Botong Tree (Barringtonia asiatica)

 Botong Tree (Barringtonia asiatica)

Barringtonia asiatica (Fish Poison Tree, Putat or Sea Poison Tree) is a species of Barringtonia native to mangrove habitats on the tropical coasts and islands of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean from Zanzibar east to Taiwan, the Philippines, Fiji, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands, Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia. It is grown along streets for decorative and shade purposes in some parts of India, for instance in some towns on southeastern shore. It is also known as Box Fruit due the distinct box-shaped fruit it produces. The local name futu is the source of the name for the Polynesian island Futuna.The type specimen was collected by botanist Pehr Osbeck on a sandy beach area on the island of Java, later to be described (and given the original name of Mammea asiatica) by Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum in 1753

 The fruits have a typical lantern shape and float on the water. The fruit can survive drifting on the sea for long distances and for periods of up to 2 years. The outermost layer of the fruit wall is green turning brown when ripe. The middle layer is spongy and contains air sacs to help the fruit float. The innermost layer is hard and thick to protect the seed (the layers of spongy and hard coverings are somewhat similar to the coconut). All parts of the tree contain saponin, a poison. The seeds and other parts of the plant are pounded, pulped or grated to release the poison and used to stun fish in freshwater streams. The floating seeds are sometimes used as fishing floats.

 

 Botong Benefits

* The other parts of the poison tree can also be used to cure certain health problems. The heated leaves can be used to treat stomach ache and rheumatism. Seeds are also effective in getting rid of intestinal worms.

* According to traditional users, the scraped contents of the fruit of this tree can cure many health problems like cysts, goiter, tumor, boils, and all kinds of lumps or bumps.

Pakayungkong or Acapulko Tree

Pakayungkong or Acapulko Tree

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine. The akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.. Akapulko leaves are also known to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, usedto treat intestinal problems including intestinal parasites. Akapulko is also used as herbal medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has helped develop the technology for a akapulko herbal medicine lotion.

Akapulko is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko leaves have orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow flowers that has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers are enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time.

Acapulko Benefits:

• External 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.

• 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.

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.

Ginseng Plant

 Ginseng Plant

Ginseng has been used for thousands of years to improve the overall health of human being. The term ginseng refers to the species within Panax, a genus of 11 species of slow growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, in the family Araliaceae. These plants grown in eastern Asia, typically in cooler climates. The two major species are American ginseng (grown in the Midwest of America and exported to China) and Asian ginseng. Ginseng is known to be an adaptogen – adaptogens are substances that help the body to restore itself to health and to work without side effects.

 American ginseng is considered to be a stress reducer, energizer and a normalizer. The name panax comes from the Greek word panacea meaning, “all healing”.

It has been traditionally used to negate the effects of fatigue and stress. It’s often used as a general health tonic to enhance a person’s mental and physical performance.

It’s a powerful “adaptogen”. An adaptogen is a substance that reduces the effects of any kind of stress, be it physical or mental. Roots must be at least four years old to be beneficial. The older the root, the more potent it is.

Benefits of Ginseng

Ginseng can be used to improve the health of people recovering from illness. It increases a sense of wellbeing and stamina, and improves both mental and physical performance. Ginseng can be used to help with erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms relating to menopause, and can also be used for lowering blood glucose levels and controlling blood pressure.  Ginseng was recommended for enlightening the mind and increasing wisdom. Ginseng was taken as a tonic for the whole body, and believed to cure lethargy, arthritis, impotence, senility, and many other conditions.

Spinach Plant (Spinacia oleracea.)

 Spinach Plant (Spinacia oleracea.)

Spinach is a green vegetable that is cheap and affordable by all. It is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, pigments and phytonutrients. All these together make spinach very beneficial to a number of vital processes especially for our eyes, nervous system, cardiovascular disorders, skin, bones, anti-cancerous, foetus and infants. Keeping in view the vast range of benefits from the vegetable, it is advisable to consume spinach regularly.

Wonderful green leafy vegetable spinach is often recognized as one of the functional food for its nutritional, antioxidants and anti-cancer constituents. Its tender, crispy, dark green leaves are favorite ingredients of chefs all around the planet. Botanically it belongs to the amaranthaceae family and its scientific name: Spinacia oleracea. Spinacia plant grows about 1 foot in height. It is best cultivated during cold seasons and is therefore available fresh during March through May and again from September till November months.

Spinach Benefits

* Diet One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.

* Cancer

Flavonoids -- a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach -- have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, spinach has shown significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.

* Anti-Inflammatory

Neoxanthin and violaxanthin are two anti-inflammatory epoxyxanthophylls that play an important role in regulation of inflammation and are present in unusual amounts in spinach.

* Antioxidants

The vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium present in spinach all serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

* Blood Pressure

By inhibiting the angiotensin I-converting enzyme, peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pres

Pomegranate Fruit

Pomegranate Fruit

Pomegranate is a fruit, a medicine, a herb and much more. According to many researches, Pomegranate juice is one of the best syrups that can fight against Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Alzheimer and blood pressure. Today in this post, we are going to share some medicinal benefits of Pomegranates.

The rind of the fruit and the bark of the pomegranate tree, The seeds and juice are considered a tonic for the heart and throat, and classified as a bitter-astringent (pitta or fire) component under the Ayurvedic system, and considered a healthful counterbalance to a diet high in sweet-fatty (kapha or earth) components, Pomegranate juice is one  of the best cancer fighting anti-oxidants and can prevent breast cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer, The astringent qualities of the flower juice, rind and tree bark are considered valuable for a variety of purposes, such as stopping nose bleeds and gum bleeds, toning skin, and treating hemorrhoids, Pomegranate juice (of specific fruit strains) is also used as eye drops as it is believed to slow the development of cataracts, Pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.

Pomegranate Benefits

*Most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits

*Potent anti-cancer and immune supporting effects

*Inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease

*Lowers cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors

*Lowers blood pressure

*Shown to promote reversal of atherosclerotic plaque in human studies

*May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis

Bilberry or Wild Berrys

 Bilberry or Wild Berrys

Bilberry is made from a little blue berry that is related to blueberries and cranberries. Bilberry is a powerful anti-inflammatory. The herb is also a powerful antioxidant and has glucoquinine (lowers blood sugar levels). Bilberry contains flavonoids called anthocyanosides that protect the collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eye. Bilberry is used to treat eye problems such as Macular Degeneration, diabetic neuropathy, and/or cataracts.

 Bilberry has been known for its beauty benefits, making it a valuable natural ingredient for cosmetic products. Here are three of the many beauty benefits that you can get with the use of bilberry. You can enjoy the beauty benefits of bilberry through drinking bilberry juice, eating fresh bilberry fruits, and using cosmetic products that contain bilberry.

Blueberries  recipes.

* Blueberry Soup Recipe. In the Nordic countries, blueberry soup made with wild blueberries is a popular treat that can be served warm as an appetizer or chilled as a dessert.

* Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe. This smoothie is literally bursting with flavor and antioxidants. In addition, the ground flaxseed this recipe calls for adds omega-3 fatty acids to this super healthy smoothie.

* Rice Pudding with Blueberry Sauce. Treat your taste buds to this delicious rice pudding served with antioxidant-rich blueberry souce.

* Dairy-Free Blueberry Muesli. Eating blueberries with dairy has been shown to block their antioxidant capacity. This dairy-free muesli recipe aims to maximize the health benefits of blueberries.

* Blueberry Raspberry Smoothie. Here's another dairy-free muesli recipe. This healthy muesli recipe combines blueberries with another super food: the raspberry.

Blueberry Benifits

* Enhances Eye Beauty

* Acts as a Natural Cosmetic Ingredient

* Helps Protect the Skin

Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is very versatile and can be served in many ways. Dried pitayas can be added in salads. This creates a healthy chewy texture. It can also be used as a topping in pizzas. If you are fond of eating breads, you can make your own dragon fruit jam or preserves. As a dessert, it is great to eat a fresh pitaya as a whole or as a compliment to ice cream. You can even use it as an ingredient in your homemade cocktail. With all these varied ways of eating dragon fruit, you will never get sick and tired of eating it.

The Pitaya is more commonly referred to as the dragon fruit. It is an extremely beautiful fruit that has dazzling flowers and an intense shape and color. The dragon fruit is usually a dark red color, although some types of this fruit are pink or yellow. The skin of the dragon fruit is a thin rind. The skin is usually covered in scales, and the center of the fruit is made up of a red or white, sweet tasting pulp.

Dragon Fruit Benefits

*As dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants,  it prevents free radicals and protects from causing cancer and other health detriments from entering your body.

*This fruit helps in neutralizing the toxic substances such as heavy metals. Besides, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be reduced by consuming dragon fruit.

*Regular consumption of this aids in fighting against cough and asthma.

*This has high amounts of vitamin C and helps in healing bruises and cuts quickly, and enhancing the immune system.

*Vitamin B2 present in dragon fruit acts like a multivitamin and helps to improve and recover the loss of appetite.

*Vitamin B1 in this fruit helps in increasing the energy production and also in metabolizing carbohydrates.

*Due to the presence of vitamin B3, it helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels. It improves the appearance of your skin by smoothing and moisturizing it.

*It improves eyesight and prevents hypertension.

*As it is a good source of phosphorus and calcium, it reinforces bones, helps in tissue formation and forms healthy teeth.

*Regular consumption of dragon fruit decreases weight, thereby creates a well-balanced body.

*Dragon fruit is also helpful in reducing blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Kiwi Fruit (Actinidia deliciosa)

Kiwi Fruit  (Actinidia deliciosa)

Kiwi actually originated in china and was called the Chinese gooseberry over there. Once New Zealand farmers began farming this fruit on a commercial basis, it got its current name of kiwi. This exotic fruit is also recognized as China's national fruit. It has green creamy flesh and tiny black seeds in the center. It usually has intense flavor and sweetness.

Kiwifruits, or kiwi, is an edible berry about the size of a chicken egg. It features a fuzzy peel that surrounds a green fruit with black seeds and a creamy white center. Kiwis taste slightly sweet and tangy with a creamy texture. It is available year-round in most grocery stores and is often eaten alone or as part of a salad, on fruit tarts or in smoothies.

Kiwi fruits are rich in many Vitamins, flavonoids and minerals. In particular, they contain a high amount of Vitamin C (more than oranges), as much potassium as bananas and a good amount of beta-carotene.

Kiwi Benefits

* Prevents asthma and other respiratory diseases

* Fights cardiovascular diseases

* Fights male impotency

* Good for skin

* Supports healthy birth

* Protects your eyes

* Anti cancer

* Manage blood pressure

* Boosts immunity

* Digestive health

Malunggay Tree.( Moringa Oleifera)

Malunggay Tree.( Moringa Oleifera)

Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera), is a popular plant known for nutritional value as well as a herbal medicine. Malunggay is a plant that grows in the tropical climates such as the Philippines, India and Africa. Malunggay is widely used as vegetable ingredient in cooking, as herbal medicine for a number of illness and other practical uses. The Malunngay plant can grow to as high as 9 meters with erect white trunks. The compund leaf has about 3 to 9 leaflets. Malunggay has white fragrant flowers that pruduces long pods with 3-angled winged seeds.

 Moringa is not called the miracle plant for nothing. Malunggay can do wonders to your health and it is very versatile because you can reap all its good benefits in various forms. You can eat malunggay leaves, drink moringa tea, add moringa powder in your food or take moringa supplements. Here are the some of the reasons why you should get to know this miracle plant:

 Malunggay Benifits

 Malunggay leaves helps strengthens the immune system.

Malunggay can help restores skin condition, controls blood pressure, relieves headaches and migraines.

Malunggay tea can help strengthen the eye muscles.

Malunggay tea can help heal inflammation of the joints and tendons.

Malunggay tea can prevent intestinal worms.

Malunggay can help increase semen count.

Malunggay help normalize blood sugar level therefore preventing diabetes.

Malunggay has anti-cancer compounds (phytochemicals) that help stop the growth of cancer cells.

Malunggay helps relax and promotes good night sleep.

Malunggay tea is used to treat fever and asthma.

Malunggay help heals ulcers.

Malunggay is high in calcium (four times the calcium in milk), therefore lactating mothers are advised to consume malunggay leaves to produce more milk for their babies. The young malunggay leaves are also boiled and taken as tea.

Malunggay contains three times the potassium in bananas.

Malunggay contain four times the vitamin A in carrots.

An ounce of malunggay has the same Vitamin C content as seven oranges.

Malunggay leaves contain two times the protein in milk.

Malunggay seed is used to clean dirty or polluted water.

Alagaw Alternative Medicine Supplements and Vitamins

 Alagaw Tree

Alagaw Benefits related alternative medicine supplements and vitamins. Also explore information on treatment, health benefits & side effects with Alagaw Benefits. Many of the sources come from our Encyclopedia of Natural Health and include relevant health topics. Uses vary, but may include , Improving Skin Tone, and Promoting Healing and are non-FDA reviewed or approved, natural alternatives, to use for , Heart Disease, and Dry Skin. 

 Alagau is a small hairy tree, 3 to 8 meters high. Leaves are ovate to broadly ovate, 10 to 20 centimeters long, with broad, rounded, or somewhat heart-shaped base, and pointed tips. Under surface of the blade is usually covered with short hairs, aromatic when crushed. Flowers are greenish-white or nearly white, 4 to 5 millimeters long and borne on terminal inflorescences (cymes) 8 to 20 centimeters in diameter. Fruit is fleshy, dark purple, rounded, about 5 millimeters in diameter.

.Alagaw Benefits

· Decoction of fresh leaves used for vaginal irrigation.

· Decoction of leaves for fever and colds, cough and bronchitis, fever blisters of the lips and stomachaches.

· "Kochoi," a local patent preparation, is claimed to benefit tuberculosis.

· Decoction of leaves used for flatulence (gas pains) in adults; in children, crushed leaves mixed with a little coconut or sesame oil are applied to the abdomen.

· Crushed leaves applied to forehead and temples for headaches.

· Leaf decoction has been used for tuberculosis.

· Roots are chewed and the saliva swallowed for cardiac troubles.

· Infusion of leaves is carminative.

· Decoction of roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits used as sudorific, pectoral, and carminative.

· Decoction of shoots used as parasiticide.

· Decoction of leaves used for bathing infants; also used as treatment for beriberi.

· Extract of leaves for cleaning wounds and for ticks and fleas.

Takip Kuhol Plants (Centella Asiatica)

 Takip Kuhol Plants (Centella Asiatica)

The leaves of Centella asiatica have been widely regarded as having tonic and stimulant properties and have been recommended for many complaints. The plant is reputed to have a direct action on lowering blood pressure. It is also known as a rejuvenating medicament. The leaves are sometimes eaten raw, but more usually a decoction or tea is made from them.The leaves are toasted and given in infusion to children in bowel-complaints and fevers. They are also applied as an anti-inflammatory, to parts that have seed are used for dysentery, fever, and headache.

Takip Kuhol Benifits

· Decoction of leaves used as diuretic and considered useful for gonorrhea.

· Useful in the treatment of chronic and obstinate eczema. Also prescribed for secondary and tertiary syphilis accompanied by gummatous infiltration and ulceration, in chronic and callous ulcers, as a stimulant in infantile diarrhea and eczema and abscess, and in chronic rheumatism.

· Leaves are toasted and given as infusion in bowel complaints and fevers of children. Also applied as anti-inflammatory to areas of blows and bruises.

· Seeds used for dysentery, fever, and headache.

· Infectious hepatitis, measles, respiratory tract infections - colds, tonsillitis, laryngopharyngitis, bronchitis.

· Fresh material: 60 to 260 gms, dried material: 30 to 60 gms: Take in form of decoction.

· Counterirritant: Pound fresh leaves, mix with vaseline or oil and apply over affected area as poultice.

· Wounds and sore: The sap of the leaves is used on wounds and skin sores. Also, on chaps, scratches and superficial burns.

· In many folkloric systems, used for tuberculosis, syphilis, dysentery, hypertension, venous extremity problems and common cold.

Tanglad or Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

 TANGLAD  (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass, also known as local tanglad or citronella, is a fantastic, aromatic citrus flavored herb that has added essence to many oriental cuisines and has been extensively used to odorize candles, perfumes and soaps. A tropical plant with wondrous benefits, this perennial tall grass with lemon like fragrance in food, to add the zesty lemon flavor, However, there is much more to this flavored herb than just zest. Lemongrass is known to have several health benefits and can be combined with other spices like chilies and garlic, for a shot of taste and health. Studies have revealed that lemongrass works effectively against colds, flu, and even cancers. The grass is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. It encourages good digestion, eases out menstrual troubles and nausea and is also known to encourage perspiration and reduce fever.

  

TANGLAD BENEFITS:

• helps to detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract

• cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body while stimulating digestion, blood circulation, and lactation

• alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis

• helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples

• acts as a muscle and tissue toner

• reduces blood pressure

• can be used as a remedy for ague, fevers, and colds

•  every 100g of edible tanglad when boiled can contain up to 24.205 micrograms of beta-carotene the anti-oxidant that scientists believe can help prevent cancer

• helps boost the immune system

• helps in menstrual troubles

• helps reduce cellulite

• acts as sedative for the central nervous system

• elieves arthritic pain and rheumatism

Luyang Dilaw

Luyang Dilaw

 Luya, Luyang Dilaw or Ginger, It is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale. It lends its name to its genus and family (Zingiberaceae). Other notable members of this plant family are turmeic, cardamom, and galangal.. Luya or Ginger has been used throughout recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

 Benefits of Luyang Dilao or Ginger Root

• Relieves rheumatic pains & muscle pains

• Alleviates sore throat, fever and colds

• Ease nausea and vomiting

• Intestinal disorders and slow digestion

• Relief from tympanism and flatulence

• Treat intestinal worms

• Hinder diarrhea, gas pains

• Relieve indigestion (dyspepsia), toothaches

• Lower cholesterol levels

• Aids treatment of tuberculosis

FOR A HEALTHY SKIN

• Aids in the healing of wounds.

• May help in treatment of psoriasis, scabies and other inflammatory skin conditions.

• Cosmetics.

• Sunscreen

• Skin lightening properties

FOR CANCER

• May prevent the spread of breast cancer to the lungs.

• May prevent skin cancer.

• Boosts the effects of chemo drugs like paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

• Can kill oesophageal cancer cells

 Tawa Tawa Benefits

Below are Health Benefits Of Tawa Tawa related alternative medicine supplements and vitamins. Also explore information on treatment, health benefits & side effects with Health Benefits Of Tawa Tawa products. Uses vary, but may include , Fight Off Symptoms of Stress, and Strengthen Immune System and are non-FDA reviewed or approved, natural alternatives, to use for , Heart Disease, and Desire to Improve Health. Health Benefits Of Tawa Tawa products are reviewed below.

There were studies and also evidences that asthma weed also known as Tawa-Tawa in the Philippines, had cured dengue. In a desperate call for medicine for dengue during the outbreak in the country, old folks thought of using the weed since it already had health benefits in the past for them and it worked. Until now people are using this weed in various diseases they encounter.

The use of Tawa tawa was originally for eye infection. The white sap is applied to the infected eye for three times a day and it is effective for sore eyes or any eye infections. Since it was good for eye infections, rural herbalists tried it for recurring fever and it was effective too. Hence, it was used in dengue cases because of the characteristic of dengue to be a recurring fever. But it could not actually cure fever, but its function is in rehydrating the patient. In dengue Tawa tawa helps in preventing bleeding.

Lagundi Tree Benefits

 LAGUNDI TREE..

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) as mentioned earlier is native to the Philippine Islands and has been used for centuries because of its therapeutic properties. It is a large shrub which can grow up to five meters tall; with a single thick woody stem like a trunk. Its leaves are pointed and having five leaflets set like a hand. Most of the parts of the lagundi plant have medicinal values which is why it is actively promoted by the Philippine Department of Healt

It is one of the ten herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine with proven therapeutic value. Commonly known in the Ilocos region as dangla, lagundi has been clinically tested to be effective in the treatment of colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pharyngitis. Studies have shown that Lagundi can prevent the body's production of leukotrienes, which are released during an asthma attack. Lagundi contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine and muscle relaxant properties. Even in Japan, lagundi is becoming recognized as an effective herbal medicine, especially since researches have shown that it contains properties that make it an expectorant and it has been reported to function as a tonic as well. More than that, most of the parts of the lagundi plant have medicinal value.

The roots of this shrub are also used as treatment for rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and leprosy. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and root of Lagundi can all be used as herbal medicine. A decoction is made by boiling the parts of the plant and taken orally. Today, Lagundi is available in capsule form and syrup for cough. For its part, the flowers are recommended as a cardiac tonic, as cure for liver diseases, and other internal disorders such as diarrhea and cholera. The lagundi plant also has anti-inflammatory functions, and its cooling effects are ideal as treatment for skin diseases such as leprosy.

  Herbal Benefits of Lagundi:

• Relief of asthma & pharyngitis

• Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea

• Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other  bronchopulmonary disorders

• Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox

• Removal of worms, and boils