Herbal Cures and their Scientific Name

BANABA

Banaba (scientific name: Lagerstroenii speciosa) is commonly known as banaba in Tagalog and other dialects. Banaba tree grows from 4-15 m high, characteristically shedding off its leaves once a year. It can b identified easily through its flowers, whit are lilac purple and have petals with wavy margins. The parts which have medicinal uses are leaves, fruits, roots and bark. The following are its uses and applications:

For treatment of diabetes, edema or to ease urination - Dry for a week 28 old leaves, 11 ripe fruits, 50 of young leaves. Boil any of the above in 1 cup of water for 45 minutes until it is reduced to 1/5 cup. Redilute the tea to 1 cup and divide this into 3 parts to be taken 1 hour before meals

For fever - Place 1 teaspoon of the bark powder in 1 cup boiling water (infusion), cover for 10-15 minutes and drink.

For jaundice, edema, dizziness,- Boil 10 pieces of roots, 6.5 cm long and 2.5. cm wide per piece, in 10 cups of water for one hour and drink.

KATAKATAKA

Katakataka (scientific name: Kalanchoe pinnaia) is an erect juicy herb reaching more than a meter high. In other dialects, it is known as maritana, lapak-lapak and in English, life plant. It is' abundant in thicket and open places, and is also cultivated for or ornamental purposes. The plant flowers for December to March.

For medicinal purpose, the entire plant may be collected the whole year round. The parts are chiefly used fresh. And for a very important reminder, preparations from katakataka should not be taken internally. For sprains, eczema, infections, burn and headaches, just pound fresh material and apply as poultice on afflicted areas. Katakataka can be identified through it leaves. They are simple, thick and juicy, with scalloped margins; roots and baby plants may arise from these margins. The flowers o katakataka are hanging downward, reddish or purplish. The fruits are dry, several seeded, opening on one side of the pod.

LUYA

Luya (scientific name: Zingiber of ficicle) is an erect plant growing from thickened, fleshy, very aromatic underground stems (rhizome). It is known in Tagalog and Hiligaynon as luya; in Ilocano, laya or baseng and in English, ginger. The plant is widely cultivated throughout the Philippines.

For medical purposes, the parts utilized are the rhizome. The following are the uses and applications:

As a stimulant and to relieve gas pain. Boil the rhizome about 2 inches long in 2 cups water 15-20 minutes to make a pale, golden colored tea called tahu or salabat.. Flavor with a little sugar.This dose lasts for a day's need.

As an antirheumatic the pounded rhizome alone or mixed with oil is applied externally to rheumatic parts.

As an antiseptic, Prepare a, tincture consisting of dried pounded rhizome (2 inches long) mixed with oil and leave preparation for a week. Apply to cuts and wounds.

CACTUS

The lowly nopal cactus, which grows wild in nearly all of Mexico and is even pictured on the national flag; can have a wide variety of medical benefits. Researchers say the cactus can help dieters as well as those suffering from diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Mexican scientists recently discovered that the juice of the nopal cactus may help alleviate a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. This was also the belief of pre-Hispanic Indians who once lived in the area. The nopal, native to Mexico and southwestern United States, can grow up to 6 feet tall. It bears a fruit called the prickly pear or "tuna" in Spanish.

HERBA BUENA

Barrio folk use the leaves of herba buena o cure common ailments like cough, asthma, stomach pain, fever, toothache, insect bite, dizziness, headache, and arthritis. Recent pharmacological analysis revealed that the extracts from the leaves have analgesic and anti-pyretic activity.

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