KAPOK

Other names: Java cotton, Java kapok,ceiba

Scientific name: Ceiba pentandra

Description: This is an erect, deciduous tree, 15 m high.  The trunk is cylindrical, usually bearing scattered, large spines.  The branches are in distant whorls, and spread horizontally.  The leaves are compound with 5-8 lanceolate leaflets. 6-15 cm long, pointed on both ends.


Parts Used: flowers, leaves, fruits

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

The bark is used as a vomitive/emetic and diuretic.  It is used to treat fever and diarrhea.  It is also applied on wounds and swollen fingers.

A decoction of the flowers is used for constipation.

An infusion of the leaves is used for cough, hoarseness, intestinal catarrh and urethritis.  the tender leaves are administered for gonorrhea.

The unripe fruit is regarded as a demulcent (soothing medicine; provides a protective coating on mucus membranes) and an astringent.

The tender fruit is used as emollient.

A decoction of the roots is given for chronic dysentery, diarrhea, ascites (abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the abdominal cavity) and anasarca (edema characterized by the accumulation of serum in the connective tissue of the body).

The gum is an astringent and useful as a styptic (having a harsh acrid, acid flavor).  It is given with milk as a cooling laxative to children.  It is also used for incontinence of urine of children


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. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

Damiana

Scientific Names: Turnera aphrodisiaca, Turnera diffusa

Other names: Herba de la pastora, Mexican damiana, Old woman's broom

Description:

Damiana is a relatively small shrub which is native to Central and Southern America. It has  pale green leaves with small yellow flowers and hairy ribs. Damiana has strong odor which reminds some people of chamomile and fruits that taste like figs.


Medicinal uses and Properties:

The leaves are dried and made into tea for its relaxing effect.

Damiana leaves have been used as an aphrodisiac
and to boost sexual potency.

It has also been used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and mild depression.

Damiana has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries for the ff:

Mild purgative
diuretic properties
improve digestion and to treat constipation
energy tonic and stimulant
an aphrodisiac for both men and women



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. AVOID
SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.

PARSLEY

Scientific name: Petroselinum crispum

Description:

Also known as “rock celery” and belongs to the Umbelliferae family of plants.

One of the world's most popular herb. It is a biennial plant that grows in most climates and is readily available throughout the year.

Parsley has flavonoids that act as anti-oxidants. It is also rich in vitamins A and  contains more vitamin C (approximately three times as much as oranges). It is a good source of manganese (2.7mg per 100g), calcium (245mg per 100g) and iron (5.5mg per100g (4oz).

Medicinal Uses:

Eating raw parsley mitigate risks of atherosclerosis  because it cleanses the blood, dissolves sticky deposits in veins, maintains elasticity of blood vessels.

It settles the stomach and improves the appetite.

Parsley contains some components of the female hormone estrogen and it has been used to treat women who suffer from problems such as irregular menstruation.

Parsley is effective for nearly all kidney and urinary complaints. It acts as a diuretic and helps improve edema, ease fatigue and scanty or painful urination.

Parsley is also good as a topical remedy for bruises. Crush some parsley leaves and apply straight to the affected area.

Chewing parsley prevents bad breath as well!

When checking for parsley benefits and side effects it is still best to consult your doctor and seek medical advice.

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.