Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) Common Names: Ifugao: Ablebana; English: Marsh mint, Mint, peppermint; Spanish: Hierba buena; Surigao de Norte: Karabo; Tagalog: Herba buenaYerba Buena is an herb of the mint family. It is an aromatic plant used as herbal medicine worldwide. This perennial plant’s growth ranges from 0.6 meters to 1 meter. It has elongated leaves and in summers, it bears small whitish or purplish flowers. Such flowers possess both male and female organs that allow it to be pollinated by bees and animals of the same nature. The word Yerba Buena is Spanish for “good herb” and was the former name of the California city of San Francisco.
Before its medicinal value has been recognized, Yerba Buena was first used as an ingredient in numerous cuisines. It became popular because of its distinctively strong spearmint flavor, thus making it ideal for salads. The leaves are the source of this flavor, and they may be added to viands and meals, either raw or cooked. It has also been effective to drive away rats and other rodents, because of its strong smell of mint that it emits. Thus, besides its medicinal value, it has long been recognized to have strong commercial demand due to the variety of uses that the plant have.
Yerba Buena has been consumed for centuries as tea and herbal medicine as a pain reliever (analgesic). Native American Indians used it even before the “white men” colonized the Americas. Today, this folk medicine’s efficacy has been validated by scientific research. In the Philippines, Yerba Buena is one of the 10 herbs endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an effective alternative medicine for aches and pains. It has been recognized for its antiseptic, anti-cancer, diuretic, anti-spasm, anti-emetic activities. Properties of this herbal plant are also found to function as stimulant and to have restorative effects.
As an herbal medicine, a decoction (boil leaves then strain) of Yerba Buena is effective for minor ailments such as headaches, toothaches, and joint pains. It can also relive stomachaches due to gas buildup and indigestion. The fresh and dried leaves can both be used for the decoction. And because Yerba Buena belongs to the mint family, soaking fresh leaves in a glass of water (30 to 45 minutes) makes a good and effective mouth wash for a clean, fresh smelling breath.The plant’s most common name, the same in English and Spanish, is an alternate form of the Spanish hierba buena (meaning “good herb”). The name was bestowed by pioneer Catholic priests of Alta California as they settled an area where the plant is native. It was so abundant there that its name was also applied to the settler’s town adjacent to Mission San Francisco de Asís. In 1846, the town of Yerba Buena was seized by the United States during the Mexican-American War, and its name was changed in 1847 to San Francisco, after a nearby mission. Three years later, the name was applied to a nearby rocky island; today millions of commuters drive through the tunnel on Yerba Buena Island that connects the spans of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge.

Philippine Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) – is now getting global reputation as the healthiest and versatile oil in the world. The Philippines is one of the best sources of virgin coconut oil and it’s popularity in the country is legendary. Although not an herb, we decided to make an article about VCO because of the growing interest on the oil and after receiving several inquiries from our visitors. Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconut harvested from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Throughout the tropical world it has provided the primary source of fat in the diets of millions of people for generations. It has various applications in food, medicine, and industry. Coconut oil is very heat stable so it makes an excellent cooking and frying oil. It has a smoke point of about 360°F (180°C). Because of its stability it is slow to oxidize and thus resistant to rancidity, lasting up to two years due to high saturated fat content.
Virgin coconut oil and regular coconut oil is rich in Lauric Acid, an essential fatty acid that is only found in high concentrations in mother’s milk. When taken internally, Lauric Acid turns into a compound known as Monolaurin. It is this compound that is believed to fight viral pathogens that protects the body from bacteria, viruses and infections from parasites. Coconut oil also causes the metabolic rate to increase, hence helps reduce weight and is safe and beneficial for diabetics.
For many years, coconut oil has been discredited (specially in the west) because of it’s high saturated fat content. But recent studies have shown that not all saturated fats are the same. The medium chain triglycerides of which virgin coconut oil is classified, does not elevate LDL (the bad cholesterol) in our body compared to other polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as canola and sunflower oil which is widely produced in the west. In the wet process, coconut milk is made first and then the oil is extracted from the milk. Coconut kernel is shredded, mixed with a little water, and then squeezed or pressed to extract the oil. The resulting oil/water mixture produces coconut cream or coconut milk depending on the percentage of oil. The coconut milk is then allowed to separate naturally. Since oil is lighter than water, the oil rises to the surface. This takes 12 to 24 hours. The oil can then be skimmed off. This is the traditional method of making coconut oil from coconut milk and is the way many people make the oil at home. Other methods incorporate heating, fermentation, refrigeration, or centrifugal force[2] to separate the oil from the water. Some minor heating is generally done afterwards (often in a low temperature vacuum chamber) to drive off excess moisture and produce a more purified product and to extend shelf life.In the dry process the oil is extracted directly from the kernel. The coconut kernel is first shredded and dried in an oven to about 10 to 12% moisture. The dried, shredded coconut is then placed into a press and the virgin oil is expelled. (en.wikipedia.org)

Tsaang Gubat or Wild Tea (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) Putputai (Bikol); alangit (Bisaya); forest tea, wild tea.Scientific Names:Carmona retusa Carmona heterophylla Cav. Ehretia buxifolia Boxb. Ehretia heterophylla Spreng. Ehretia microphylla Lam.
Tsaang Gubat is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. Tsaang gubat is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine. The tsaang gubat were studied for possible anti-allergic subtances to counter the histamine release from mast cells that cause type-1 reactions. The tsaang-gubat, contains rosmarinic acid and microphyllone which is attributed for its efficacy to control allergy. Tsaang gubat studies also shows it has antibacterial, antinocicpetive and anti-inflammatory properties. Study of tsaang gubat leaves showed a mixture of triterpenes– a-amyrin, ß-amyrin and baurenol and a wide range of bioactivity. The tsaang gubat showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and antibacterial activities. Tsaang gubat is commonly prepared in pills capsules and in herbal tea bags form.Tsaang Gubat is one of the 10 herbs that is endorsed the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an antispasmodic for abdominal (stomach) pains. And is registered as a herbal medicine at the Philippine Bureau of Food & Drug (BFAD).
Tsaang Gubat is a shrub (small tree) that grows (from 1 to 5 meters) abundantly in the Philippines. In folkloric medicine, the leaves has been used as a disinfectant wash during child birth, as cure for diarrhea, as tea for general good heath and because Tsaang Gubat has high fluoride content, it is used as a mouth gargle for preventing tooth decay. Research and test now prove it’s efficacy as an herbal medicine. Aside from the traditional way of taking Tsaag Gubat, it is now available commercially in capsules, tablets and tea bags.Tsaang gubat is an erect, shrub with green compound leaves. The tsaang gubat shrub grows to about 1 to 4 meters high and can be found in secondary forest in low and medium altitude. Tsaang gubat leaves grows in clusters on short branches, 3-6 cm long, somewhat toothed or lobed near the apex and pointed at the base, short stalked and rough on the upper surface. Tsaang gubat bears small white flowers, axillary, solitary, 2 or 4 on a common stalk. It bers yellow fruits when ripe about 4-5 mm in diameter, fleshy, with a 4-seeded stone.

Tanglad/Lemon Grass (Andropogon citratus DC) is a grass and is cultivated throughout the Philippines. It is a popular ingredient in herbal teas and herbal soaps. It is used to aid digestion, for stomach problems and to reduce fevers.Tanglad or lemon grass is a commercially-viable.It can be easily found in most Asian countries, and it found in widely tropical areas. By nature, tanglad is a permanent or perennial plant, and the benefits of which are not restricted to its fragrance. The utility of tanglad basically lies in its leaves, where all the benefits are derived. What can be seen of this plant are mainly the leaves, which is easy to access to the main part that is needed in order to enjoy tanglad’s health benefits. It constitutes most of this plant above ground, as the leaves grow up to one meter in length, and are flat in shape.The leaves and base of this tender perennial are used as a food flavouring, particularly in fish and poultry dishes, and its essential oils are used medicinally. Its distinctive flavour balances hot chillies and contributes to the elaborate, multi-layered flavours of many dishes in South East Asian cuisine.As the long, thin, grey-green leaves are tough and fibrous, the outside leaves and the tips are usually chopped very finely or discarded from the dish before it is served. The base is often ground. Citral, an essential oil also found in lemon peel, is the constituent responsible for its taste and aroma. Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus), which is native to South East Asia, yields citronella oil, which is used in perfume, cosmetics, and insect repellents. Its repellent properties are also utilized in preparations used in dog and cat control. Fractional distillation of the oil may be used to produce menthol, which has medicinal uses.Scientific classification: Lemon grass belongs to the genus Cymbopogon of the family Poaceae. It is classified as Cymbopogon citratus.

Silymarin – Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is derived from Milk Thistle (seed extract from the flower of silymarin plant). The Milk thistle herb is a flowering plant of Silybum Adans genus, a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae).Silymarin, the active ingredient in Milk Thistle, exerts numerous effects of interest to Dermatologists. Although it has been primarily know as a herb for the liver, it exerts a number of important effects in the skin. It not only demonstrates anti-carcinogenic and anti-pruritic effects on the skin, but also holds great interest as a potential agent to reduce or ameliorate the liver toxicity caused by certain drugs employed by dermatologists.It grows mainly in North Africa, the Mediterranean region and the Middle East (now also grown in the U.S.) but is marketed and is widely available in the Philippines as a herbal liver supplement (silymarin capsules, trademark: Liveraide). Silymarin and milk thistle are frequently used interchangeably.Laboratory experiments on animals (rats, baboons, dogs) shows that silymarin works by modifying hepatic cell membranes in a way that prevents liver toxins from entering the interior of the cells. The toxins that may damage the liver are expelled through the kidneys instead. Silymarin is a polyphenolic flavanoid consisting of three chemicals: silybin, silicristin and silidianin which are antioxidants that neutralizes and breaks down free radicals. When there is an existing liver damage, research shows that silymarin may help repair the damage and help regenerate new liver cells but is unlikely to help in the late stages of liver cirrhosis.
Many studies have been published on the health benefits of milk thistle and silymarin on humans but many are inconclusive or poorly done. Further studies are needed to fully appreciate the health benefits of silymarin on humans. However, anecdotal data suggests that it helps alleviate liver diseases and other aliments.
Since most commercial silymarin and milk thistle products are marketed as herbal supplements, they are not subjected to the same stringent standards imposed on prescription drugs. Their safety, purity and quality vary from brand to brand. In very rare instances, silymarin can cause headaches, upset stomach and joint pains. Silymarin is not recommended during pregnancy. Dozes over 1.5 grams a day may cause diarrhoea. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor or a health care provider before taking silymarin herbal supplements, liver supplements or any herbal medicine.

Sambong – Blumea Balsamifera –  is a remarkable medicinal plant that grows wild in the Philippines. It is commonly used in capsule form or as teas in the treatment of kidney disorders. Doctors in the Philippines routinely prescribe Sambong now for the dissolution of kidney stones. Sambong is also known as a diuretic, and is used in cases of hypertension and mild to moderate congestive heart failure. Sambong is high in essential oils, and contains significant amounts of camphor oil. It usually grows in open grasslands. It has a strong aromatic smell. Sambong is known for its remarkable treatment for kidney stones, a deuretic and other diseases. Sambong leaves is used as a substitute for tea. It is also high in essential oils and contains considerable amounts of camphor oil. Sambong is commonly used in the philippines. It is a good source to enhance fertility in women. Decoction of leaves will clean the uterus, and it helps to condition it. Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension.Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders. This plant possesses a multitude of properties that make it worthy of the DOH approval. It functions as an astringent and as an expectorant, and has been found to be anti-diarrhea and anti-spasm. As an astringent, preparations made of sambong leaves may be used for wounds and cuts. It is also suggested to be incorporated to post-partum baths, as well as considerable immersion of particular body areas that are afflicted with pains caused by rheumatism. Its expectorant properties make it as a popular recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat colds.Sambong is known in the Visayas as bukadkad and as subsob in Ilocos. The plant is a strongly aromatic herb that grows tall and erect. Its height ranges from 1.5 to 3 meters, with stems that grow for up to 2.5 centimeters. It is an anti-urolithiasis and work as a diuretic. It is used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders. The Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, this herbal medicine helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body.

Saluyot or Jute (Corchorus capsularis L.), Jute (English) Saluyot (Tagalog); Tugabang (Bisaya)
Jute is an erect, grabrous, annual plant or shrub, growing up to 2 meters high.  The leaves are ovate, laceolate, toothed margins.  Flowers are solitary with yellow petals on the axils.  The fruit is a capsule with many black seeds. Jute or Saluyot is cultivated over a wide range of environments.  The plants grow well under hot, wet in the lowland tropics. It is also responds especially to warm, humid weather and is often grown near riverbanks and waste places.  Cold weather and severe periods of drought can kill the crop.  A loam or silty-loam soil and plenty of organic matter is ideal.  It tolerates soil pH of 4.5 to 8.0, but more extreme pH conditions will reduce the availability of iron in the soil.It is a short day plant, hence, short production suffers because of flowering during the months of November to February.
Saluyot, also known as jute, is a green leafy vegetable that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. It has also been determined that 100 grams of saluyot contains an ample amount of Vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and is also rich in fiber. With these facts alone, we can appreciate the benefits that can be derived from eating and incorporating saluyot in one’s diet. This vegetable also assures safety of intake even for pregnant mothers. Unlike other plants with medicinal benefits like makabuhay, it is safe to be eaten even by those which are medically considered to be in a weak state. Saluyot can be found basically everywhere. From warm, tropical countries like the Philippines to tropical deserts and wet forest zones, saluyot is abundant. It does not require much attention and care, and thus, thrives without cultivation the whole year round.

This Herb Sabila or Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) is 30 to 40 cm high; leaves arising from the ground, smooth, thick, fleshy, mucilagenous, succulent, narrow-lanceolate, 20 to 50 cm long, 5 to 8 cm wide, tapering, light green with white blotches, spiny-toothed margins; flowering stalk erect, usually twice the height of the plant; flowers yellow, 2 to 3 cm long.Sabila or Aloe Vera holds the scientific name, Aloe barbadensis miller liquid. It is an herb, which is known mainly for its cosmetic functions. However, this plant is also rich in substances that aid in several illnesses and ailments. The aloe vera plant has been found to have great contributions to health, both internally and externally. Research studies have shown that it has properties comprising of inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and anti-bacterial functions.
Preparations made with aloe vera as the primary ingredient have been effective in reducing pain and allergies. In the same way, some of its properties are responsible for cell regeneration that causes close cuts and hemorrhages to heal easily and more rapidly. Its purgative properties, brought about by the existence of six antiseptic agent substances in the plant (that is, cinnamic acid, lupeol, sulphur, salicylic acid, phenol and urea nitrogen), make it ideal in eradicating parasites, harmful bacteria, and fungi in the intestinal tracts. Sabila can be used externally for the treatment of acne, pimple burns, insect bites, and for moisturizing and hydrating the skin.
The herbal properties of Sabila is able to penetrate the inner parts of the body, and specifically targets joints, tendons, and muscles, and helps in the promotion and growth of new tissues. Aloe vera or Sabila contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, choline, niacin amide and 18 amino acids. You can mix the Aloe Vera extract with fruit juice and other drinks. Aloe Vera is also an anti-oxidant in which, it prevents oxidation of certain fats and gene cells, preventing ailing conditions like tumors and cancers. Since it is an anti-oxidant, it has anti-aging properties. It also reduces free radicals, which can damage the arteries. Aside from being an herbal medicine, Aloe Vera is good for the health and can be taken internally, or applied externally.
This erb is commonly raised in clay pots or perforated containers. Sporadic in the yard; ordinary garden soil with compost is best. Regenerates its growth as lower leaves are cut, perpetuating availability of the material.

Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida Linn.) a.k.a. Ulasiman-Bato
An annual herb, shallow rooted, may reach 40 cm high, with succulent stems. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped and turgid, as transparent and smooth as candle wax. Tiny dotlike flowers scattered along solitary and leaf-opposed stalk (spike); naked; maturing gradually from the base to the tip; turning brown when ripe. Propagation by seeds. Numerous tiny seeds drop off when mature and grow easily in clumps and groups in damp areas.Pansit-pansitan is a small fleshy herb up to 30 cm tall. Stem initially erect, rooting at nodes, glabrous. Leaves spirally arranged, simple and membranous when dry. Flowers bisexual, without a stalk, floral bracts rounded. Fruit fleshy, one-seeded.In disturbed habitats, in gardens and cultivated areas that are damp and lightly shaded, on damp hard surfaces such as walls, roofs, steep gullies, and in flower pots. Native to South America, common in South-East Asia, naturalized widely in the Old World tropics.Traditional uses Whole plant as warm poultice to treat abscesses, boils and pimples, rheumatism and fatigue. The bruised leaf is used for headache, convulsions, infusion or decoction-against gout, kidney troubles, rheumatic pain, externally as rinse for complexion problems. Leaf juice is known to sooth colic and abdominal pains.Can also be Eaten as fresh salad.
Pansit-pansitan (family: Piperaceae) is an herbal medicine also known as Ulasiman-bato, olasiman-ihalas & tangon-tangon in the Philippines. English name: peperomia. It is a small herb that grows from 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Pansit-pansitan can be found wild on lightly shaded and damp areas such as nooks, walls, yards and even roofs. Pansit-pansitan has heart shaped leaves, succulent stems with tiny flowers on a spike. When matured, the small fruits bear one seed which fall of the ground and propagate.
The leaves and stalk of pansit-pansitan are edible. It can be harvested, washed and eaten as fresh salad. Taken as a salad, pansit-pansitan helps relive rheumatic pains and gout. An infusion or decoction (boil 1 cup of leaves/stem in 2 cups of water) can also be made and taken orally – 1 cup in the morning and another cup in the evening.
For the herbal treatment of skin disorders like abscesses, pimples and boils, pound the leaves and/or the stalks and make a poultice (boil in water for a minute or two then pounded) then applied directly to the afflicted area. Likewise a decoction can be used as a rinse to treat skin disorders.
For headaches, heat a couple of leaves in hot water, bruise the surface and apply on the forehead. The decoction of leaves and stalks is also good for abdominal pains and kidney problems. Like any herbal medicine it is not advisable to take any other medication in combination with any herbs. Consult with a medical practitioner knowledgeable in herbal medicine before any treatment.