Scientific name: Carmona retusa (formerly Ehretia microphylla)
Description:
Tsaang Gubat is a small, densely branched shrub that grows to about 1 to 4 meters in height It's a flowering plant native to the Philippines and commonly found in East and Southeast Asia. Often referred to as Philippine tea tree due to its popular use as a herbal tea. It has small, shiny, elliptical leaves that are about 1 to 2 cm in length, with a smooth or slightly toothed margin. The plant produces small, white or pale blue flowers, which are followed by small, fleshy fruits. The overall appearance of Tsaang Gubat is quite bushy and compact, making it also popular as a bonsai plant.
Parts Used for Medicinal Purposes:
The leaves of Tsaang Gubat are the primary parts used for medicinal applications. These leaves are collected, dried, and then brewed into a tea that is consumed for its health benefits.
Benefits and Medicinal Uses:
Tsaang Gubat has been traditionally used for a variety of medicinal purposes, primarily in Philippine folk medicine. Some of its known benefits and uses include:
Gastrointestinal health: It's commonly used to treat stomachaches, diarrhea, and spasms. It may help in regulating bowel movements and soothing the gastrointestinal tract.
Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help in reducing inflammation in various parts of the body.
Antimicrobial activity: Tsaang Gubat has been reported to have antimicrobial properties, making it useful in fighting certain bacterial and fungal infections.
Dental care: The leaves are sometimes chewed or used in a mouthwash to maintain oral health, thanks to their antimicrobial properties.
Skin care: Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it may be used topically to treat minor skin conditions like wounds and rashes.
Making Tsaang Gubat tea involves a simple process similar to preparing other herbal teas. Here's a basic recipe to follow:
Ingredients:
Fresh or dried Tsaang Gubat leaves. If using fresh leaves, a handful (about a cup) is sufficient for one pot of tea. For dried leaves, use about 2 tablespoons.
Water (approximately 2 cups or 500 ml for one serving)
Instructions:
Prepare the Leaves:
If you're using fresh Tsaang Gubat leaves, wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
If you're using dried leaves, ensure they are crushed or broken into smaller pieces to maximize the extraction of their beneficial compounds.
Boil the Water:
In a pot, bring the water to a rolling boil. The amount of water can be adjusted based on how strong you want the tea or how many servings you're preparing.
Steep the Leaves:
Once the water is boiling, add the Tsaang Gubat leaves. If you prefer a stronger tea, you can add more leaves.
Reduce the heat and let the leaves simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the water to extract the flavors and beneficial compounds from the leaves. The longer you steep, the stronger the tea will be.
Strain the Tea:
After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Use a fine strainer to separate the leaves from the liquid as you pour the tea into a cup or teapot. This will ensure a clear tea without any leaf debris.
Serve:
The tea can be served hot, which is the traditional way. However, you can also let it cool down to enjoy it as a refreshing iced tea. Some people add a slice of lemon, a bit of honey, or a mint leaf for additional flavor, but traditionally it is consumed plain.
Additional Tips:
Taste Adjustments: The strength and bitterness of the tea can be adjusted by varying the amount of leaves used and the steeping time. Start with less and gradually increase according to your preference.
Storage: If you have leftover tea or if you've made a large batch, you can store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Make sure to reheat it or enjoy it cold.
Sourcing Leaves: Ensure that the Tsaang Gubat leaves are sourced from a clean, unpolluted area, especially if you're picking them from the wild, to avoid any contamination.
Enjoy your Tsaang Gubat tea as a soothing, herbal beverage, and remember to consult with a healthcare provider if you're using it for medicinal purposes, especially if you have existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Tsaang Gubat if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It's best to avoid use in these situations.
Allergic reactions: As with any plant-based product, some individuals may be allergic to Tsaang Gubat. It's important to monitor for any adverse reactions, especially when using it for the first time.
Interactions with medications: There is limited information on how Tsaang Gubat might interact with pharmaceutical drugs. If you are on medication, consult a healthcare professional before using Tsaang Gubat.
Long-term use and dosage: The appropriate dose of Tsaang Gubat might depend on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. Long-term use and safety have not been extensively studied, so it's wise to use it with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
As with any medicinal plant, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating Tsaang Gubat into your health regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are using other medications.