has been used as a disinfectant wash during child
birth, as cure for diarrhea, as tea for general good
Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida Linn.)
a.k.a. Ulasiman-Bato
Pansit-pansitan (family: Piperaceae) is an herbal
medicine also known as Ulasiman-bato, olasiman-
ihalas & tangon-tangon in the Philippines. English
name: peperomia.
The leaves and stalk of pansit-pansitan are edible. It
can be harvested, washed and eaten as fresh salad.
Taken as a salad, pansit-pansitan helps relive
rheumatic pains and gout. An infusion or decoction
(boil 1 cup of leaves/stem in 2 cups of water) can
also be made and taken orally - 1 cup in the
morning and another cup in the evening.
For the herbal treatment of skin disorders like
abscesses, pimples and boils, pound the leaves
and/or the stalks and make a poultice (boil in water
for a minute or two then pounded) then applied
directly to the afflicted area. Likewise a decoction
can be used as a rinse to treat skin disorders.
For headaches, heat a couple of leaves in hot water,
bruise the surface and apply on the forehead. The
decoction of leaves and stalks is also good for
abdominal pains and kidney problems.
Pansit-pansitan is used as an herbal medicine for the
treatment of:
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Skin boils, abscesses, pimples
• Headache
• Abdominal pains and kidney problems
Tsaang Gubat or Wild Tea (Ehretia microphylla
Lam.)
Tsaang Gubat is an antispasmodic for abdominal
(stomach) pains. In folkloric medicine, the leaves
heath and because Tsaang Gubat has high fluoride
content, it is used as a mouth gargle for preventing
tooth decay.
Health Benefits of Tsaang Gubat:
• Stomach pains
• Gastroenteritis
• Intestinal motility
• Dysentery
• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM)
• Mouth gargle
• Body cleanser/wash
Preparation & Use:
• Thoroughly wash the leaves of tsaang gubat in
running water. Chop to a desirable size and boil 1
cup of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil in
low heat for 15 to 20 minutes and drain.
• Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea,
gastroenteritis and stomach pains.
• Gargle for stronger teeth and prevent cavities.
• Drink as tea daily for general good health.
Saluyot or Jute (Corchorus capsularis L.)
Saluyot, also known as jute, is a green leafy
vegetable that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron
and potassium. It has also been determined that 100
grams of saluyot contains an ample amount of
Vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and
is also rich in fiber. With these facts alone, we can
appreciate the benefits that can be derived from
eating and incorporating saluyot in one’s diet.
Preparation and Health Benefits of Saluyot
Because the saluyot or jute plant is by nature a
vegetable, it is easy to prepare and can be
incorporated to various dishes that would allow
individuals to benefit from its vitamins and mineral
content.
Its vitamin content is good for eyesight, as the
vegetable contains beta-carotene. Its iron and
calcium content necessarily aids a person in
maintaining strong bones and teeth, and a healthy
count of red blood cells. Saluyot has been used to
reduce wrinkles, as it also contains anti-oxidant
substances. Studies have also shown that saluyot
can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment. It is to
be noted that saluyot has been used traditionally to
address concerns related to inflammation and pain,
and the results of recent studies confirmed the
validity of such traditional practice. In the same
manner, saluyot has also been connected with
curing the chronic inflammation of the urinary
bladder. To prepare its medical decoction, an
individual is advised to eat dishes and soups that
contain saluyot. As to the dosage or the amount of
intake that one should have, recent studies have not
been able to establish this yet.
Pandan (Pandanus tectorius)
Fragrant Screw Pine
Its leaves and roots are found to have medicinal
benefits. Such parts of the plant have been found to
have essential oils, tannin, alkaloids and glycosides,
which are the reasons for the effective treatment of
various health concerns. It functions as a pain
reliever, mostly for headaches and pain caused by
arthritis, and even hangover. It can also be used as
antiseptic and anti-bacterial, which makes it ideal
for healing wounds. In the same manner, a
preparation derived from the bark of this plant may
be used to address skin problems. Many people
have also discovered that it is an effective remedy
for cough. In India, pandan leaves are being used to
treat skin disorders like leprosy and smallpox. The
bitter tasting quality of the leaves makes it ideal for
health problems which include, but are not limited
to, diabetes fever, ulcer and wounds. In Hawaii,
pandan flowers are being chewed by mothers who
later give the chewed flowers to their children, as
laxative. The juice extracted from pounded roots of
this tree is used and mixed with other ingredients to
ease chest pains. Also, it is used as tonic for women
who have just given birth and who are still in weak
states. Pandan flowers have also been traced with
characteristics that function as aphrodisiac. Pandan
also manifests anti-cancer activities, and that is why
modern researches in the United States have
subjected this plant for further experiments and
investigation.
Pandan Health Benefits:
• Treats leprosy, smallpox and wounds.
• Helps reduce fever
• Solves several skin problems
• Relives headache and arthritis
• Treatment for ear pains
• Functions as a laxative for children
• Eases chest pains
• Helps in speeding up the recuperation of women
who have just given birth and are still weak
• Pandan reduces stomach spasms and strengthens
the gum.
Preparation & Use of Pandan:
• Decoction of the bark may be taken as tea, or
mixed with water that is to be used in bathing, in
order to remedy skin problems, cough, and urine-
related concerns.
• Apply pulverized roots of pandan to affected
wound areas to facilitate healing.
• The anthers of the male flowers are used for
earaches, headaches and stomach spasms.
• Chew the roots to strengthen the gum.
• Extract oils and juices from the roots and flowers
are used in preparing the decoction to relieve pains
brought about by headache and arthritis.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano (Scientific name: Origanum vulgare) is
also known as Wild Marjoram, Mountain Mint,
Origanum, Wintersweet and Winter Marjoram. In
countries like the Philippines, Oregano is a known
herbal medicine for its strong anti-oxidant
properties. Oregano contains a rosmarinic acid
compound, thymol, and carvacrol that are
responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial,
anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
Oregano also contains flavinoids, triterpenoids,
sterols, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Its anti-bacterial
properties have been proven by recent studies to
treat infections of the reproductive tracts, and which
make it ideal to be given to women who have just
given birth.
The volatile oils in oregano and its properties are
believed to be responsible for slowing the process
of spoilage of food and thus minimizing the risk of
ingesting harmful bacteria, parasites and fungi.
The anti-oxidant properties of oregano helps fight
free radicals in the body that cause cellular damage
and accelerate ageing. Free radicals are believed to
be involved with many degenerative diseases like
osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis and heart diseases, to
name a few.
The most useful parts of this plant are its leaves.
The extracts and juices of such are used for asthma,
dyspepsia, chronic coughs, bronchitis, and
rheumatism. Ear aches have also been proven to be
cured by the infusion prepared from its leaves. The
leaves relieve painful swellings, boils, and sprains,
when their poultices are applied directly to the
affected area.
Health Benefits of Oregano:
• Good for cough and cold relief
• Helps prevent degenerative arthritis
• Has Anti-aging properties
• Helps relieve rheumatism and osteoarthritis
• Bronchitis herbal remedy
• Ease asthma attacks
• Relieves upset stomach
• Treatment of urinary tract problems
• Relief for dyspepsia or indigestion
• Healing wounds, insect bites & stings
• Cure for sore throat
• Avoid infections caused by childbirth by taking
decoctions of the leaves by the recent mother.
• For general good health
Preparation of Oregano Leaves:
• Boil one cup of fresh leaves in 3 cups of water for
10 to 15 minutes. Drink half a cup 3 times a day for
common colds.
• For a concentrate, juice the oregano leaves and
take 1 tablespoon every hour to relieve chronic
coughs, rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, and
dyspepsia.
• For Insect bites, wounds and stings, apply the
leaves as a poultice directly on the afflicted area.
• For sore throat, boil 2 tablespoonfuls of dried
oregano leaves in a pint of water, take 2 hours
before or after meals.
• To prevent degenerative arthritis & for general
good health drink oregano decoction daily.
Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn)
Gumamela is also known as: Hibiscus, China Rose
and Shoeflower. Gumamela leaves, usually
blended with Rose Hip has long been used in
the Middle East and Okinawa as herbal tea.
Gumamela as Herbal Medicine
As herbal medicine, gumamela flower, leaves and
roots are used. Gumamela has the following
medicinal characteristics: expectorant, diuretic,
emollient, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,
antipyretic, anodyne and refrigerant.
Preparation & Use of Gumamela:
There are two ways to utilize gumamela as herbal
medicine. One is dried and the other is fresh. For
Dried gumamela, collect the flower, leaves and/or
roots. Wash, then cut into small pieces and sun dry.
To use as decoction, boil the dried gumamela parts
(1/4 cup dried gumamela in 1 glass of water)
To make a decoction from fresh gumamela, Wash
gumamela flower and/or leaves, cut into small
pieces and boil (1/3 cup in 1 glass of water), let cool
and drink.
Use Gumamela as Poultice:
Poultice is the use or fresh or dried herbs that is
mashed, crushed or pounded - often heated (boiled
in water to soften and heat the herb) and applied
directly to the skin. A clean cloth or gauze can be
used to help the poultice stay in place.
Gumamela is used for the treatment of:
• 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
Application & Use of Gumamela:
• Decoction is used to treat: Bronchitis, coughs,
fever, dysentery, urinary and bladder infections,
high blood pressure and constipation.
• Poultice is applied externally on the afflicted area.
This is used to treat: headaches (on the forehead),
boils, swelling, abscesses and mumps.
• Intake of gumamela (alone or mixed with papaya
or papaya seeds) specially in large quantities can be
an abortifacient.
Silymarin - Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Silymarin is derived from Milk Thistle (seed extract
from the flower of silymarin plant). In the
Philippines is used as a herbal liver supplement
(silymarin capsules, trademark: Liveraide).
Silymarin and milk thistle are frequently used
interchangeably.
Laboratory experiments on animals (rats, baboons,
dogs) shows that silymarin works by modifying
hepatic cell membranes in a way that prevents liver
toxins from entering the interior of the cells. The
toxins that may damage the liver are expelled
through the kidneys instead. Silymarin is a
polyphenolic flavanoid consisting of three
chemicals: silybin, silicristin and silidianin which
are antioxidants that neutralizes and breaks down
free radicals. When there is an existing liver
damage, research shows that silymarin may help
repair the damage and help regenerate new liver
cells but is unlikely to help in the late stages of liver
cirrhosis.
Many studies have been published on the health
benefits of milk thistle and silymarin on humans but
many are inconclusive or poorly done. Further
studies are needed to fully appreciate the health
benefits of silymarin on humans. However,
anecdotal data suggests that it helps alleviate liver
diseases and other aliments.
Since most commercial silymarin and milk thistle
products are marketed as herbal supplements, they
are not subjected to the same stringent standards
imposed on prescription drugs. Their safety, purity
and quality vary from brand to brand. In very rare
instances, silymarin can cause headaches, upset
stomach and joint pains. Silymarin is not
recommended during pregnancy. Dozes over 1.5
grams a day may cause diarrhoea. It is
recommended that you consult with your doctor or a
health care provider before taking silymarin herbal
supplements, liver supplements or any herbal
medicine.
Anecdotal Health Benefits of Silymarin Milk
Thistle:
• Help improve liver function for those with
cirrhosis of the liver and chronic hepatitis.
• Prevents inflammation of the liver
• Cure for Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning
• Helps control blood sugar in patients with diabetes
and cirrhosis.
• Helps lower cholesterol levels.
• Reduces growth of breast, prostate, cervical and
skin cancer cells.
• Helps reduce fatty infiltration on the liver caused
by toxins and alcohol.
• A strong antioxidant that helps fight free radicals
(see Key to Healing).
• Not used to prevent hepatitis C, but used to
minimize the damage caused by it.
• Non-toxic / no known overdose symptoms.
Tanglad | Lemon Grass(Andropogon citratus DC)

The utility of tanglad basically lies in its leaves,
where all the benefits are derived. What can be seen
of this plant are mainly its leaves, which allows
easy access to the main part that is needed in order
to enjoy tanglad's health benefits.
Health Benefits of Lemon Grass | Tanglad:
Studies show that tanglad helps ease stomach
discomforts and aids in lessening, if not totally
curing, the pain caused by toothache and sprain.
Lemon grass also displays anti-bacterial activities
and anti-fungal properties, thus, eradicates ring
worms. Like malunggay, lemon grass can also be
applied to sprains for easy healing. In order to enjoy
these benefits of tanglad, one needs to prepare a
liniment. This can be done by chopping four ounces
of the leaves and roots of tanglad and boiling them,
along with fresh coconut oil. If it is infusion that an
individual wishes to achieve, use one pint of water
to boil the tanglad leaves with. The lemon grass
plant may also serve as an insect repellant,
particularly of mosquitoes. One can achieve an
effect to this end either by applying liniment, or by
placing crushed tanglad leaves in strategic places at
home including the window sills. It is also an option
to plant tanglad around the house so that placement
of crushed leaves would no longer be needed.
Another health benefit which can be derived from
tanglad, is the calming effect derived from its scent.
Thus, lemon grass can aid an individual if such
person is suffering from insomnia or stress. The
plant also has therapeutic value, which allows it to
be used by women who are suffering from
menstrual problems or dysmenorrhoea, and from
usual bouts of nausea. Tanglad also has cleansing
properties, which makes it a good option to detoxify
the various internal organs, like the liver. Lemon
grass reduces the level of uric acid and of other
toxins, as it detoxifies the body. This can result to
better blood circulation and better digestion, as
excess fats and cholesterol are cut down from the
body. When taken in, tanglad affects the tissues in
such a manner that there would be a significant
reduction and avoidance of acne and pimples. Also,
it tones the muscles and the tissues, and thus makes
the skin firmer.
So aside from the oil that can be extracted from
lemon grass leaves, the fluid that is obtained from
the boiled leaves of this plant proves to have
medicinal purposes as well. Such lemon grass
leaves can also be used in its raw form by mixing
directly with the food before it is served. Such
dishes include, and are especially good, when the
primary ingredient is fish or poultry. Besides the
health benefits, tanglad balances the chili flavorings
in dishes, which makes eating a more enjoyable
experience.
Malunggay (Moringa oleifera Lam.)
The malunggay plant is known to different parts of
the world under various names including, but not
limited to, horseradish tree, drumstick tree, and dool
in some regions. It is rich in vitamins A, B & C,
minerals such as iron and amino acids. Malunggay
proves to be a low-maintenance plant to grow, and
is able to propagate in almost all kinds of soil. Most
of the parts of the malunggay had been proven to be
useful, both for consumption and for its preparation
as a medicinal plant. Its flowers, leaves and young
pods are associated and perceived to be important
because of the health benefits that it provides.
The malunggay plant, which belongs to the
Moringaceae family, can grow as high as nine
meters. The bark of this tree has a gummy quality in
it, and when peered closely, is comprised of white
wood that is soft in nature. It derives one of its
names, horseradish, from the taste of its roots. The
malunggay leaves, which are used in certain
Filipino viands, have a very distinct shape that
makes it easily recognizable. They are circular, thin
sheets that are attached to a main stalk. The
malunggay flowers are white fragrances that
produce the pods, which are also used for medicinal
purposes.
Health Benefits of Malunggay
As have been mentioned earlier, there are various
parts of the malunggay plant which are being used
for health reasons. For one, the leaves of this plant
proved to be a good source of calcium, iron,
ascorbic acid and phosphorus. Its other parts such as
the seeds, the young pods, and the flowers have
been established to benefit individuals as far as anti-
oxidant, anti-diabetic, circulatory stimulations, and
The makabuhay plant is a clinging vine, and the
such other activities that are most beneficial to
name itself suggests the primary purpose of such
mankind, are concerned. There have been claims
plant. Makabuhay is a Filipino translation of the
that malunggay can be used to lower blood
English term ‘pro-life or to give life’. It is
pressure, aid in pains caused by rheumatism,
commonly known as the paliahan in the Visayas
headaches and migraines, as well as its being an
region. The plant belongs to the family of
anti-tumor plant. Malunggay is also used for
Menispermaceae, and can grow, or rather climb, up
purgative and anti-fungal purposes, as well. All
to fifteen meters long. The makabuhay leaves are
these prove the claim that this plant is indeed multi-
thin sheets that are heart-shaped, and its flowers
purpose.
look distinct as they only have three petals. The
makabuhay plant is known for its bitter nature, and
There are various ways to derive the benefits from
the fruits of this plant are held in clusters, which can
malunggay plant. Aside from the natural and direct
be as long as two centimeters. This plant may be
means, wherein one is going to prepare the
propagated by planting its stem, which contains a
concoctions at home by picking the necessary parts
bitter sap. However, it is important to note that
from the plant itself, one can also purchase the
makabuhay can be found in most forests all over the
commercial extractions of malunggay. There are
Philippines. It grows in tropical areas, and it is of
malunggay capsules that are now available in the
little wonder why it is abundant in a country like the
market, which contain 250mg dried young leaves of
Philippines. The fruits of this plant have not been
the malunggay plant. In the same way, there are
utilized nor established to have medicinal values.
commercial oil extracts of the malunggay flowers
Only the leaves and the stems of makabuhay have
which are also in the market. Because of the
been found to cure particular health concerns. For
popularity that has been associated with this plant,
the stems, both the dried and the fresh stems are
commercial establishments have exploited the
found to be beneficial.
malunggay’s marketable qualities. For simple
preparations however, as when the concoction
Health Benefits of Makabuhay Plant
would be used for uncomplicated ailments like
The stem of makabuhay plant is a primary
hiccups, as a means to end constipation, or as
ingredient used to concoct preparations that would
wound cleanser, one may eat the cooked leaves of
prevent spread of malaria, and may be used as
the malunggay plant during his last meals of the
cleanser for skin ulcer and skin wounds. Clinical
day. This should be accompanied by water,
tests have shown that the decoction of this plant
especially when the ailment to be addressed is
cures diarrhea, indigestion and scabies. Also, it is an
constipation. Now, as wound cleanser, the leaves
effective ointment for pains caused by rheumatism.
may be crushed and applied to the affected area
However, young children below the age of three,
directly. In all instances, cleanliness should be
pregnant women, patients with typhoid fever, those
observed to avoid complications.
who are suffering from pneumonia, and people
diagnosed with heart problems, should not in any
Makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii Boerl)
way take decoction that contains makabuhay,
because their weak state will be in conflict with the
strong medicinal effects that it manifests.

Preparation and Use of Makabuhay

It has been mentioned earlier that this plant have
several medicinal uses. Thus, the form, preparation,
and manner of intake also vary according to the
purpose for which it will be taken. For instance,
when makabuhay is going to be used as an ointment
for rheumatism, its preparation is different in such a
manner that the stems have to be chopped. It is
suggested that the chopped stems amount to one-
half glass and such stems are supposed to be fried
for five minutes in a glass of coconut oil, under low
fire. Then, the stems are to be separated after frying,
after which ½ glass of grated candle wax should be
incorporated to it. As soon as the wax have already
dissolved and cooled down, the prepared ointment
can already be applied to the body, except for the
face, for three successive nights.
A similar preparation is to be observed when
makabuhay is to be used to eradicate intestinal
worms, and cure fever brought about by malaria.
However, instead of sautéing, the stems are
supposed to be boiled. In preparing this particular
decoction, 30 grams of fresh makabuhay stems, or
25 grams of dried ones, are supposed to be boiled
for twenty minutes in three cups of water. The
extracts can be derived by subjecting the boiled
preparation in a strainer, therefore removing the
stems from the substance that are necessary to
address the health concern discussed. The
preparation should be taken and drank in half a cup,
twice a day before the first and last meals of the
day. Like any other medicinal plant preparation,
should there be complications suffered or no
marked improvements seen after administering the
said preparation, treatment should be discontinued
and a physician is to be consulted.
Carrot (Daucus carota L.)
Carrot (Karot in Filipino) is an outstanding trait of
this flowering plant, which belongs to the family of
Apiaceae, is that it is self-fertile.
Carrots are extremely popular because of its
numerous uses, and because of the many vitamins
and minerals that it contains. For instance, its roots
are edible, whether cooked or raw, and are used as
an ingredient to soups and salad bowls. It has been
found that carrot root juice is very rich in carotene,
which in turn is converted to vitamin A by our liver,
and is one of the vitamins that the body needs.
Regular intake of carrot roots, in any manner,
though recommended to be taken in juice form,
improves eyesight. Particular substances that are
contained in the roots have been discovered to be
anti-cancer. That is the primary reason why carrot
juice has become a popular drink, as it is associated
with a wealth of health benefits. The roots of the
carrot plant, when roasted, are also being used as a
substitute for coffee. Extractions from the roots,
known as carotene, are also being used
commercially as a food dye. The leaves of this
plant, which have high vitamin E content, are also
being used as flavorings for soup. From the derived
uses of this plant, it is evident that its roots, seeds,
and leaves have particular functions which are
known to be utilized by many.
Carrots have been known to have medicinal
properties that allow it to be used as an astringent
and antiseptic substance. Carrot has been used as a
cleansing medicine, because of its activities which
basically helps the kidney in the removal of waste
in the body. It also aids in the stimulation of one’s
menstruation because of the same properties. For
children, raw carrot roots are a safe and
recommended treatment for threadworms. In the
same manner, regular intake of cultivated carrot
roots allows the stimulation of urine flow. It
manifests activities that help the skin, by virtue of
its anti-oxidant contents.
Carrot Health Benefits:
• Body cleanser, and is a medication for kidney
problems
• Treatment for cough and chest pains
• Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic function helps
solve burns, ulcer and infected wounds
Preparation & Use:
• Boil with milk, and drink for cough
• Poultice of carrots may be applied to infected
wounds and to the chest, in case it is going to be
used to aid in an individual’s chest pains
• Ground seeds of the plant may be taken as tea, in
order to increase urine flow