which grows wild in nearly all of Mexico and is even pictured on the
national flag; can have a wide variety of medical benefits. Researchers say the cactus can help
dieters as well as those suffering from diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Mexican scientists
recently discovered that the juice of the nopal cactus may help alleviate a wide variety of
illnesses and conditions. This was also the belief of pre-Hispanic Indians who once lived in the
area. The nopal, native to Mexico and southwestern United States, can grow up to 6 feet tall. It
bears a fruit called the prickly pear or "tuna" in Spanish.
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) may reduce production cholesterol levels according to in
vitro studies [81] and a small clinical study.[82]
 Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) leaf has drawn the attention of the cosmetology community
because it interferes with the metalloproteinases that contribute to skin wrinkling.[83]
 Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) may have a role in preventing oral cancer.[84][85][86]
 Boophone (Boophone disticha) This highly toxic plant has been used in South African
traditional medicine for treatment of mental illness [87]. Research demonstrate in vitro and in vivo
effect against depression.[88][89][90]
 Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
 Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and
constipation.[91] In animal research an aqueous-ethanol extract of Calendula officinalis flowers
was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific
rationale for this traditional use.[91] There is "limited evidence" that calendula cream or ointment
is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.[92][93]
 Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) may be effective in treating urinary tract infections in
women with recurrent symptoms.[94]
 Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea) extracts may
limit the length and severity of rhinovirus colds; however, the appropriate dosage levels, which
might be higher than is available over-the-counter, require further research.[95][96]
 Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) may speed the recovery from type A and B influenza.[97]
However it is possibly risky in the case of avian influenza because the immunostimulatory
effects may aggravate the cytokine cascade.[98]
 Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches.[99]
Although many reviews of Feverfew studies show no or unclear efficacy, a more recent RTC
showed favorable results[100][101][102] Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant women as it may
be dangerous to the fetus.[103][104]
 Gawo (Faidherbia albida), a traditional herbal medicine in West Africa, has shown promise
in animal tests [105]
 Garlic (Allium sativum) may lower total cholesterol levels[106]
 German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has demonstrated antispasmodic, anxiolytic,
antiinflammatory and some antimutagenic and cholesterol-lowering effects in animal research.
[107]
In vitro chamomile has demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and
significant antiplatelet activity, as well as preliminary results against cancer.[108][109] Essential oil
of chamomile was shown to be a promising antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus type 2
(HSV-2) in vitro.[110]
 Ginger (Zingiber officinale), administered in 250 mg capsules for four days, effectively
decreased nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in a human clinical trial.[111][112]
 Grapefruit (Naringenin) components may prevent obesity.
 Green tea (Camelia sinensis) components may inhibit growth of breast cancer cells[113] and
may heal scars faster.[114]
 Purified extracts of the seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa may have some antihypertensive,
antifungal and antibacterial effect. Toxicity tested low except for an isolated case of damage to
the testes of a rat after prolonged and excessive consumption.[115]
 Honey may reduce cholesterol.[116] May be useful in wound healing.[117]
 Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), administered daily as an aqueous extract of the fresh
leaf, has lowered total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels in rats, as well as increasing
HDL cholesterol levels. Lemon grass administration had no effect on triglyceride levels.[118]