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.

Cinnamon

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Description:

Cinnamon is the bark and twigs of a number of related plants that have cinnamon oil in it. They are usually small trees with deep green leaves and white blossoms and are grown South Asia and the Middle East region.  When the trees are 6 or 7 years old, the bark is peeled off, dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks and then ground into powder.  Cinnamon has a characteristic flavor and aroma called cinnamonaldehyde that comes from a compound in the essential oil of the bark.

Parts used: Bark

Health Benefits:

Besides using it in cooking, cinnamon is also thought to have health benefits. It contains compounds like tannins, essential oils, and saponins that helps improve general health.

Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, iron, calcium as well as fiber.

Cinnamon is also a favorite in aromatherapy.


Medicinal Properties and Uses:

Herbal cinnamon tea: Boil water, add a cinnamon stick and let it boil for 2 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick.

In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is used as a pain killer and it relieves fever, colds, arthritis, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea. It's also believed to improve energy, vitality, promotes good
digestion and circulation.  It is used as a remedy for diabetes and is particularly helpful for people who feel hot in their upper body but have cold extremities.

Cinnamon oil has high anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, larvicidal and anti-fungal properties and the cinnamaldehyde content is a proven tranquilizer.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest tonic and uterine stimulant.  It is used as a treatment for PMS and promotes regular, pain-free menstruation.

Precaution:

Because cinnamon is a uterine stimulant, it should not be used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy.

Coriander

Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum

Other name: Cilantro

Description:

Coriander aka cilantro is an annual, umbelliferous plant native to Southeastern Europe.  It is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 3 feet in height, slender and branched.  The leaves are trilobed, green and hairless
and the lowest leaves being stalked and pinnate while the leaflets are roundish and slightly lobed.

The mature plant bears a shortly-stalked umbels (5 to 10 rays) light pink color flowers.  The seed clusters are symmetrical and the seeds are oval about 4-6 mm in diameter, light green and have a disagreeable taste and odor.  When the plants turn brown and becomes pleasantly aromatic, the seeds are ready for harvest.

Since both the leaves and seeds are used as seasoning condiment, the cilantro or coriander is considered both an herb and a spice.

It is also medicinally used as flavouring for purgatives and an ingredient in tincture of senna.


Parts used: Fruits/seeds and fresh leaves


Health Benefits:


    The coriander seeds are excellent source of minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also has Vitamin C and is rich in B-complex vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.


Medicinal properties and uses:

Coriander aka Cilantro has been traditionally been referred to as anti-diabetic plant as it controls blood sugar levels.  It has also been used for its anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial properties.

The volatile oil in coriander is high in phytonutrient content such as borneol, camphor, elemol, geraniol, linalool, limonene.  It is rich in flavonoids and contains active phenolic acid compounds.  The coriander
seeds contain many chemical compounds that are known to have anti-oxidant properties and increases the immune system.

Coriander is traditionally used as a stimulant, aromatic and carminative. It is also used for stomach pains and the seeds are known to have  anti-flatulent properties.


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.