Akapulko

or Acapulco in English is a shrub found throughout the

Philippines. It is known under various names in
different regions in the country. Locals call the
plant katanda, andadasi, and palochina in Tagalog,
Ilocos and in the Visayas regions, respectively. The
shrub belongs to the family of Leguminosae, and
grows about one to two meters tall. It has thick
branches and the leaves are embraced with 8 to 20
leaflets that are oblong-elliptical in shape. The
flowers of the Akapulko have oblong sepals, and its
fruits are tetragonal, which are also winged and
glabrous. A medicinal herb that contains
chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat fungal
infections, like ringworms, scabies, and eczema.
Akapulko also 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 certain
preparations with medicinal value. The extracts from the Akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient for
lotions, soaps, and shampoos.

Benefits & Treatment of Akapulko:

• External Use: Preparation & Use:

Treatment of skin diseases:
Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema,
scabies and itchiness.
• Mouthwash in stomatitis
• 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.
• For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko
plant, squeeze the juice and apply on affected areas.
• As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea,
drink decoction (soak and boil for 10 to 15 minutes)
of Akapulko leaves. The same preparation may be
used as a mouthwash, stringent, and wash for
eczema.
• As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers, and
the leaves) into a manageable size then prepare a
decoction Note: The decoction looses its potency if
not used for a long time. Dispose leftovers after one
day.
• The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative
functions, specifically against ringworms.

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

is a plant, which belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, grows

to an erect length of 50 to 80 centimeters, the leaves of which
are oval-shaped, and have slightly-toothed edges. The
flowers of balanoi or common basil are either white or
purple. The compounds that can be extracted from this plant
vary, but it has been determined through various
experiments and researches that its dried leaves contain 0.20%
to 1% of essential oils. Balanoi has been renowned
throughout the Philippines and in various parts of the world
because of its medicinal and health benefits. It can be found
all over the country, and have several uses.

For instance, in South Africa and in India, the rhizomes of the Balanoi plant are extracted and are used as
mosquito repellant. This plant has also been found to aid people that suffer from various health ailments.
Studies have shown that there are particular activities on which Balanoi plant extracts and oils address. For one,
it serves as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medicine because of ethanol substance that it has. It has also
been used as a stimulant, and has been found to be an effective means to remove cold sores. In the Philippines,
it is an option to alleviate pain caused by headaches, cramps, and even shortness of breath. The same goes true
for sprains, and the way to do this is to rub the oil or the extract of the Balanoi plant leaves, mixed with alcohol,
to the ailing part of the body.

Preparation of Balanoi as Herbal Medication:

There are several ways to prepare the plant for medication, depending on the nature for which it is going to be
used. The amount of raw materials and extracts that are needed also vary depending on the use. When the
balanoi leaves are to be used to stimulate the body, it is recommended for the individual to permeate about
twenty (20) balanoi leaves with 200 grams of water, and three to four cups are supposed to be drank a day. A
combined weight of 40 grams basil leaves incorporated with 200 grams of water is to be used for gargling in
order to remove cold sores. Health experts suggest that this be done three times every day, until the cold sores
are gone. Now, for people who are suffering from shortness of breath, they are suggested to drink one glass of
boiled balanoi leaves, consisting of twelve leaves mixed with one and a half liters of water, twice a day. Balanoi
also helps regulate the women’s menstrual cycle, and if one is interested in this, they are supposed to prepare a
mixture of 100 grams of balanoi leaves with a liter of water. It is recommended for people to drink four cups of
this preparation several days before one’s expected period. As for its antibacterial purposes, ten grams of
balanoi leaves fused with 100 grams of water should be boiled and drank a glass per day, during early mornings
or when the person still has an empty stomach. Lastly, for the aid that it effects for pains caused by rheumatism,
simple headache and occasional sprains, one should grind a concoction of balanoi, rosemary and ruta, in equal
proportion. It should be rubbed to the ailing or throbbing part for eight days, the application of which may be
continuous day and night.
Banaba,
the scientific name of which is Lagerstroemia
speciosa, is a tropical flowery tree. It grows to a
height as high as 20 meters. Its leaves are large, and
ranges from the shape of elliptical-ovate to oblong.
These leaves are shed by the plant during the first
months of the year, and are bright orange or red
during these times. Various research on Banaba
conducted in Japan prove true the belief that this
plant contains high levels of corosilic acid, a
substance known as one of the many treatments for
diabetes mellitus. Besides its medicinal value, banaba is also cultivated and known for its beautiful flowers.

Banaba has been used in Filipino folkloric herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes for centuries. It is now
gaining popularity and getting recognition as a herbal medicine not only in the Philippines but worldwide.
Banaba is also known as Queen's Flower, Crepe Myrtle and the Pride of India. In India, Banaba has also been
used to cure diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time.

Other studies that were focused on this plant showed other potential medicinal benefits. These include
antibacterial functions of seed extracts from this plant, and a water extract of the same manifest anti-oxidative
functions. Another is the significant protection that Banaba seems to exhibit to treat HIV-infected cells. This is
brought about by its ellagic acid constituents.

Aside from the medicinal value of Banaba, as a herbal medicine, it is also good for the health. Banaba contains
high concentrations of dietary fiber and minerals such as zinc and magnesium. The leaves can be boiled and
taken daily as tea.

Benefits and Treatment of Banaba: Banaba Preparation & Use:

• Diabetes Note: Fresh leaves, dried leaves, flowers, ripe fruit, root
• Fights obesity and bark of Banaba can all be used.
• Helps regulate blood pressure • Wash the leaves in running water (if fresh). Cut into
• Good for the kidneys smaller pieces if desired.
• Aids the digestive system • Boil Banaba (one cup Banaba to cup of water) for 30
• Helps ease urination minutes. Drink like tea.
Bayabas

or guava is a tropical plant, which is locally known

for its edible fruit. In the backyards of Filipino homes
in the country, this plant is commonly seen, and
grown because of its many uses as fruit and as
traditional remedy to treat various ailments. As shown
by many research studies, almost all of the parts of
this plant have medicinal qualities and value, and
thus, making it as one of the most popular
therapeutic plants in the Philippines. Bayabas is a
small tree that can grow up to 3 meters tall with
greenish-brownish smooth bark. The round
globular bayabas fruit starts as a flower and is usually
harvested and eaten while still green. The fruit turns yellowish-green and soft when ripe.

The bayabas fruit bark and leaves are used as herbal medicine. Its leaves decoction is recognized for its
effectiveness to cure several ailments, including the treatment of uterine hemorrhage, swollenness of the legs
and other parts of the body, of chronic diarrhea, and gastroenteritis, among others. The most common use of the
leaves is for cleaning and disinfecting wounds by rinsing the afflicted area with a decoction of the leaves. In the
same way, such leaves are being used to aid in the treatment of dysentery and the inflammation of the kidneys.
The bark and leaves can be used as astringent. It can also be used as a wash for uterine and vaginal problems,
and is good for ulcers. The medicinal uses of Bayabas appear infinite, as it is also a suggested natural cure for
fevers, diabetes, epilepsy, worms, and spasms. The fruit, aside from being delicious, contains nutritional values
with a very high concentration of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Uses of Bayabas : Preparation:

• Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic
• Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba
• Used to treat diarrhea, nosebleeding
• For Hypertension, diabetes and Asthma
• Promotes menstruation
The fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing
of wounds and cuts. A decoction (boiling in water) or
infusion of fresh leaves can be used for wound
cleaning to prevent infection. Bayabas is also
effective for toothaches. Note: Bayabas can cause
constipation when consumed in excess.
• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of
water for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
• Use decoction as mouthwash, gargle.
• Use as wound disinfectant - wash affected areas
with the decoction of leaves 2 to 3 times a day. Fresh
leaves may be applied to the wound directly for faster
healing.
• For toothaches, chew the leaves in your mouth.
• For diarrhea, boil the chopped leaves for 15 minutes
in water, and strain. Let cool, and drink a cup every
three to four hours.
• To stop nosebleed, densely roll Bayabas leaves, then
place in the nostril cavities.

Bawang
or Garlic with scientific name Allium sativum, is a low herb,
which only grows up to sixty centimeters high. Its leaves
are flat and linear, with bulbs that consist of several
tubers. This herb is one of the most widely used herbal
medicines in the Philippines and can also be found
commonly in the kitchen of Filipino households as it is used
to spice up food preparations. The Philippine bawang or
garlic variety is more pungent than the imported ones. Its
medicinal properties have been known for a long time and
have been especially proven during World War II when
it was used to treat wounds and infections of soldiers.
Garlic’s antibacterial compound known as allicin, saved
many lives of the soldiers as this property prevented the wounds from being infected and developing into
gangrene at a later stage by extracting the juice of bawang or garlic and applying to the wounds.

Bawang, sometimes spelled as bauang or in English, garlic is known as nature's antibiotic. Its juices inhibit the
growth of fungi and viruses thus, prevent viral, yeast, and infections. The preliminary test conducted on this
medicinal herb showed some positive results in the treatment of AIDS. Several clinical tests that followed and
published studies have shown the efficacy of garlic in lowering cholesterol in the blood and is beneficial to the
circulatory system of the body. Today, as more research is done on garlic, more medicinal and therapeutic
properties become more evident. As of the present time, lowering of the blood pressure, reduction of platelet
aggregation, and the boosting of fibrinolytic activities are among the list of herbal functions of garlic, which is
supported by medical findings. Although more clinical studies are needed to support the contention stronger,
marked improvements in benign breast diseases have been traced to make progress because of the regular intake
of supplements, of which the primary ingredient is garlic.

Although controlled trials in terms of anti-cancer activities of garlic have been performed in medical research, it
has been proven through population-based studies that substances contain in garlic help in reducing the risk of
some types of cancer. These would include colorectal malignancies, and gastric cancer. Regular consumption of
raw garlic has been proven to aid in many bleeding cases, especially those cases that are associated with
procedures in surgeries and dental activities. All these considered, it appears that garlic have no concrete
scientific basis to claim a significant effect in the level of glucose in our blood. It is remarkable to note though
that the Philippine Department of Health has endorsed garlic as one of the top ten Philippine herbs with
therapeutic value and the department recommends its use as an alternative herbal medicine in view of the
positive results of thorough research and testing, which had been conducted on this herbal plant. Juice extracted
from garlic bulbs can be used as tick and mosquito repellant when applied to skin.

Bad breath, due to the strong odor of garlic, is the most common side effect of taking this herb. Fresh garlic
applications to the skin have been reported to cause skin burns and rashes. This goes true both for those who are
in the initial stages of their garlic therapies, and those who consume it as an ingredient in food preparations.
Health Benefits of Bawang-Garlic: Preparation of Bawang-Garlic:

• Good for the heart
• Helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL)
• Aids in lowering blood pressure
• Remedy for arteriosclerosis
• May help prevent certain types of cancer
• Boosts immune system to fight infection
• With antioxidant properties
• Cough and cold remedy
• Relives sore throat, toothache
• Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis
• Helps relieve rheumatism pain
• With anticoagulant properties
• For disinfecting wound, crush and juice the garlic
bulb and apply. You may cover the afflicted area with a
gauze and bandage.
• For sore throat and toothache, peal the skin and chew.
Swallow the juice.
• Cloves of garlic may be crushed and applied to
affected areas to reduce the pain caused by arthritis,
toothache, headache, and rheumatism.
• Decoction of the bawang bulbs and leaves are used as
treatment for fever.
• For nasal congestion, steam and inhale: vinegar,
chopped garlic, and water.

Aside from being an alternative herbal medicine for hypertension, arteriosclerosis and other ailments, garlic is
also recommended for maintaining good health - eat raw garlic bulbs if you can, and include bawang regularly
in the food you eat. Garlic is healthy and taste good on a variety of dishes.

Ampalaya
(Bitter Melon) with a scientific name Momordica charantia, is a climbing vine and the tendrils of which grow
up to 20 centimeters long. This herbal plant belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, and it is a tropical as well
as a subtropical vine. Ampalaya leaves are heart-shaped, which are 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. The fruits of
the ampalaya vine are fleshy green with pointed ends at length. It can never be mistaken for any other variety
because its ribbed and wrinkled surface had always been ampalaya’s distinct physical structure. The bitter taste
of the ampalaya fruit had also been the distinguishing factor from the rest of the fruits with medicinal value, and
this is due to the presence of a substance known as momorcidin.

Ampalaya has been a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to be an effective herbal medicine
for many aliments. Most significant of which is for Diabetes. The Philippine variety has proven to be most
potent. Ampalaya contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin that
controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from Ampalaya's medicinal value, it is good source of vitamins A,
B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.

Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese for centuries. The effectively of Ampalaya as an herbal
medicine has been tried and tested by many research clinics and laboratories worldwide. In the Philippines, the
Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya as an alternative medicine to help alleviate various ailments
including diabetes, liver problems and even HIV. Aside from these, ampalaya also helps treat skin diseases and
cough. Its herbal value extends to increasing the sterility of women, in parasiticide, antipyretic, and has
purgative functions, as well. Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and abortifacient.

Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya: Preparation & Use of Ampalaya:

• Good for rheumatism and gout
• And diseases of the spleen and liver
• Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
• Helps in lowering blood pressure
• Relives headaches
• Disinfects and heals wounds & burns
• Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
• Helps prevent some types of cancer
• Enhances immune system to fight infection
• For treatment of hemorrhoids
• Is an antioxidant and parasiticide
• Is antibacterial and antipyretic
• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes, juice
Ampalaya leaves and drink a spoonful daily.
• For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can both be
juiced and taken orally.
• For headaches wounds, burns and skin diseases, apply
warmed leaves to afflicted area.
• Powdered leaves, and the root decoction, may be used
as stringent and applied to treat hemorrhoids.
• Internal parasites are proven to be expelled when the
ampalaya juice, made from its leaves, is extracted. The
ampalaya juice, and grounded seeds is to be taken one
spoonful thrice a day, which also treats diarrhea,
dysentery, and chronic colitis.

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 one of the more popular and
publicized plant that is acknowledged to have nutritional, as well as, medicinal value. It is rich in vitamins A, B
& C, minerals such as iron and amino acids. Fortunately, the plant is easily accessible as it can be found not
only as part of the wild life, but also in the backyards of many Filipino homes. 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 such other activities that are most
beneficial to mankind, are concerned. There have been claims that malunggay can be used to lower blood
pressure, aid in pains caused by rheumatism, headaches and migraines, as well as its being an anti-tumor plant.
Malunggay is also used for purgative and anti-fungal purposes, as well. All these prove the claim that this plant
is indeed multi-purpose.

There are various ways to derive the benefits from malunggay plant. Aside from the natural and direct means,
wherein one is going to prepare the concoctions at home by picking the necessary parts from the plant itself, one
can also purchase the commercial extractions of malunggay. There are malunggay capsules that are now
available in the market, which contain 250mg dried young leaves of the malunggay plant. In the same way,
there are commercial oil extracts of the malunggay flowers which are also in the market. Because of the
popularity that has been associated with this plant, commercial establishments have exploited the malunggay’s
marketable qualities. For simple preparations however, as when the concoction would be used for
uncomplicated ailments like hiccups, as a means to end constipation, or as wound cleanser, one may eat the
cooked leaves of the malunggay plant during his last meals of the day. This should be accompanied by water,
especially when the ailment to be addressed is constipation. Now, as wound cleanser, the leaves may be crushed
and applied to the affected area directly. In all instances, cleanliness should be observed to avoid complications.

Oregano
(Scientific name: Origanum vulgare) is also known as Wild
Marjoram, Mountain Mint, Origanum, Wintersweet and
Winter Marjoram. This erectly spreading plant has strong
aromatic characteristics, with leaves and stems that are fleshy.
The leaves of oregano are heart-shaped, with toothed edges,
and which, grow for up to 9 meters in length. In other
countries, the plant is primarily used as a culinary
ingredient. However, 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: Preparation of Oregano Leaves:

• 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
• 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.

Tsaang Gubat
is one of the 10 herbs that is endorsed the Philippine
Department of Health (DOH) as an antispasmodic for
abdominal (stomach) pains. And is registered as a
herbal medicine at the Philippine Bureau of Food &
Drug (BFAD).

Tsaang Gubat is a shrub (small tree) that grows (from 1 to 5 meters) abundantly in the Philippines. In folkloric
medicine, the leaves has been used as a disinfectant wash during child birth, as cure for diarrhea, as tea for
general good heath and because Tsaang Gubat has high fluoride content, it is used as a mouth gargle for
preventing tooth decay. Research and test now prove it's efficacy as an herbal medicine. Aside from the
traditional way of taking Tsaag Gubat, it is now available commercially in capsules, tablets and tea bags.

Tsaang Gubat is also knows as: Wild Tea, Forest Tea, Alibungog (Visayas Region), Putputai (Bicol Region)
and Maragued (Ilocos Region). Scientific name: Ehretia Microphylla Lam.

Health Benefits of Tsaang Gubat: Preparation & Use:

• Stomach pains • Thoroughly wash the leaves of tsaang gubat in

• Gastroenteritis running water. Chop to a desirable size and boil 1 cup
• Intestinal motility of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil in low heat
• Dysentery for 15 to 20 minutes and drain.
• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM) • Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea,
• Mouth gargle gastroenteritis and stomach pains.
• Body cleanser/wash • Gargle for stronger teeth and prevent cavities.
• Drink as tea daily for general good health.

Sambong
(scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) is an
amazing medicinal plant. Coming from the family of
Compositae, it goes by several names locally. It
is known in the Visayas as bukadkad and as subsob in
Ilocos. The plant is a strongly aromatic herb that grows
tall and erect. Its height ranges from 1.5 to 3 meters,
with stems that grow for up to 2.5
centimeters. It is an anti-urolithiasis and work as a
diuretic. It is used to aid the treatment of kidney
disorders. The Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, this
herbal medicine helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body.

Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an
alternative medicine in treating particular disorders. This plant possesses a multitude of properties that make it
worthy of the DOH approval. It functions as an astringent and as an expectorant, and has been found to be anti-
diarrhea and anti-spasm. As an astringent, preparations made of sambong leaves may be used for wounds and
cuts. It is also suggested to be incorporated to post-partum baths, as well as considerable immersion of
particular body areas that are afflicted with pains caused by rheumatism. Its expectorant properties make it as a
popular recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat colds.

Powdered Sambong leaves are available in 250 mg tablets at the DOH's Philippine Institute of Traditional and
Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) Telephone # (632) 727-6199.

Health Benefits of Sambong: Preparation & Use:

• Good as a diuretic agent • A decoction (boil in water) of Sambong leaves as like

• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones tea and drink a glass 3 or 4 times a day.
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism • The leaves can also be crushed or pounded and
• Treatment of colds & fever mixed with coconut oil.
• Anti-diarrheic properties • For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on
• Anti-gastralgic properties forehead and temples.
• Helps remove worms, boils • Decoction of leaves is used as sponge bath.
• Relief of stomach pains • Decoction of the roots, on the other hand, is to be
• Treats dysentery, sore throat taken in as cure for fever.

Niyog-niyogan
or Rangoon Creeper is an excellent vine for
outdoor gardens. This ligneous plant,
scientifically called Quisqualis indica L. It is also
known as Burma or Rangoon Creeper, Liane
Vermifuge and Chinese honeysuckle. Niyog-
niyogan is perfect for covered walkways as it grows
at least 2.5m long and reaches up to 8m long when
it matures. This active climber, which belongs to the
combretaceae family grows best in tropical areas
and demands constant sunlight. Perhaps due to its
tropical characterization that it is found in
primary and secondary forests of countries like Africa,
China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Papua
New Guinea and other Asian regions.

Niyog-niyogan is cultivated in greenhouses and can be naturalized in tropical areas. This vine starts as a shrub
about 3-feet tall with branches growing from all directions. The mother shrub seizes to grow and dies after six
months allowing the creeper to rapidly climb walls, trees, and the like. The branches of niyog-niyogan are filled
with oblong-shaped leaves growing on opposite sides attached to 6mm to 10mm long petioles. The leaves of
niyog-niyogan can grow up to 15cm long and more than 5cm wide with a pointed tip. Its flowers grow in
clusters and it blossoms year-round. Its flowers open at night with five bright red petals and gives out a distinct
perfume. The young flowers of niyog-niyogan start with white-colored petals that turn pink then red as it
matures. It also bears fruits, which can grow up to 3cm long with five angles on its sides.

The niyog-niyogan plant grows in haste during the rainy season, hence constant pruning is especially
recommended during this time. It is advised to place this plant in spacious areas to avoid crowding with a
temperature of at least 60°F with evenly moistened soil to produce flowers. Niyog-niyogan can thrive in almost
all kinds of soil and can even tolerate moderate amount of drought in cold seasons.

Benefits & Treatment of Niyog-Niyogan: Preparation & Use:

Almost all of its parts are used individually, or
mixed with other ingredients, as remedy to different
ailments. In the Philippines, these are taken to rid
people of parasitic worms. Some also use these to
help alleviate coughs and diarrhea. Medical experts,
advice patients to consult their doctors as improper
dosing may cause hiccups. Niyog-niyogan’s leaves
are used to cure body pains by placing them on
specific problematic areas of the body. Compound
decoctions of the leaves of niyog-niyogan are used
in India to alleviate flatulence.
Seeds of niyog-niyogan can be taken as an
anthelmintic. These are eaten raw two hours before
the patient’s last meal of the day. Adults may take
10 seeds while children 4 to 7 years of age may eat
up to four seeds only. Children from ages 8 to 9
may take six seeds and seven seeds may be eaten by
children 10 to 12 years old.
Decoctions of its roots are also sometimes used as a
remedy for rheumatism while its fruits are used as
an effective way to relieve toothaches.