MEDICINAL PLANT TAWA-TAWA MANILA, Philippines -- As studies about tawa-tawa plant and its curative properties against dengue

fever continue, the Department of Health (DOH) does not yet recommend the use of this indigenous plant. According to DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, the health department welcomes the results of a recent study conducted by experts from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay (UERM) but cannot recommend its use yet. Tayag added that the DOH is still getting a copy of the study because it was unclear if the use of tawa-tawa has been standardized and what part of the plant is exactly effective in treating dengue. In an interview with the ABS-CBN program Salamat Dok, the principal of the UERM Tawa-tawa Project Dr. Georgina Paredes explained that tawa-tawa plant can increase the platelet count of a dengue patient, which helps them get well faster. What is tawa-tawa? Tawa-tawa, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is a hairy herb that grows in open grasslands, roadsides and pathways all throughout the country. It has a slender stem, multiple branches, and grows up to 40 centimeters high. Its scientific name is euphorbia hirta. Curative property.The DOST reported that another study conducted by the students of University of Santo Tomas (UST) showed that tawa-tawa contains phenolic compounds which can increase the platelet count of a dengue hemorrhagic fever patient. Mr. Ryan Justin Raynes, one of the researchers, said that although there were small amount of phenolic compound in tawa-tawa, this was sufficient to exert effect promoting quality and quantity of platelets. Tawa-tawa was also able to promote cell production and prevent platelet destruction. Likewise, the improvement in the cell bleeding time and clotting time provided evidence that the indigenous plant can preserve and promote the hemostatic function of platelets. The said research won the first prize in the last Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. However, as dengue fever surges in many parts of the country, the researcher admitted that the use of tawa-tawa really needs further studies. According to my internet browser, this is how to make tawa tawa tea for dengue treatment. Tea Making Procedures Take 5 to 6 full whole Tawa Tawa plants Cut off the roots Wash and clean Fill a boiling pot with clean water Boil the Tawa Tawa for one minute in a slow rolling boil Cool Let the dengue fever victim drink only the Tawa Tawa water for 24 hours Sip 1 to 1.5 glasses of Tawa Tawa water every hour The internal hemorrhaging will stop and the dengue fever will be cured within 24 hours. I better hurry. I want to evaluate the tea myself. I want to make it more drinkable if it tastes bad. Babies dont want bad tasting stuff.