Book Review: Herbs, The Magic Healers

This is one of the old books in my collection, I have been keeping it up for many years and serves as my Herb Bible. It has ageless wisdom and very universal in  appeal. 

Herbs, the Magic Healers is a compendium of herbal wisdom from Paul Twitchell, the spiritual leader of Eckankar. The author simply believes that herbs can be use not only for physical but also for spiritual health. 

Most of the herbs are from all over North America, but some are also available in the Philippines. If you want to know more about the healing powers of herbs and guide to use them, this book will serve you well. Very informative, well-researched and written .

I learned so much about herbs from this book, the secrets of longevity use by the sages are herbs, herbs are very important to our physical and spiritual well-being. 

Some of the very interesting chapters are:  the sacred herbs of the ancient mystics, the strange and curios herbs, life-giving properties of seeds, herbs and karmic conditions of man, herbs that give life for the vital powers and more. 

The ancient lore of herbs and their magic healing properties comes alive in these pages, herbs being use by ancient health practitioners and spiritual adepts. In this modern world of ours, health practitioners detour into inorganic medicine, that's why I would like to share this book and hope readers to get a copy and let's bring back  the proper use of herbs- God's medicines, to restore well-being  in a disease-ridden world. 

How to Make a Natural Cough Syrup KLS

Kalamansi, Luya and Sampalok

Here's a good natural remedy for cough that you can easily make at home, the KLS cough syrup or the Kalamansi-Luya-Sampalok syrup. 

It is done by boiling green sampalok (unripe tamarind) until soft and set aside until cool and mashed it to extract the juice with small amount of boiled water,  grate the fresh  ginger and mix it with Kalamansi juice, put it in a blender (optional) or set aside in a few minutes, then filter it with fine strainer then add some pure, raw, wild honey into the mixture to thicken it. The extract is now the KLS syrup, put it in a clean bottle and can be refrigerated when not in use (good for a week).

Take 1-3  tablespoon, three times a day before meals, shake well before using. The honey and kalamansi will help decongest and expel the mucus, while the ginger and kalamansi will sooth your throat, lungs and respiratory system. 

Try it! 

Can the Real Ashitaba Step Out?

Photo courtesy of Mr. Joemedes Arienda of SOAP (Spread Organic Agriculture in the Philippines)

The word or name Ashitaba, is now very popular and a household name, when it come to medicinal properties, I encountered it long time ago and didn't give much importance and attention until I have met people talking so much about it and having a first hand experience with this plant.  My Laboratory patients who for the first time their blood chemistry went normal, claim Ashitaba normalized them. So I did some research what is this Ashitaba all about, to my disappointments, it was way different from the herbs being talked about here, in terms of appearance, The Ashitaba that is flooding every household is not the real one, but the Gynura procumbens. 

Fresh leaves of Gynura procumbens mistakenly called Ashitaba, though has the same health benefits should be called by their correct names according agriculturist and  farmers. The leaves should be eaten raw, maybe added to green salads and sandwiches. (photo by the author)

So much confusion, I saw a lot of mislabeling happening, in the streets and highways, I saw people selling the plants labelled as Ashitaba, even in some gardens selling them. The SOAP (Spread Organic Agriculture in the Philippines) a group of farmers, agriculturists, botanist and organic farming advocates alarmed and want to set the record straight so that people know. The Ashitaba that they are talking about is actually Gynura. Though also a medicinal and works almost the same, it is but right to call it the proper name. 

To be honest I haven't seen or tried the real Ashitaba, as of this writing,  I heard so much about it and research show it has a lot of potential and benefits in our health. I have witness Gynura with some of my patients (Laboratory works) and showed dramatic improvements in their blood Chemistry especially, Lipids, sugar, uric acid and even PSA. It is about time our health department take a look at the potential of this plant, more studies and research hopefully, for now people are happy and satisfied using it.

Please take time to read the link below, it will tell you more about Ashitaba and Gynura:

http://ashitabaplant.blogspot.com/2011/06/ashitaba-vs-gynura-procumbens.html

On Filipino Herbal Medicine and Traditional Healing Practices

With Dr. Isidro Sia, Director- UP Institute of Herbal Medicine

I went to this lecture of Dr. Isidro Sia on Filipino Herbal Medicine and Traditional Healing Practices upon invitation of the Lopez Museum, a museum dedicated for Filipino medieval studies. The Lecturer, Dr. Sia is presently Director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine, National Institutes of Health in UP Manila and a Professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, in the same university.

Dr. Sia earned his Bachelor and Medical degree from the University of the Philippines. He received his Doctorate in Philosophy at Kobe University School of Medicine in Japan.

He has this sense of Nationalism and pride for our heritage because he knows what he is talking about, despite his education and training abroad, He gave the lecture in Tagalog, our national language and never apologize for using it. He is familiar with different dialects, culture and ancient practices of our folks in different regions of the country, which some of them are unfamiliar with me. Different regions have their own unique folkloric healing practices and traditions and never underestimate them, even our own NPA (New People's Army-a militant group in the mountains) knows herbal medicine as they always carry and plant Dabu-Dabu (a plant from Samar) for Malaria and other diseases. Dr. Sia  knows all kinds of herbs, what is indigenous and what are those came from foreign land brought about by our foreign conquerors like Spain, USA and Japan. The Institute had done comprehensive studies of different tribal or cultural healing arts and documented the tradition like those mentioned below and noted that some tribal healing practices are already copyrighted by tribal groups, like the "Babaylan" so using the practices need a permission from the elders or the tribal groups.

Our traditional healers from different regions

What catched my attention is that he mentioned that herbal medicine use should also be regulated or use properly with precautions, not because it is herbal you can use it indiscriminately. According to him poison and medicine has a very thin line or "di nagkakalayo", some medicine started as poison and found a medicinal use. "Ang Kalikasan ay may pagkain, gamot at lason" (in Nature there is food, medicine and poison), proof is that there are herbs that has abortive properties (induce abortion), so herbal medicine should focus on science-culture-economics-safety, that is the crux of his lecture, to give emphasis on the safety, effectivity and cost-effectiveness of using herbal products or medicines. He said, once the product is "romanticized" it becomes a business and loses it purpose and he warned us to be careful on using and spending on products with bogus claims. 

Some of the herbs with documented scientific studies from DOH

"Kalidad at Kantidad" (Quality and Quantity)

Dr. Sia said that all plants, herbs, vegetables, fruits has anti-oxidants in them, but the quality of this ani-oxidants can be diminished as it is stored, processed or consumed. Example,  he mentioned about the Malunggay (Moringa) capsules and Malunggay flavored bread and noodles. It is best that we eat these vegetables as fresh as we can, and instead of taking those capsules and Malunggay flavored items, why not add fresh Malunggay into cooking foods instead, that way we get sufficient quality and quantity of nutrition derived from the vegetable  compared to those flavored food item which only put small quantity of the vegetable, makes a lot of sense.

It is also very interesting that he discussed the current and previous trends in herbal products that is very popular in the market and internet, the latest trend which is Guyabano, a very popular these day as a cancer supplement.  Why they failed the claims and the test of time? are they really effective? since there is no enough documented studies (clinical and scientific) it could not make such claim.

Some of the herbs mentioned below, I really admired and swear to the effectiveness, though  as said earlier, some manufacturer and producer of these supplements' processing methods is questionable, in choosing for supplements I really want to know the source, how they processed and package this products, in some way these manufacturers might failed in some key areas, and their claims are mostly based on testimonials and not supported by clinical studies.

Why some studies failed? To me it could be because the product itself is already oxidized during processing, not necessarily they are not effective, so I might still be using Guyabano or VCO or Noni, Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) as fresh as possible instead. I am a fan of Apple Cider Vinegar, Narra, Noni and Honey, In choosing ACV I choose a good brand which is committed to organic resources, raw and unfiltered processing, same goes with honey it should be raw, wild, unfiltered and not UHT processed to maintain and preserved the effectiveness.

While these herbs and medicine focuses on the physical healing during studies or clinical trials, the subjects might have other issues such such as mental, psycho-emotional or spiritual issues that could lead to the failure of the effectiveness of a drugs or supplements, this was not addressed during trials but just my own thoughts and opinion. The good doctor do not discourage using them but to be aware and be educated as much as possible in using them, research and use them as fresh as possible not to rely on so much processed herbs and claims, that is his only point. 

  

Pangako na Napako (Promises that can't be kept),
According to Dr. Sia these failed to deliver results, though I might disagree on some of them.

Some Herbs/Plants that failed to satisfy the claims and also failed scientific/ clinical studies, note the trend in chronological order

Lecture Summary:

Sharing below notes on the lecture of Dr. Sia, who has done research and oversees research on traditional healing practices of Philippine ethnic groups. As a researcher, he keeps an open mind on traditional healing methods and practitioners (e.g., hilot, albularyo, etc.).

1. Most important: Not everything that is natural is safe. e.g., Ginkgo is natural but is dangerous for bleeders because it is a blood thinner.

2. If you receive a leaflet that lists/claims 30+ diseases are cured or helped prevented by something, wait for more studies. It is most likely a passing fad [NOTE: NO APPROVED THERAPEUTIC CLAIMS]. These include Comfrey, Kargasok Tea, Apple Cider, Bee Pollen, Honey, Wheat Grass, Pito Pito, Mahogany, Narra, Noni, VCO, Mangosteen and Guyabano (the latter 3 are the LATEST, and therefore require further studies).

3. The following are approved by the Department of Health: lagundi (for cough), sambong (diuretic, for kidney health), yerba buena (for pain), tsaang gubat (for stomach ache), niyog niyogan seed (anthelmintic/dewormer), akapulko (anti-fungal--for an-an/buni/alipunga/hadhad), bayabas (for wounds), ampalaya (brings down blood sugar), pansit-pansitan (brings down uric acid), bawang (brings down bad cholesterol).

4. Food-medicine-poison belong in one spectrum. They interface. Some poisons are researched for their medical application. Hippocrates said: Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. Food is the first medicine (nourishes the body, keeps it healthy).

5. Go back to basics. To be healthy: exercise 30 minutes a day, eat 2-4 servings of fruit, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 1-2 servings of meat, moderate salt and sugar, sleep 5-8 hours. Do not look for quick fixes.

6. It is better to eat healthy food than to rely on supplements. e.g., malunggay is better in your tinola than in noodles/pan de sal or in capsules (powder form). Take supplements (multivitamins) only when needed (sick, cannot eat properly, under treatment).

7. Do not romanticize traditional medicine. It has a role, but it is also a business. Before patronizing, ensure that it is safe and cheap. If something is used as food, then it may be safe but not necessarily effective as a medicine.

8. When researching the internet, do not go to websites with plenty of ads. Stick to those of universities or government agencies.

9. All plant materials contain anti-oxidants. So if all that a product claims is it has anti-oxidants and it came from a plant, it may be telling the truth but it does not mean it has special healing properties compared to other plant materials.

The lecture ends well with very interesting questions from participants who are very conscious of their health and it was both educational and enlightening. 

It cross my mind that the Philippines is so blessed for being rich in culture and herbal medicines both indigenous and endogenous , if we Filipinos know how to plant or grow our own food, there will be no hunger, malnutrition and proliferation of diseases and we can all be healthy. 

Neem: A Nature's Pharmacopeia

Neem Leaves

Neem trees are everywhere present in the country though its origin is India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, here are some leaves I gathered in my neighborhood. A bunch like this could be boiled in one liter of water.

I first encountered the name Neem through herbal products from India and Himalayas, saw that their ingredients is mostly Neem, so I though it must me a good plant.  I have no idea how it looks like and thought all along it can be found only in India, since the name also very unfamiliar. But to my surprise a visit to Symbios Holistic and Wellness Sanctuary herbal garden in Timberland, San Mateo Rizal has so many Neem trees, and my my friend Dr. Sonny Viloria told me it is good for High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension, lowering blood cholesterol and sugar, boost immune system etc.  I also happened to meet an  Ayurvedic Doctor from  India, and he told me more about Neem, how to use it and its benefits.

I boiled the leaves in a clay pot for healthy reason

On an empty stomach , every morning upon waking up drink at least 1/4 to 1/2 cup of boiled fresh leaves, boiled only fresh leaves and not the dried ones, dried ones are used to drive mosquitoes away by burning the dried leaves. The taste is very bitter but tolerable, a good cleansing and nourishing regimen.

The Neem Tree

The good news is that Neem can be found anywhere in the Philippines, I saw a lot of them in landscaped gardens, in ULTRA (sports complex in Pasig), I saw them like a wild trees in the parks, parking lots, highways, villages and subdivisions, even in my Sister's home in Bulacan, I was surprised and delighted to see one big Neem tree. I don't know where they came from but I learned that birds love its fruit and they carry and plant them anywhere they go, so you would see they grow anywhere. Talking to some Landscape Designer it is their favorite plant in their projects because it is both ornamental, easy to grow and maintain. Department of Health (DOH) Compound has many of this tree, I learned it drive away mosquitoes, ( but according to the Ayurvedic Doctor, only by burning the dried leaves. When I went to Tahanan Village in Paranaque and in Alabang area, I saw every corner, household, parks with so many Neem trees, you could see them on highways too but be cautious to use those that are exposed to pollution as they can also absorb pollutants. I don't even know if people are aware that it is a good and medicinal plant/tree. It is being used as a landscape outdoor trees for it grows with less water, low maintenance and give a good shade and they say drive away insects such as mosquitoes.

Neem Tea

The extra tea is used to mix with my shampoo, for gargle, facial wash and for taking a bath, it is not only refreshes but good for my skin and hair. So if you have a piece of land try to plant this wonderful tree. I must say it works for me and I feel better taking this tea. I just love Neem tree.

So far, So good been using it, whenever I saw a tree, I gathered leaves and boiled into tea, It works for me in so many ways, help my blood pressure under control and my blood chemistry at a normal level, give me resistance to any flu despite the sudden changes in temperature, take good care of my hair and skin since I used them, not to mention it keeps my body weight under control. All friends and people I know using this swear for its health benefits.This is not recommended though if you are pregnant, and in case you are not diabetic 1/2 cup once a day every morning before breakfast only since in could lower you sugar level dramatically  and may cause hypoglycemia.

More on Neem from Wiki:

Traditional medicinal use

In India, the plant is variously known as "Sacred Tree," "Heal All," "Nature's Drugstore," "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases". Products made from Neem trees have been used in India for over two millennia for their medicinal properties: Neem products are believed to be antihelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease. Neem oil is also used for healthy hair, to improve liver function, detoxify the blood, and balance blood sugar levels, and is considered to have no side effects.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azadirachta_indica

*all photos taken by the author

Announcing: Free Sample Issue of Plant Healer Magazine!

A Gorgeous and Generous Offering to our Community, from Kiva Rose and the Anima Lifeways School. I personally recommend making sure you have every single issue of this historic (and growing) collection of plant medicine knowledge, practice, and art.

Enjoy! --Love, Ananda

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Pili Oil for Health and Beauty

The Pili Nut: enclosed in a hard shell like walnut (photo courtesy of Mr. Arnel Belenzo)

Pili tree is  indigenous  to the Philippines, It is a regional tree which grows in the Southern part of Luzon, The Philippines which is Bicol (Bicolandia), I don't know why, but we don't have it anywhere except Bicol region. It is one of  most prized possession of the region, for the many amazing benefits and the delicious taste of the nut, it is a delicacy of the region and my favorite as well. Western countries and beauty products manufacturers are going crazy about the oil from Pili for its natural health and beauty benefits. I would like to share some studies done by a friend, an Ethonomedicine specialist (very few scientist/researcher have this kind of title or specialty),  Mr. Jesus Arnel Belenzo, MSAHP ( Master of Science in Asian Health Practices), A professor and practitioner of Alternative Medicine. I believed he has more authority on the subject, since he is from the Bicol region, grew up with Pili as part of their culture and heritage and done an extensive studies and research on Pili.

The Pili fruit (Photo by Mr. Arnel Belenzo, during oil extraction)

His research is actually all about the "exocarp" or the flesh of the fruit, the outer one which is color black/dark violet. It is where he got the oil through extraction. I won't go further about the details of these because his study is under the DOST-PCHRD Scholarship grant.

The Tree of Life: Pili Tree (Photo by Mr. Arnel Belenzo)

This is the by product of the newly produced organic pili oil. The oil is edible and can be put on salad as a dressing. It can also be a "herbal medicine" as well. It prevent inflammation. Just apply a little amount of pili oil in affected area of the skin like pimples, acne, scabies, boils and even hemorrhoid.

The Organic Pili Oil: extracted in traditional method, unadulterated and raw

(photo courtesy of Mr. Arnel Belenzo)

ABSTRACT:
Belenzo, J.A.B. MSAHP (2010), University of the East, Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, Inc. "Validation of the Ethnomedicinal Properties of Canarium ovatum Englr. (Pili) oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. 

The oil from Canarium ovatum Englr. (Pili) was observed and documented on its ethnomedicinal properties as food and as herbal remedy. Experimental uses of pili oil were also determined using disc diffusion method to prove pili's anti-microbial effect on both gram positive bacteria, S. aureus and S. pyogenes. The results as food were significant because of pili oil's nutritional value. Findings in the in vitro showed no inhibition. possibly due to the presence of water in the solution. It is concluded that many actions of herbal plants cannot be directly explained by a single mechanism exemplified by the anti-oxidant property of pili oil which acted as immune response that allowed the body to heal itself. The knowledge in botanical medicine and taxonomic character should be expanded with the example of pili to relate the constituents of plants as group into either herbal topical, herbal preparation that is taken orally, and as Nutraceutical supplements.

Please support the small scale farmers and producers of this wonderful products:

The Organic Pili Oil, and Molasses are now available at The Earth Green Shop Enterprises at Unit 22, Cubao Expo Araneta Center, Gen. Romulo St. Cubao, Quezon City. See u there!!! tel# 4384243 cp: 0919-2223556 c/o Ms. Ofel.

Mr. Belenzo's Pili Oil is also available @ Biovitale Holistic Center: www.biovitaleholistic.blogspot.com

Other health sites talks about Pili:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/497445-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-pili/
http://www.bcarrd.com/the-wonders-of-pili-oil

Coconut: The Tree of Life (A Tribute)

Thank God for the Coconut! This  is my personal tribute and gratitude  to the Coconut tree that is helping and keeping our country healthy, beautiful  and economy afloat,  In the Philippines coconut is not only a "tree of life" but considered sacred in a sense that, it is regarded as the most intelligent creation of God, that is why in schools during childhood days our teacher always tell us to "use your coconut head" which means be smart,  it is also a big industry in my country,  from leaves to the nut (by the way coconut is not a fruit but a giant nut) there are always a use for them, you can't throw anything (walang tapon). The government banned and prohibit cutting off coconut trees, in case you have to, you need to get a permit before doing so. If you dissect the uses and benefits of coconut it will be endless... We use the palm leaves in making roofs for houses (Bahay kubo), handicrafts like baskets, sleeping or yoga  mats, bags, decors, broom sticks etc, The coconut water is a good source of natural electrolytes for dehydration, if can also be fermented to make a great vinegar, coconut water is also great for making stocks and soups (cooking), the coconut water unknown to many is used to make "coco nut" or nata de coco, a delicious and healthy (for its fiber content) dessert  and not only that, countries like Japan find wonderful uses in electronics. The coconut flowers is good source of coco nectar, the favorite food of the bees and source of honey, coco nectar harvested from the flowers (young budding) is  called coco nectar, a honey like sweet and delicious alternative to sugar, it has a low glycemic index and can be used by diabetics and those on a diet, the powdered form of coco nectar is made into coco sugar. The young coconut buds (usbong) is a very delicious and nutritious delicacy in the Philippines, It is use as a vegetable in making the most delicious lumpia ubod or vegetable rolls. The fiber rich trunk is used as firewoods, charcoal, decorative art pieces, ropes, soil conditioner and fertilizer, you will be amazed that the possibilities are endless! because there are so many inventors in the Philippines are using materials from coconut, same goes for the coco shell! and the Oil is a miraculous manna from heaven. The coco milk is good for the hair, digestion and  many infections, and to those who want to lose weight, it is great for cooking, makes all the foods delicious, can be use for cooking meats, poultry, vegetables, desserts, "kakanin" (rice cakes) etc etc..It is very good source of Lauric acid which is also found in breast milk to boost immune system. There are two ways of extracting the oil from the milk , one is by direct heat until the oil comes out, this type of oil is use to treat head lice and as a natural hot oil treatment by our old folks, during our childhood our old folks never runs out of oil in the household to use for hair treatment, and treat skin diseases. The other one is the "cold process" of making virgin coconut oil, is is done by fermenting the coco milk until such a time the oil floats and harvested, again the uses of the VCO is endless, I will post a link below that you could read for more info and research done on the wonders of VCO and its many health benefits in cosmetics, food and supplements etc etc. , and oh by the way the "sapal" or used coconut meat is powdered and dried to make a good fiber supplements (slimming aid), soil conditioner and for baking purposes. Aren't coconut an amazing tree? that is why we love coconut and this is really a gift from God. Please read the links below for further information on the world of coconut..enjoy! - Tien Cho

P.S.:
Please take note that the soft brown skin inside the young coco nut is contributed to the kidney cleansing properties of the water, make sure when you are eating the meat include the soft skin as well.

Now, This my childhood favorite! We called it "Buwa" in Tagalog, it is from matured coconut seedlings, I don't really know how to describe it, but when a coconut started to sprout, inside you will find this round, white spongy edible thing, we love eating them! sweet and spongy. I believed it has health benefits as well. 

  
 Here is why Coconut is truly a great blessings to our Country and its People:

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/
http://www.naturalnews.com/032727_coconut_oil_Alzheimers.html

Coconut oil is also good for oral health according to the healthy home economist:
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/coconut-oil-stops-strep-bacteria-from-damaging-tooth-enamel/#more-10612

http://www.organicfacts.net

Tulsi

A  friend who is working as a Physician in  Bangladesh, introduced us to Tulsi Tea, he swears by many health benefits, He discovered it too since his work is near a Tea farm in Bangladesh, where he enjoyed so many kind of teas, He brought us some to try. 

Walking around our village, I chatted with my Buddhist neighbor and friend Martha when I passed by her house, noted something familiar in her garden, She said it is a secret plant, I told her I think I know your secret since I read about this plant and she gave in and told me it is really "Tulasi" or Tulsi, I was surprised we have this in the Philippines, she told me it is a sacred plant that absorb negative energies at home and some illnesses, she also do some puja or ritual of prayers over the plant because it has the power to absorb whatever your sickness, I noticed some of her Tulsi is dying, she told me it is because it already absorb some bad luck, illness or negative energies around her house. I can't wait to have my own tulsi plant...

Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)
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Taken from FB page of: I like to join daily health tips for keeping us fit & healthy

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.

1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.

3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu. 

4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle. 

5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken. 

6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract. 

7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol. 

8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them. 

9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements. 

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions. 

11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches. 

12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma. 

13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders. 

14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

The Wonders of Philippine Narra Tree

Narra bark Tea and capsules are available commercially, It is good in lowering blood sugar levels by enhancing glycolysis, perfect for those with diabetes, losing weight and immune system booster and for certain types of cancers, sounds great huh?

I have tried it and  really good for losing weight, hypertension, cholesterol problem, uric acid and so on. My friend, a doctor introduced me to this local herb and I am so happy that there are commercially available preparation and that studies were being done, He told me it is also used and exported to Africa to treat HIV patients (clinical trials).

So, why not try our local herbs, aren't we blessed if all the hundreds of claims are true? I hope more clinical studies are being done to this wonderful tree of ours, as for me it is truly effective supplements and I recommend it to my family and friends and I would like to say that this is our answer to La Pacho of South America. - RCB

Get to know more our Narra tree: 

Narra is the Philippine National Tree, a majestic reddish hardwood tree, growing to 33 meters high and 2 meters in diameter with an irregular fluted trunk. Leaves are compound, pinnate 15 to 30 centimeters long, with 7 to 11 leaflets which ovate to oblong-ovate, and 5 to 10 centimeters long. Flowers are numerous, yellow, fragrant, and about 1.5 centimeters long, on branched, axillary panicles. Pods are disc-shaped, flat, with winged margins, hairy when young but smooth or nearly so when mature, more or less reticulate and undulate, and very shortly beaked, orbicular to obovate, including the wing 4 to 5.5 centimeters long, and the wing 1 to 1.5 centimeters wide.

Botany

Distribution

• In primary, and in some regions, secondary forests at low and medium altitudes throughout the Philippines.
• Grown from seeds and cuttings.
• Found in calcareous soil. Grows well in bottom lands.
• Occurs in Guangdong, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Parts utilized: Leaves, roots, bark

Constituents

• Yields "kino," containing kinotannic acid.
• Wood yields red coloring constituents: narrin, santalin and angolensin.
• Narrin is a dark red amorphous powder which yields phloroglucinol and resorcinol on fusion with alkali.
• Study yielded pterocarpin and pterostilben homopterocarpin, prunetin (prunusetin), formonoetin, isoliquiritigenin, p-hydroxyhydratopic acid, perofuran, pterocarpol, and b-eudesmol.

Properties

• Noted for its hardiness and rapid growth. Grows well in bottom lands, wind-firm and less susceptible to disease and pests.
• Nitrogen-fixing.
• Considered antibacterial, anti-bilous, emetic.

Uses:

• Edibility Young leaves and flowers are reportedly edible; the flowers, a source of honey. Folkloric
• Infusion of the leaf used as shampoo.
• Used for bladder ailments, diarrhea, headache, stones, sores and dropsy.
• The young leaves applied to boils, prickly heat and ulcers.
• Decoction used as a gargle for sore throats; as an astringent; as a mouthwash for toothaches.
• Decoction of wood used for dropsy and to dissolve bladder stones. 
• The resin "kino" has similar actions as tannin and catechu. It is taken for its astringent effect in chronic diarrhea, leucorrhea, blenorrhea and hemorrhages. Used as a solution for enemas for prolapse of the rectum and anal fissure. 
• Red latex used in folk medicine for tumors, cancers and warts. 
• Juice of root applied to syphilitic sores. 
• In Java, decoction of the bark or kino used for thrush; kino used to arrest diarrhea. 
• Malays used the resin for buccal sores. Plant used as folk remedy for bladder ailments, diarrhea, dropsy, headache, stones, thrust, and tumors of the abdomen. 

Others

• Timber: Old Narra is a much sought-after wood for its durability and use in floorings, cabinetry, construction, furniture making, decorative carvings, and muscial instruments.
• Dye: A source of red dye, narrin.
• Wood is also a source of kino, a gum used as astringent and for tanning. 

Studies 

• Immune Enhancing / Anti-Asthma:Composition and method for the prevention and treatment of asthma: The root, bark and wood of Pterocarpus indicus (Philippine Narra tree) is a component in a pharmaceutical formulation touted to be immune enhancing and purpurted use for the prevention and treatment of asthma. 

•  Polyphenolic Antiplasmin Constituent / Anti-Cancer: A Bioactive Polyphenolic Constituent in the Bark of Pterocarpus indicus, Willd. I. Isolation and Characterization: A polyphenolic substance with antiplasmin activity was isolated from the bark of P indicus. The substance showed carcinostatic effect on ascitic mice with Erlich carcinoma. 
• In vitro anthelmintic, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of extracts from plants used in South African ethnoveterinary medicine. Antibacterial activity of Pterocarpus indicus, Fitoterapia 74 (2003), pp. 603–605. 
• Antifungal Sesquiterpene: Study isolated an antifungal compound in the methanolic extract of amboyna wood. It was identified as a B-eudesmol, a sesquiterpene alcohol and showed dose-dependent antifungal activity against P pulmonarius. 
• Anticancer: 1970 study on leaves showed significant inhibition of growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice. 
• Anti-Termite: Study evaluated the use of wood extractives as preservative treatment for wood to inhibit subterranean termite activity. Results showed the n-hexane extract from P. indicus and ethyl ether extract from P. gutta showed more active inhibition effect on the activities of C. curnignatizus Holmgren.

A lecture on Ecarma, commercially available Narra Tea/Capsule:

*I would like to emphasize that I am not working or in any way connected with the makers of Ecarma tea and capsules directly or indirectly, unlike my friend who prescribe it to his patients, we both believed that we should support local herb producers and wish that our government support our local herb producers/ industry and more studies, clinical trials done to prove the effectivity of our herbs.

The Underrated Kamote: Anti-Cancer and Anti-Hypertension

 One of my favorite variety, the violet (Ube) colored Camote (Photo by the Author)

The underrated kamote can save our country... Read on.

By William M. Esposo

Thursday, April 17, 2008

We are a nation blessed with tremendous natural resources and yet many Filipinos suffer from hunger and malnutrition. While it's true that the nation's wealth is cornered by only a few Filipinos, we must not lose sight of the fact that a good part of our malnutrition problem is also self-inflicted. Rampant malnutrition could have been significantly checked had the government taken time to promote food alternatives that could even provide better nutrition than the usually consumed staples such as rice. Ignorance, not just lack of money, causes malnutrition. Captive to our comfort zone, our people either do not know their food options or simply refuse to consider the other foods that are available to them. The underrated kamote illustrates my point. Do you know that kamote far exceeds the nutrition and health values of rice? Here are the benefits of substituting rice with kamote:

1. Kamote is more filling and suppresses hunger pangs longer. It is also cheaper than rice.

2. Unlike rice, kamote is so easy to grow. It grows in backyards with or without fertilizers. Local government executives can provide their poor communities with idle government land for planting kamote which the entire community can share.

3. Unlike rice which needs to be eaten with a dish, kamote tastes good and can be eaten by itself. Thus, substituting rice with kamote saves money for other needs.

4. Rice cannot match the nutritional values of kamote. Because rice converts to sugar in the body, the Philippines registers as a top producer of diabetics in the world. The poor tends to load up on rice and less on the dish which are more expensive. That makes them vulnerable to diabetes, an ailment known in developed countries as a rich man's disease.

5. The nutritional values of a 3 oz baked kamote are: calories 90, fat 0 g, saturated fat 0 g, cholesterol 0 mg, carbohydrate 21 g, protein 2 g, dietary fiber 3 g, sodium 36 mg, vitamin A 19,218 IU, folic acid 6 micrograms, pantothenic acid 1 mg, vitamin B6 <1 mg, vitamin C 20 mg, vitamin E 1 mg, calcium 38 mg, manganese 1 mg, carotenoids 11,552 mcg, potassium 475 mg and magnesium 45 mg. Compare that to a 100 g serving of white rice with: calories 361 kcal, water 10.2 g, total fat 0.8 g, dietary fiber 0.6 g, calcium 8 mg, phosphorous 87 mg, potassium 111 mg, sodium 31 mg, vitamin B1 0.07 mg, vitamin B2 0.02 mg, niacin 1.8 g, protein 6 g and carbohydrates 82 g.

6. Too much rice consumption can make you sick but kamote can bring you to health and keep away some health problems. These have been proved medically. In a medical documentary I watched recently on KBS World (the South Korean TV Network), I was awed by the results of the research the Koreans conducted on the nutritional and medicinal benefits of kamote (which they refer to as sweet potato). Few Filipinos realize that South Korean doctors are among the finest in the world. The Korean doctors have accomplished many key breakthroughs in the field of medicine. It was a Korean doctor working in Germany who was able to develop the successful liver transplantation protocol (and the Germans almost placed him in jail for having experimented at home with live animals). The Korean doctors enjoy the benefit of knowing both the Eastern and the Western methods to tackling diseases. They may be low key but their level of medical technology is world class. In that Korean medical documentary I watched (which I followed through the English subtitles), they presented the research findings on people with established health problems who were placed on a kamote/sweet potato diet. Believe it or not kamote lowers hypertension, bad cholesterol and even blood sugar when eaten as SUBSTITUTE TO RICE! The purple sweet potato (kamote) is particularly effective for lowering hypertension. Not only that, the Korean medical documentary credits the sweet potato (kamote) as high fiber and is one of the best foods that one can eat to prevent cancer! For those who are only impressed by US doctors, listen to this: the North Carolina Stroke Association, American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association have all endorsed the sweet potato for its disease prevention and healing qualities. The Americans, the South Koreans both progressive nations have raised the kamote to a high pedestal. Many of them even call the kamote a "super food that heals." And just how do we Filipinos regard the kamote? Remember how we like to call a loser as one who is nangangamote (Filipino term for lagging behind)? Truly, unless we unlearn many things, we will, as a nation, always be.

The yellow variety is so delicious and very sweet (Photo by RCB)

Camote Tops May Cure Dengue?

Violet and  green variant of Camote leaves 

This may be true, I tried and tested on my brother who had fever on and off, upon checking on his CBC, low wbc and platelet count ( signs of viral infection), monitoring the platelet count it went lower to 100, so I'm scared for him and also the expenses of a hospital confinement.

I followed a recipe shared by my Alternative Doctor friend  and made him drink boiled camote tops juice/tea and made my brother eat the tops too.  Somehow, It seem works and his platelets went up and fever gone in few days (with rests, hydration and multivitamins). 

Though I will not encourage you to do this "self-diagnosis and self-medications", It is just so happened that my brother has no work at that time and refuse to be brought to a hospital, and I as a Medical Technologist, I tried my best to perform blood works on him like the Dengue blot IgM/IgG and CBC with Platelet count since I suspected him to have a Dengue fever. 

But in case it doesn't work and his plateletes goes down to a  critical level and show signs of bleeding I will definitely rush him to the hospital and if transfusions are needed I have no other choice, but good thing it worked on him or maybe somehow helped him since we are trying to avoid costly hospital confinement.   

I found out that Camote tops juice/tea is a very good health drink since it was very nutritious and great tasting as well (to my surprise). It could be the hydrating power of the juice/tea and the nutrition on it that supports the immune system, though my experiences stated here are pure testimonials and not backed by a real clinical and scientific proof and studies. 

Unless it went through the  process of careful studies, research, both clinical and scientific proofs and documentations, it will be remained as a hearsay or a placebo effect. Our Philippine Government and Health Department has no concrete plan if  they will pursue more studies and research to back our claims (as of this press time). In the past they do a lot of massive campaign for Filipinos to eat fresh vegetables, grow vegetables such as Camote, Kangkong and Malunggay etc. as a way to good health. So there is no harm in trying, camote tops is a staple food for Filipinos anyway.

Research 

“In 1992, the Center for Science in the Public Interest compared the nutritional value of sweet potatoes to other vegetables. Considering fiber content, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium, the sweet potato ranked highest in nutritional value. According to these criteria, sweet potatoes earned 184 points, 100 points over the next on the list, the common potato (NCSPC).” 

“…Sweet potato tops are excellent sources of antioxidative compounds, mainly polyphenolics, which may protect the human body from oxidative stress that is associated with many diseases including cancer ad cardiovascular diseases. Sweet potato greens have the highest content of total polyphenolics among other commercial vegetables studied. 

“Sweet potatoes contain protein, dietary fiber, lipid, and essential minerals and nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, aluminum and boron. Sweet potatoes are also important sources of vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.” 

Preparation:

Five sheaves (bugkos/ bigkis) of camote cuttings. Each sheaf consists of about 12 cuttings. Each cutting measures about one foot. A sheaf costs about P5. 

Camote tops are boiled in water to extract the juice. The boiling lasts for about five minutes. A little salt is used to give flavor to it. The patient is made to drink slowly and gradually. The body’s immunity system is thus revived, making dengue helpless against the body’s natural defenses. Camote enables the body to heal itself. 

Lemon or Calamansi juice can be added too and honey to sweeten the juice. 

Let 's enjoy Camote!

Here is a delicious, nutritious and refreshing way to make and enjoy camote top juice, boiled fresh camote tops together with fresh lemongrass, set it cool and add fresh lemongrass and mint herb as garnish, natural muscovado sugar maybe added to taste. Picture was taken by yours truly .

 Camote tops juice drink with lemongrass and mint herb

Please read related article on Camote:

Camote as anti-Cancer?
Camote in Manila Bulletin News