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.

Akapulko or Acapulco in English is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. It is known under various nam
regions in the country. Locals call the plant katanda, andadasi, and palochina in Tagalog, Ilocos and in the
respectively. The shrub belongs to the family of Leguminosae, and grows about one to two meters tall. It h
branches and the leaves are embraced with 8 to 20 leaflets that are oblong-elliptical in shape. The flowers
have oblong sepals, and its fruits are tetragonal, which are also winged and glabrous. A medicinal herb that
chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies, and eczema. Akapulk
contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.

The primary part used for herbal purposes are the leaves, although the roots and flowers are also used for
preparations with medicinal value. The extracts from the Akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient
soaps, and shampoos.
Benefits & Treatment of Akapulko:

Preparation & Use:

External Use:
Treatment of skin diseases:
Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms,eczema,
scabies and itchiness.
Mouthwash in stomatitis

For external use, pound the leaves of the Akap

squeeze the juice and apply on affected areas.

Internal use:
Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea
Alleviation of asthma symptoms
Used as diuretic and purgative
For cough & fever
As a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other
stomach problems.
Note: A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an
abortifacient. Pregnant women should not take
decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.

As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoe

decoction (soak and boil for 10 to 15 minutes) o
leaves. The same preparation may be used as a
stringent, and wash for eczema.

As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers

leaves) into a manageable size then prepare a d
The decoction looses its potency if not used for
Dispose leftovers after one day.

The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative

specifically against ringworms.

It should be noted that the pounded leaves of this plant may be applied thinly on the affected part twice a d
improvement may be expected after two to three weeks of continuous application to the affected area(s) w
prepared Akapulko leaves were applied.
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.
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