Healthy pocket

Showing posts with label cure for cough. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cure for cough. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Chinese Chaste Tree (Lagundi)

Scientific name: Vitex negundo

image from Amazon

Common or local names:

Vitex negundo is known by various local names in different regions:

Commonly known as the Chinese chaste tree, five-leaved chaste tree, horseshoe vitex, nisinda or vitex

In India, it is commonly known as "Nirgundi" or "Sambhalu" in Hindi and other regional languages.

In the Philippines, it is called "Lagundi."

Other names include "Huang Jing" in Chinese and "Nochi" in Tamil.


Description:

Vitex negundo typically grows up to 2-8 meters in height. It has an erect and branched growth habit. The leaves are digitate, with five leaflets, sometimes three. The leaflets are lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, with the central leaflet being the largest. The plant bears small, fragrant lavender or blue flowers on panicles during the summer and autumn. The fruits are small, round to oblong drupes turning black when ripe.

Habitat: Native to Asia, widely distributed across Asia, Africa, and North America, often found in wastelands, roadsides, and open woodlands.


Parts Used:

The most commonly used parts of Vitex negundo for medicinal purposes include:

Leaves: Treatment of headache, fever, coughs, diarrhea, rheumatism, skin diseases, anxiety, and menstrual disorders.

Fruits: Alleviation of pain, fever, and rheumatism.

Seeds: Treatment of worm infections and skin diseases.

Bark: Used for stomach problems and as a tonic.

Each part may be used for different therapeutic effects, with leaves being the most widely utilized for medicinal concoctions.



Medicinal Uses and Properties:

Vitex negundo is renowned for its wide array of medicinal uses, including:

Anti-inflammatory: It is used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, especially in conditions like arthritis and rheumatism.

Analgesic: The plant has pain-relieving properties, making it useful for headaches, body aches, and toothaches.

Bronchodilator and Expectorant: Lagundi is particularly renowned for its ability to relieve respiratory ailments. It acts as a bronchodilator, helping to expand the airways and ease breathing in conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, it serves as an expectorant, facilitating the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract.

Antipyretic: The plant is also known for its fever-reducing capabilities.

Antihistamine: Vitex negundo can help in managing allergic reactions by acting as an antihistamine.

Anxiolytic and sedative: Some studies suggest it may have anxiety-reducing and sedative effects.



How to Make a Concoction or Tea for Medicinal Purpose:

A simple way to prepare a medicinal concoction or tea using Vitex negundo (specifically the leaves) is as follows:

Gather fresh leaves: If possible, pick fresh leaves of Vitex negundo for the most potent effect. You can also use dried leaves if fresh ones are not available.

Rinse the leaves: Clean the leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.

Boil water: Bring a pot of water to a boil. The amount of water depends on how much tea you want to make, but a general guideline is about 2 cups of water for every handful of leaves.

Add the leaves to boiling water: Once the water is boiling, add the Vitex negundo leaves. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. The time can be adjusted depending on how strong you want the tea to be.

Strain and serve: After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and strain the tea into a cup or teapot, discarding the leaves. The tea can be consumed warm or cold, depending on preference. Honey or lemon can be added for flavor, but it's best to consume it plain for medicinal purposes.


Precautions and Warnings:

While Lagundi is generally considered safe for most individuals when used as directed, there are a few precautions and warnings to keep in mind:

Pregnant and Nursing Women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using Lagundi, as its effects on pregnancy and lactation are not well-studied.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to Lagundi. It is advisable to perform a patch test before using any Lagundi-based products, especially if you have a history of plant allergies.

Drug Interactions: Lagundi may interact with certain medications. If you are taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare provider before using Lagundi to avoid potential interactions.

In conclusion, Lagundi, or Vitex negundo, is a remarkable medicinal plant with a rich history of traditional use in various cultures. Its leaves and roots contain an array of valuable compounds that contribute to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and bronchodilatory properties, among others. However, like any herbal remedy, it is essential to exercise caution and seek professional guidance when using Lagundi, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications. When used responsibly, Lagundi can offer a natural and effective way to manage various health issues, providing relief and improving overall well-being.


Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Chinese Star Anise



Scientific name: Illicium verum

Description: Star anise is frequently used as an exotic spice in Indian, Vietnamese and in Chinese cuisines because of its strong, delightful fragrance and flavor. It is one of the spices that combine to make Chinese five spice powder. It is a dark brown pods with eight segments, each containing a pea-sized seed. This star-shaped pericarp is a fruit of Illicium verum which is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China.  Star anise are harvested just before it ripens and the oil is a highly fragrant oil used not only in cooking but also in soaps, perfumery, toothpastes, mouthwashes and skin creams. The extract of star anise called shikimic acid is used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

Note: Don't confuse star anise/Chinese star anise with Japanese star anise, which is poisonous and should not be taken.

Medicinal properties and health benefits:

Chinese traditional medicine uses star anise as a stimulant and expectorant, to relieve flatulence, improve digestion, alleviate cramps, cure rheumatism.... and increase libido.


ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
Star anise is an excellent source of antioxidants because of the presence of linalool, vitamin A and C which help fight free radicals and protect from cellular damage.

COUGHS & FLU
It is commonly employed in treating cough and flu because the oil produced from star anise contains thymol, terpineol and anethole. The shikimic acid as well as the plant antioxidant called quercetin enhances the immune system function and helps protect the body against viral diseases.

BOOST LACTATION
Chinese star anise consists of diantheole and photoantheole that has estrogenic effects to improve lactation and produce milk.

INSOMNIA
Star Anise has mild sedative properties that could aid in calming nerves and help induce sleep.

IMPROVED DIGESTION
Star anise is said to possess carminative, stimulant, stomachic and diuretic properties. It is used to deal with a variety of digestive complaints such as gas, abdominal cramps, indigestion, bloating and constipation.

PRECAUTION: Don't confuse Chinese star anise from Japanese star anise which is not edible.
The FDA recently issued a warning regarding the consumption of star anise teas which is contaminated with Japanese star anise. Japanese star anise contains a toxic compound called sikimitoxin which can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, restless jitters and rapid eye movement. Always consult your doctor and never self-medicate.