Aloe Vera

Scientific Name: Aloe Barbadensis

Benefits
Aloe is also an excellent treatment for skin conditions such as burns and eczema. It is often
reported that burns can be healed remarkably quickly and the pain reduced very quickly with
topical application of Aloe Vera to the burn area. As well as applying topically, Aloe can also be
taken internally so it is just as useful for internal epithelial tissue as it is for the skin. For
example, mouth and stomach ulcers, nasal and sinuses, bowels, lungs and genital tracts. Aloe
works on membranes and surfaces.
Aloe also seems to be excellent at regulating the immune system (an immunomodulator). This
means it can both stimulate the immune response for those with weakened immune systems
either from exisiting conditions or post-illness fatigue. It can also calm the immune response,
such as for Hayfever where less immune reaction is beneficial.
Although Aloe is about 99% water, the remaining 1% is extremely powerful and it is thought this
is because the close to 100 ingredients work extremely well together (synergistically). Aloe vera
contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body's
systems. The ingredients in Aloe can be grouped into the following categories: Vitamins,
Minerals, Sugars, Enzymes, Lignins, Amino Acids, Anthraquinones, Saponins, Fatty Acids,
Salicylic Acid.
Each of these categories could be discussed at length in their own right regarding individual
molecules and ongoing studies into their remarkable effects. Combined together it's easy to see
why Aloe Vera is such an effective healing plant.
Treatment
The juice is said to be one of the finest body cleansers, cleaning morbid matter from the stomach,
liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and is considered the finest, known colon cleanser. Studies have
shown that it is healing and soothing in the relief of indigestion, stomach distress and ulcers.
People claim relief from arthritis, bladder and kidney infections; leg cramps, constipation,
hemorrhoids, insomnia, and for vaginitis, it is said to be an excellent vaginal douche. An
excellent internal tonic for energy and well being Aloe juice may add greatly to the strength of
the food fed, digestive tract, skin, and overall good health and happiness.
It is also used to ease heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset.
It is used as an anti-inflammatory and may be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive
complaints. European folk medicine calls for using the juice to relieve heartburn and ulcers.
Preliminary research has shown promising results. Clinical trials in Japan indicate that certain
compounds in the herb reduce the secretion of stomach juices and the formation of lesions.
Animal studies and anecdotal reports claim that drinking the juice or taking it as a tablet or
capsule can reduce swelling and inflammation in arthritic joints. Drinking the juice may also
help those asthmatic patients who are not dependent on cortico-steroids.

SERPENTINA
Scientific Name : ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA
Benefits:
Serpentina is a medicinal herb dubbed as the King of Bitters. Despite its bitter taste, it is widely
sought after by diabetics because of its efficacy to lower blood sugar. This herb can be taken by
itself or mixed with food to lessen the bitterness.
This herb is popularly known in the Philippines as Serpentina but its name in the List of
Philippine Medicinal Plants is Sinta. It is known scientifically and internationally
asAndrographis Paniculata. This traditional medicine is native to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia,
which is used as a cooling herb for fever and flu. Indian tribes also use Serpentina as treatment
for liver problems and cancer in their Ayuverdic medicines. Serpentinaspopularity is not limited
to its Southeast Asian roots though. It is also regarded as a remedy for common colds in
Scandinavian regions.
It is not to be confused with Serpentina Ravoulis though because this herb belongs to
the Apocynacea family, which is used as tranquilizer and cure for mental disorders, venom and
reptile bites.
In 2006, a research was conducted to study the extract from this herb. One of its discoveries is
one of the major constituents of this Bitter Principle. It is an active ingredient, now
scientifically identified as Andropholide, which is both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
Serpentinas Andropholide property is supported by Philippines Medicinal Plant studies. It is said
to be anti-diarrheal, anti-pyretic, anti-infective, anti-bacterial, anti-typhoid, anti-fungal, antihepatoxin and anti-cancer.
Chinese studies show that it also prevents blood from clotting. It also prevents reclogging of
arteries post-angioplasty. It is said to lower blood pressure as well.
Research also supports the uses of Serpentina in Ayurvedic medicine as protection against
hyperglycemia (for diabetics) and control of renal disease (kidney).
To reap all these benefits, our common healing practice is to eat five (5) big leaves of
freshSerpentina or six (6) small leaves, thrice (3x) a day. It may also be taken as tea, also three
(3x) a day.
Treatment
Rauvolfia serpentina can be used as a herbal antibiotic general purpose. It is said to also be very
good in treating diabetis due to its very bitter taste. Popular in India for many medicinal uses,
serpentina is also good in lowering high blood pressure naturally without the use of chemical
medicines.
The plant itself can also be used to cure the same symptoms mentioned above provided that you
follow a certain proportion which acts as the dosage. Although we all know that there is no
overdose and underdose with herbal medicines, in this case, you have to follow instructions in
order to come up with a faster healing process.

Oregano
Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare
Benefits
An Effective Anti-Bacterial
The volatile oils in this spice include thymol and carvacrol, both of which have been shown to
inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . In
Mexico, researchers have compared oregano to tinidazol, a commonly used prescription drug to
treat infection from the amoeba Giardia lamblia. These researchers found oregano to be more
effective against Giardia than the commonly used prescription drug.
Potent Anti-Oxidant Activity
Oregano contains numerous phytonutrientsincluding thymol and rosmarinic acidthat have
also been shown to function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxygen-based damage to cell
structures throughout the body. In laboratory studies, oregano has demonstrated stronger antioxidant capacity than either of the two synthetic anti-oxidants commonly added to processed
foodBHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated bydroxyanisole). Additionally, on a
per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than
apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than
blueberries.
A Nutrient-Dense Spice
Our food ranking system qualified oregano as a good source of fiber. Fiber works in the body to
bind to bile salts and cancer-causing toxins in the colon and remove them from the body. This
forces the body to break down cholesterol to make more bile salts. These are just some of the
reasons that diets high in fiber have been shown to lower high cholesterol levels and reduce the
risk of colon cancer.
Oregano also emerged from our food ranking system as a bountiful source of many nutrients. It
qualified within our system as an excellent source of vitamin K, a very good source of
manganese, and a good source of iron and calcium.
Treatment
Over the centuries, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including snake and spider
bites, respiratory troubles, andmenstruation problems. Today, it is marketed for the treatment of a
long list of health conditions.
Why do people take oregano oil?
There are many claims about the uses of oregano oil. But there is little evidence to suggest that it
is effective for any condition.
For example, oregano oil is often marketed for the treatment of intestinal parasites and the
symptoms that go with it, such as:
Bloating
Cramping
Constipation
Diarrhea

Kalachuchi
Scientific Name: Plumeria acuminate / Adenium obesum
Benefits/Treatment
Decoction of bark is used as purgative, emmenagogue, and febrifuge.
Preventive for heat stroke: the material may be taken as a cooling tea.
For dysentery, diarrhea during summer season: use 12 to 24 gms of dried material in decoction.
Arthritis, rheumatism, pruritic skin lesions: Mix the latex (sap) with coconut oil, warm, and
apply to affected area.
Decoction of the bark is used as a counter-irritant on the gums for toothache.
The latex mixed with coconut oil is used for itching.
The juice is rubefacient in rheumatic pains, and with camphor, is also used for itching.
A poultice of heated leaves is beneficial for swellings.
Decoction of leaves for cracks and eruptions of the soles of the feet.
Infusion or extract from leaves is used for asthma.
In Mexico, decoction of flowers used in diabetes.

Madre de Cacao
Scientific Name: Gliricidia sepium
Benefits
The Bureau of Agricultural Research said that aside from its anti-bacterial properties, the
Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) is also an effective mosquito repellant. Farmers grind the
Kakawate leaves and apply them where mosquitoes alight. The Kakawate is not edible. It is
actually quite poisonous and, for this reason, it is often used as rat bait.
Treatment
Madre Cacao or Madre de Cacao, the Kakawate is scientifically considered as the second most
important multi-purpose legume tree with wide healing properties.
As a medicinal plant, the Kakawate is known in the Philippines as a topical solution to cure
scabies in human. Now, a group of dog lovers, the Philippine Pug Lovers Club, recommends it
for dog's skin problems a well.

Gumamela
Scientific Name: Hibiscus
Benefits

Mumps, infection of the urinary tract: use dried drug materials 15 to 30 gms, boil to
decoction and drink.

For abscesses, carbuncles and boils: crush fresh leaves and poultice the infected area.
Also, pound flower buds into a paste and apply to external swellings; also used for boils,
cancerous swellings and mumps.

Decoction of roots, barks, leaves and flowers used as an emollient.

Decoction from roots of red and white-flowered plants used as an antidote for poison.

Bark is an emmenagogue; also used to normalize menstruation.

Seeds used as a stimulant and for cramps.

Decoction of leaves for fevers.

For headaches, an infusion of leaves or poultice of leaves.

Leaves are mildly laxative.

Mucilage during labor.

Red flowers are purgative; when taken with papaya seeds, may be abortive.

Infusion of leaves as an expectorant in bronchitis.

Hair stimulant: oil made by mixing the juice of fresh petals and olive oil for stimulating
hair growth.

In Costa Rica, used as a purgative.

In Venezuela, used to treat tumors.

In the Carribean, used as analgesic, anti-inflammatory.

In the Dominican Republic, used to treat hematomas.

Treatment
Bronchitis - as an expectorant
Coughs, sore throat
Fever - as refrigerant drink
Treats dysentery
Urinary tract infection, bladder infections
High blood pressure
Prevention of constipation
Headaches
Boils, swelling & abscesses, mumps

Dahon ng Sili
Scientific Name: Capsicum Frutescens Linn
Benefits
The leaves are used as vegetable; an excellent source of calcium and iron, a good source of
phosphorus and vitamins A and B.It is an important gastrointestinal deoxidant and also serves as
a stimulant, digestive, rubefacient, stomachic, sialagogue, alternative, antispasmodic, febrifugue
and depurative.
An excellent source of CALCIUM and IRON, good source of PHOSPORUS and
VITAMINS A and B.
ANTI-FATIGUE (laban sa sobrang pagod).
BOOST IMMUNITY (pampalakas ng resistensiya).
Improves METABOLISM.
APHRODISIAC (pampagana sa sex).
Benefits DIGESTION (panunaw).
BLOOD DETOXIFICATION (panglinis ng dugo).
CIRCULATORY STIMULANT (magiging maayos ang daloy ng dugo).
Lowers BLOOD PRESSURE.
Lowers BLOOD SUGAR.
Lowers CHOLESTEROL.
Relieves the pain of PEPTIC ULCER pananakit ng sikmura), ARTHRITIS (pananakit ng
muscle), VARICOSE VEINS (sakit sa pamamaga ng ugat), and MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
(pananakit ng puson).
ANTI-RHEUMATIC (laban sa rayuma).
Relieves Resperatory condtions (nagpapaginhawa ng paghinga) such as ASTHMA,
COUGH AND COLDS (hika, ubo at sipon).
Treatment

Enhances body metabolism; prevents blood clots

An excellent expeller of poisons and toxins. It purifies blood by its cleansing and purging

effect.
Improves circulation by its stimulating properties

Promotes healing and prevents infection with its anti-microbial properties

Helps breakdown cholesterol deposits in the body, thus reducing risks of heart diseases

As stimulant for the whole body

It aids in digestion, nervous system and circulation

Alugbati
Scientific Name: Basella alba
Benefits
High in Vitamin A
Alugbati is a good source of vitamin A, with 764 international units per 1 1/2-cup serving. This
is over 100 percent of the recommended intake for women who are not pregnant or lactating, in
which case it provides 59 to 99 percent of the recommended dietary allowance. A single serving
provides 85 percent of the RDA for men. Vitamin A is needed for maintaining vision health and
is also important for your immune system.
Rich in Iron
Like regular spinach, alugbati is a vegetable rich in iron, with 0.98 milligram per 1 1/2-cup
serving. This provides between 5.4 percent and 12 percent of the recommended dietary
allowance of iron. Iron is an essential mineral as it helps your body make healthy red blood cells,
which carry oxygen throughout your body.
Contains Antioxidants
Alugbati is also rich in a number of antioxidants, namely lutein and talinum, according to a 2008
study published by the University of the Philippines at Los Banos. Antioxidants protect your
bodys cells from potential damage that can be caused by free radicals and exposure to
environmental toxins.

Treatment
Alugbati is used as both a food source and a medicinal plant in the Philippines, according to Dr.
Bahram Tadayyon, author of "The Miracle of Vegetables." Alugbati contains phytochemicals
called saponins, Tadayyon notes, that might reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. The
plant is also diuretic and works as a mild laxative. Alugbati is used as a remedy for headaches,
inflammation and ulcers, too, Tadayyon reports.

Dahon ng Bayabas
Scientific Name: Psidium guajava L.

Benefits
1. Aid in Weight Loss:
Guava leaves aid in weight loss by preventing the complex starches from being converted into
sugars. For this purpose, the carbs must be broken down in the liver for use by the body and
guava leaves prevent the transition of carbohydrates to usable compounds.
2. Beneficial for Diabetics:
According to research conducted by the Yakult Central Institute in Japan, guava leaf tea can
effectively lower blood glucose in diabetics by reducing the alpha-glucosidease enzyme activity.
Moreover, it prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body, thereby lowering blood
sugar levels. Drinking guava leaf tea for 12 weeks lowers the blood sugar levels without
increasing insulin production.
3. Lower Cholesterol:
Research has proved that drinking guava leaf tea for 3 months can lead to reduction in LDL or
bad cholesterol and triglycerides without any adverse effect on good cholesterol. Besides, the
guava leaves are a great liver tonic.

Treatment
For diarrhea and control stomach parasites

Gather fresh Bayabas leaves,

Boil chopped pieces of about 4 to 6 tablespoon for every 18 ounces of water.

Strain and let cool.

Drink cup of decoction every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.

Fresh Bayabas leaves can also be chewed for the treatment of toothache and gum swelling.
To hasten wound healing, fresh Bayabas leaf poultice may be applied to the wound.
Guava leaf tea is effective in treating bronchitis by opening up the lungs, loosening mucus and
soothing coughs.

Kalamansi
Scientific Name: Annona squamosa
Benefits/Treatment
Lime contains by far more vitamin C than the lemon. A glass of warm water with lime juice and
a teaspoonful of honey is an ideal remedy for cold and dry cough.
Lime juice is a pep-up in cases of listlessness and a rundown feeling due to vitamin deficiency.
The pectin content in fruit pulp is said to be beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol.
The vitamin C content in lime increases the body's resistance to disease, aids the healing of
wounds and prevents damage to the eyes.
The rind of the fruit also has medicinal properties. It contains a volatile oil which is used in
medicine for improving digestion and removing wind
Lime is considered highly beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders.
The lime juice is of great value in constipation, when it is taken first thing in the morning in a
glass of warm water.
The citric acid in limes has an alkaline reaction in the system which can relieve peptic ulcers.
Lime contain limonene, this phytochemical are potent detoxifiers with anti-biotic effect that is
protective against bacterial poisoning.
The potent anti-viral properties in lime can kill cholera bacilli within a very short period of time.
Drink one part juice and one part water regularly.
Lemon peels when rub on dry or scaly skin can restore softness and add moisture to the skin.