10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 2

Here's the continuation of the 10 Herbal Plants advocated by the Philippine Department of Health.



2. Ulasimang Bato

Scientific Name: Peperonia pellucida
Other Names: Pansit-pansitan (Tag), Sinaw-sinaw (Bis)

A weed, with heart-shaped leaves that grow in shady parts of the garden and yard.

Use/Preparation:

Lowers Uric Acid (Rheumatism and Gout):

Wash the leaves well. One and a half cup leaves are boiled in two glassfuls of water over low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Divide into three (3) parts and drink each part three times a day after meals.

May also be eaten as salad. Wash the leaves well. Prepare one and a half cups of leaves (not closely packed). Divide into three parts and take as salad three times a day.

3. Bawang

Scientific Name: Allium Sativum
Other Names: Ajos (Span., Bis.); Garlic (Eng.)

This is a low herb, which only grows up to sixty centimetres high. Its leaves are flat and linear, with bulbs that consist of several tubers.

Uses/Preparation:

For Hypertension, to Lower Cholesterol Levels in the Blood:

May be fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 5 minutes. Take two pieces three times a day after meals.

Caution: Take on a full stomach to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers.

For Tooth Ache:

Pound a small piece and apply to affected part.

4. Bayabas

Scientific Name: Psidium guajava L.
Other Names: Kalimbahin, Tayabas (Tag.), Bagabas (Ig.), Bayabo (Ibm.), Bayawas (Bik., Pang.), Biabas (Sul.), Guyabas (Ilk.), Gaiyabat (If.), Guava (Eng.)

Bayabas or Guava is a fruit bearing shrub or small tree, about 4-5 meters high, that grows in the tropical climate like Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. Bayabas is widely used as herbal medicine in the Philippines and recognized by the Philippine Department of Health for its antiseptic property. Bayabas has white tiny flowers with round or oval fruits that are eaten raw. It is propagated through seeds. Bayabas leaves and fruits contain eugenol, tannin, saponins, amydalin, phenolic acids, malic acid, ash, aldehydes, catequinic components and flavonoids.

Uses/ Preparation:

For Washing Wounds/Antiseptic/Astringent:

Gather fresh leaves and wash with water. Boil one cup of leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
To use as mouthwash, warm decoction is used for gargle.
To clean/wash wounds, wash affected areas twice a day.
May also be used as vaginal wash especially after child birth.
Fresh leaves can also be chewed for the treatment of tootache and gum swelling.
To hasten wound healing, fresh leaf poultice may be applied to the wound.

For Diarrhea:

Gather fresh leaves. Wash well and chop. Boil chopped leaves of about 4 to 6 tablespoon for every 18 ounces of water. Strain and let cool. Drink ¼ cup of decoction every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.

Side Effects!!!

Eating too much of Bayabas fruit can cause constipation.

If there is no improvement of diarrhea symptoms in two days, consult your doctor.