Kava Kava

Scientific name: Piper methysticum

Other names: 'awa,'ava, kawa, kew, yagona, sakau, tonga

Description:

Kava is a tall evergreen shrub in the pepper family that grows in the South Pacific islands and some parts of Micronesia and Australia. It has stout rhizomes, fleshy stems and big leaves shaped like hearts. The roots of the plant has been used for thousands of years as a folk remedy and as a beverage. It has sedative properties and is drank to relax without disrupting mental clarity.

Parts used:

The root is the part of the plant used medicinally. Traditionally, it is prepared by either chewing, or made into a beverage by grinding or pounding the roots then combined with a small amount of  cold water and consumed as quickly as possible.


Medicinal Properties and Uses:

The main active components in kava root are called kavalactones. It has been found to affect the levels of specific neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a bitter, pungent herb that has anesthetic properties, diuretic effect as well as herbal aphrodisiac properties.

Kava is an effective folk remedy for back pain, anxiety and insomnia as it relaxes the muscles and calms the nerves.

* It also enhances mental alertness and concentration

* It fights mouth ulcers

In folk medicine it also used for gout, rheumatism and arthritis.

Kava if effective for both acute and chronic gonorrhea, vaginitis, syphilis and other genito-urinary infections.

It is applied externally for ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Precautions and Side effects:

Consult your doctor before taking kava.  You should not take kava if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking kava. The use of kava may cause Liver Toxicity. Do NOT start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Green Tea

Scientific name: Camellia sinesis

Other common names: Green tea extract, Chinese tea

Description:

Green tea has been consumed for many centuries and made from the steamed and dried leaves of the Camellia sinesis. Camellia sinesis is a shrub native to Asia.

Today, there are different types of green tea - some are more useful and beneficial than others. Many varieties of green tea created in countries where they are grown differ substantially on many factors like harvesting time, horticulture and production processing. The best sources of green tea are those that are from the dried leaves of Camellia sinesis and cultivated with use of 100% organic processes.

Benefits of Green Tea:

The key component is epigallocatechin gallete (EGCG) a major antioxidant that is abundant in Camelia Sinensis plant. It is also rich in other antioxidants like flavonoids, catechins and their derivatives. Aside from those, green tea contains tocopherols, carotenoids, , ascorbic acid, manganese, chromium, selenium or zinc, and some phytochemical compounds.


* Green tea has been shown to induce thermogenesis and increase a person’s metabolism

* helps decrease blood sugar

* effectively lower risk of atherosclerosis

* lower the risk of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer

* improves the ratio of LDL (bad) to HDL (good) cholesterol. Green tea has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and lipid peroxides (free radicals).

Precautions:

Take herbs with care as they can trigger side effects and may interact with other herbs, medications or supplements,and




THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS.

Garlic

Scientific name: Allium Sativum

Description: Garlic is widely used around the world for both culinary and medical purposes. It is a low herb growing to around 30 to 60 cm. Bulbs are broadly ovoid, consisting of several cloves and has a pungent flavor. The leaves are linear and flat like grass.

Part used:

The bulb is the most commonly used part although the leaves and flowers are also edible.

Health Benefits:

Many health conditions can be prevented and treated by taking a clove of garlic a day. Garlic has flavonoids, vitamin C, B6, magnesium, potassium, selenium, calcium and manganese. The key component of garlic is allicin, known to have a potent
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties. It also possesses stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic and expectorant properties.

Medicinal properties and Uses:

Arthritis - Crush several cloves and rub on affected areas.

Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure - Regular intake of garlic can reduce blood cholesterol and may increase HDL(good cholesterol) and LDL(bad cholesterol) ratio that will prevent stroke and other heart diseases.

Prevents Blood Clots - The use of garlic can increase nitric oxide production in the blood vessels thus dilating the blood vessels and helps in fibrinolysis(dissolving of blood clotting). Garlic reduces the possibility of strokes and thromboses.

Diabetes - Garlic may also help regulate blood sugar levels.


Fight Infections(Athlete's foot, ear infection, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Corporis and other fungal diseases) - Garlic has sulfur compounds like allicin that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and that may help treat fungal infections. Raw Garlic is also a potent natural antibiotic. Cut clove crosswise and rub directly to affected area.

Cancer - slows down the growth of tumor cells specifically in colon, stomach and prostate cancers.

People who are allergic to garlic should stay away from it or those who consume it in large quantities may suffer from flatulence, stomach irritation and heartburn.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS.

Hibiscus

Other names:
Hibiscus rosa sinensis, rosemallow, Jamaica Sorrel, Red Tea, Roselle, Sudanese Tea, Gumamela, shoe flower or Javakusuma, flor de Jamaica

Description:

Hibiscus are large trumpet-shaped tropical flowers that have five or more petals. The color ranges from white to pink, red, orange, purple or yellow. The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. The species includes perennial herbaceous plants, woody shrubs and small trees that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.

The hibiscus flowers used in herbal teas are from Hibiscus sabdariffa, also called Jamaican Sorrel. The Roselle hibiscus are those used in Sudanese tea, the red tea, or the Jamaica sorrel. The flowers of the hibiscus are mostly used in the preparation of herbal teas and juices.


Medical Properties and Uses:

Heart diseases, High Blood Pressure - Hibiscus has antioxidant properties of flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanins that can prevent the oxidation of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL). These antioxidants also help control cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease.

Acne & sunburn - Hibiscus help unclog closed pores. Crushed the leaves and flowers of the hibiscus and spread a paste on your face on the acne affected area.  Keep it for 15 minutes and wash off with water. Do the same with sunburn.

Eczema/Skin allergies - Hibiscus flower extracts are used in many herbal ointments in the treatment of eczema and allergic problems.

Dandruff & Hair loss - Add coconut oil or sesame oil to a bunch of hibiscus flowers and leaves.  Heat it at low fire. Cool. After cooling, strain the oil from the mixture and store in clean containers.  Massage this oil on scalp and leave it for an hour. Care should be taken to rinse the oil out with very mild shampoo. Hair loss caused by thyroid problem can also be remedied by drinking hibiscus tea or applying the hibiscus to the scalp.

Promotes Hair Growth and Prevents Premature Hair Greying - same as the procedure above. Hibiscus also stimulates blood circulation and ensures the supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles.

Fever and Hot flashes - Hibiscus will help cool the body temperature down.

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS.

Mugwort

 
Scientific name: Artemisia vulgaris

(Also know as Felon Herb, St. John's Plant, Artemisa, Carline   Thistle and closely related to common wormwood)

Description:

It is a perennial herb native to Africa and abounds on hedge banks and waysides in most parts of England. This tall-growing shrubby plant, has angular stems, often of a purplish hue, rising 3 feet or more in height. The
leaves are smooth and of a dark green tint on the upper surface, and covered with a dense cottony down beneath. They are alternate, pinnately lobed, and the segments being lance-shaped and pointed. The small oval flowers are greenish yellow and are arranged in long, terminal panicles with a cottony appearance.

This shrub has been known since the ancient times and used for centuries as an alternative medicine for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, hemostatic,  purgative, stimulant, and cleansing
properties. It is also slightly tonic and is of value as a nervine and emmenagogue. Mugwort also has diuretic and diaphoretic action.


Parts Used: Leaves, Stem, roots


The leaves and stems are usually gathered in August and let dry for later herb use. The roots are dug in autumn, cleansed and dried.

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

Constituents: A volatile oil, a sesquiterpene lactone, flavonoids, coumarin derivatives, and triterpenes, an acrid resin and tannin.

* An infusion of the leaves and flowering tops (1 ounce of the herb to 1 pint of boiling water prepared in a covered vessel and given in 1/2 teaspoonful doses, while warm. It is used in the treatment of all conditions
related to the digestive system like bloating, hyperacidity...  and is good for the liver and jaundice.

In similar dose (1/2 teaspoonful), the infusion may be taken cold as a tonic, three times daily.

* As a gargle for sore throat, a wash for sores.

* As a poultice for infections, tumors and to stop bleeding of the uterus.

As a decoction, Mugwort can be used to ease menstrual pain and is also use to reduce and to stop excessive and heavy menstrual bleeding.

* Expel intestinal worms. The leaves have an antibacterial action that inhibits the growth of Staphococcus aureus, Bacillus typhi, pseudomonas, B. dysenteriae, streptococci, B. subtilis, and E. coli.

* The juice and an infusion of the herb were given for intermittent fevers and are good against agues (alternating periods of chills, fever, and sweating associated with malaria).

* As a nervine, it is a popular folklore remedy for epilepsy, palsy and hysterical fits.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS.

MALUNGGAY

Scientific name: Moringa Olifera

Description:

Malunggay is an exotic species that grows well throughout the Philippines. 
The tree can grow as high as 3 to 5 meters in a span of 1 year and can reach
a height of about 15 to 30 meters without cutting.

Parts Used:

From the roots, trunk, and branches to the leaves, flowers, and seeds all
parts of the malunggay tree are usable for nutritional and medicinal
purposes.


Medicinal Value:

*It can be used for hiccups, asthma, gout, back pain, rheumatism,
wounds and sores by decocting the leaves.

*Pods are cure for intestinal spasm

* It 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.

*Leaves and fruits are cure for constipation

*Leaves and pods are helpful in increasing breast milk in the breastfeeding
months. 6 tablespoons of leaf powder will provide nearly all the woman's
daily iron and calcium needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

* Pounded roots are used as poultice for inflammatory swelling

* The root bark has sex-hormone related properties

* The young malunggay leaves are also boiled and taken as tea and can help
heal inflammation of the joints and tendons.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS.

Noni or Indian Mulberry

Noni (also called Indian Mulberry, noni fruit, noni juice, morinda, wild pine, hog apple


Scientific name: Morinda citrifolia,

Description:

The Noni plant is a small tropical evergreen tree that grows to about 10
feet tall in Tahiti and other Pacific Islands. It has straight trunk, large,
bright green and elliptical leaves, white tubular flowers and bears an ovoid
fruit about the size of a potato which starts out green and ripens into a
"grenade-like" yellow or white fruit. The seeds are reddish brown,
triangular in shape and has an air-sac attached at one end which makes the
seeds buoyant. A mature Noni fruit has a foul taste and odor. Parts of the
noni plant are used as a juice, a tonic, a poultice, and in tea. Its fruit,
bark, and leaves are used in herbal remedies and Polynesian folk medicine.


Medicinal Benefits:

* Increases the levels of antioxidant activity in the body. It also inhibits
or prevent the growth of tumors and helps the immune system.

* Prevents arteriosclerosis as it inhibits low-density-lipoprotein
oxidation. It is also used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure)
because Noni acts as a vasodilators allowing blood vessels to widen thus
increasing blood flow naturally.

* The pancreas is also affected by Noni juice lowering the blood sugar and is good for diabetics.

* The ripe noni fruit is used as a poultice for facial blemishes or as a
remedy for skin sores, boils, or infections.

* The leaves and bark are made into a liquid tonic for urinary problems and
muscle or joint pain.

* The fruit of Noni contains a natural alkaloid xeronine that helps
treat gastric ulcer, menstrual cramps, arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes,
heart disease and cancer.


THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS.

AGOHO

Scientific name: Casuarina equisetlifolia L. Cauanrinaceae

Description:
A large evergreen tree, 20 m high, with a 65-cm diameter. The crown is narrowly pyramidal resembling some of the conifers in appearance. The bark is brown to dark brown and rough. The inner bark is light in color and has a bitter taste. The leaves are actually reduced to small sheaths on the needle-like branchlets. It is commonly found throughout the Philippine but it can also be found in other Southeast Asian countries as well as in Australia.

Medicinal Value:

A decoction of the bark, when taken in large doses, is used as an agent that promotes menstrual discharge and alleviates menstrual pains. It is helpful in expectorating blood from some part of the respiratory tract and also an excellent astringent.

The bark is used to arrest diarrhea and dysentery; it's lotion used for beriberi; a powder of the bark is prescribed for pimples on the face.

An infusion of the bark is used as a tonic.

A decoction of the twigs is used as a lotion for swellings; an infusion of the branches is used as a diuretic ( an agent that tends to increase the flow of urine).

The leaves are used for colic spasm, obstruction or twisting or abdominal pain.

The bark is used to ease diarrhea and dysentery. The powder of the bark is prescribed for pimples in the face.

THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED & TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE
TRYING THIS.