15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshipped 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.

15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

DISCLAIMER: These are only general guidelines as a first aid. It is always better to see a doctor depending upon the intensity of the case. The views expressed above are entirely those of the author.

Guyabano : The Fruit That Heals

It’s not only a natural cancer cell killer, but the various parts of the guyabano tree is also known to cure a lot of ailments.

A miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy.” That was how the forwarded e-mail described the fruits of sour sop or graviola (more popularly known here as guyabano or labana).

“What’s more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the graviola tree selectively hunts down and kills only cancer cells,” the e-mail said. “It does not harm healthy cells!” In addition, it “effectively targets and kills malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer.”

According to the email, a research has been conducted and showed that the extracts from guyabano can “attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss.” It also “protects your immune system and avoids deadly infections; feels stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment; and boosts your energy and improves your outlook on life.”

One wonders: Why are people not aware of this fact? The email explained: “It’s because some big corporation want to make back their money spent on years of research by trying to make a synthetic version of it for sale.”

The U.S. National Cancer Institute reportedly performed the first scientific research on graviola in 1976. The results showed that the plant’s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.” Although the results were supposedly published in an internal report, it was never released to the public.

Whether the circulated e-mail is true or not, the guyabano (scientific name: Anona muricata) has been identified by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) as one of the fruits that deserved attention. The book Underexploited Tropical Plants with Promising Economic Value described it as “a tropical fruit with potential for development as a processed industrial commodity.”

Plants of the Philippines, published by the University of the Philippines in the 1970s, mentioned guyabano just in passing. “A relative of atis” is all you can read about the fruit in the 550-page book.

The heart shaped guyabano fruit has a dark green, leathery and spike-like skin that measures from 8 to 12 inches long and can weigh up to 2.5 kilos. Ripe fruits are light yellow and soft. The creamy and delectable flesh contains from 60 to 100 black-brown seeds that are indigestible and non-edible.

Comparisons of the flavor of guyabano range from strawberry and pineapple mixed together to sour citrus flavor notes contrasting with an underlying creamy roundness of flavor reminiscent of coconut or banana.

A native of tropical America, guyabano was introduced into the Philippines at an early date and is cultivated in practically all parts of the archipelago. The plant grows in any kind of soil, but a fairly deep, friable soil of volcanic origin is conducive to growth & fruiting. It thrives very well from sea level up to 500 meters above sea level.

Guyabano is one of the healthiest fruits known to man. The flesh of the fruit consist of a white edible pulp that is high in carbohydrates (particularly fructose) and considerable amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, potassium and dietary fiber. Guyabano is low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium. Not only is guyabano a good health food, it also tastes delicious.

Aside from being eaten raw, the guyabano fruit is processed into candies, tarts, shakes, ice cream, and sherbets and other beverages. An assortment of punch and cocktail drinks can be made by mixing the nectar with wine rum or cola drinks or buko (fresh coconut) juice and ice.

In Indonesia, immature guyabano are cooked as vegetables or used in soup in Indonesia. In the northeastern part of Brazil, they are either roasted or fried.

The fruit, seeds, and leaves have a number of herbal medicinal uses in countries where the plant is common. The sap of the young leaves may be applied directly on pimples to inducesuppuration. The sap is also considered parasitical. An alcoholic extract of the leaves, when distilled with steam, yields a small amount of essential oil. The portion of alcoholic extract which is soluble in water contains a large amount of potassium chloride together with dextrose tannins, amorphous products, and a small amount of an alkaloid substance which could not be crystallized. The leaves and roots also cure colic and convulsions.

To reduce fever, a decoction of leaves can be taken internally. It has the same affect as when leaves are added to bathing water. In the Caribbean, it is believed that laying the leaves of the guyabano on a bed below a sleeping person with a fever will break the fever by the next morning.

The crushed fresh leaves are also applied on skin eruptions for faster healing. A poultice of young guyabano leaves is applied on the skin to alleviate rheumatism and other skin infections like eczema. Applied during the healing of wounds, this can result in less or no skin scars.

The decoction can also be used as a wet compress on swollen feet and other inflammations. Poultice of mashed leaves and sap of young leaves used for eczema and skin eruptions.

The guyabano leaves are believed to have tranquilizing and sedative properties. In the Netherlands Antilles, the leaves are placed inside pillows or placed on top of the mattress to induce a good night’s sleep. Boiling the leaves and drinking may help induce sleep.

Guyabano are also good in checking insect pests. Pulverizing the guyabano seeds and mixing it with soap and water can be used as an effective spray against caterpillars, armyworms and leafhoppers on plants. The petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of guyabano are toxic to black carpet beetle larvae. The seed oil kills head lice.

The bark of the guyabano tree has been used in tanning. The bark fiber is strong but, since fruiting trees are not expendable,
is resorted to only in necessity. Bark, as well as seeds and roots, I has been used as fish poison.

The wood is pale, aromatic, soft, light in weight and not durable. It has been used for ox yokes because it does not cause hair loss on the neck. Analyses of the wood in Brazil show cellulose content of 65 to 76%, high enough to be a potential source of paper pulp.

Here are some words of warning: Research carried out in the Caribbean has suggested a connection between consumption of guyabano and atypical forms of Parkinson’s disease due to the very high concentration of annonacin. On the other hand, the seeds contain 45% of yellow non-drying oil which is an irritant poison, causing severe eye inflammation.

“Guyabano seeds are toxic, and care must be taken to assure that all are removed before the pulp is processed,” the NAS reminds.

Kamatis - (Tomato) - Lycopersicum Esculentum Mill. Parts used: fruit

Kamatis is cultivated throughout the Philippines. The original form of this species has small fruit. Dr. Eduardo Quisumbing, author of the classic book "Medicinal Plants of the Philippines," states, "Briefly, the medical and food value of tomatoes may be stated thus: -- (a) Tomatoes are the richest in vitamins of all foods; (b) they are the most wonderful and effective blood cleansers of all foods known to man; (c) they are the richest of all vegetables in the natural health acids which keep our stomachs and intestines in condition; (d) they are a most extraordinary corrective for kidneys, being a gentle, natural stimulant which helps to wash away the poisons which cause disease and contaminate our systems."

Piña - (Pineapple) - Anana Cosmosus Linn. Parts used: fruit, leaves/stalks


Piña is a fruit widely cultivated in the Philippines. There are two varieties, the native one, which has smaller fruits and is grown on Mt. Banahaw, and the Smooth Cayenne variety, which was introduced from Hawaii. Piña is well-known for its digestive enzyme bromelin, which has anthelmintic properties. For more information on Piña

PAPAYA- (English same) - Carica Papaya - Linn. Parts used: fruit, leaves, flowers, seeds

Papaya is a fruit tree found throughout the Philippines, mostly cultivated. The native species grows mostly wild on Mt. Banahaw. Papaya is one of our four "power herbs" having a long history and proof of being a very effective medicinal plant. The leaves, fruits, stem and roots all contain the proteolytic enzyme papain. Exhaustive studies have been done on papain, and it is reported to be a true, soluble, digestive ferment or a mixture of ferments of vegetable origin, its proteolytic action marked in acid, alkaline, and neutral solutions and also in the presence of many chemicals, antiseptics, and therapeutic agents. It has a peculiar softening and disintegrating actions in proteids, and its general proteolytic action is that of a genuine digestive ferment, similar to that of the ferments of animal origin. It acts in the way rennet does upon milk, and has a pronounced digestive power at a wide range of temperatures. Papain is used effectively as an anthelmintic. The leaves are often employed as a remedy for asthma, and said to also be a heart tonic. The flowers have pectoral properties. The fruit is used in cosmetics for a healthy skin complexion. The green fruit is laxative and diuretic. Studies at the University of Nigeria have revealed that extracts of ripe and unripe papaya fruits and of the seeds are active against gram-positive bacteria. Strong doses are effective against gram-negative bacteria. The substance has protein-like properties. To read more about Papaya

Niyog - (Coconut) - Cocos Nucifera Linn. Parts used: fruit, root


Niyog is a palm tree cultivated throughout the Philippines. Mt. Banahaw, being in Quezon Province, the coconut capital of the Philippines, is rich in Niyog trees. The roots of Niyog are astringent, and are used for coughs. Niyog fruit is often processed into oil or milk because of its refrigerant, aperient, diuretic, anthelmintic, and purgative properties. It is often used in cosmetics as a lotion for the skin. For more information on Niyog

THE PHILIPPINES 10 MOST PROMOTED MEDICINAL PLANTS

10 medicinal plants approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders.

The Philippines is blessed with more than 500 medicinal plants, and below is a list of 10 medicinal plants approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders.

Ampalaya:(Bitter Gourd) – Momordica charantia

Ampalaya is a herbaceous, climbing vine that has heart-shaped leaves and grows to 5 meters. In the Philippines, ampalaya is grown year long for its bitter edible fruit. Each plant bears separate yellow male and female flowers. The fleshy green fruit has an oblong shape.

Medicinal Uses (parts use: leaves, roots, fruits)

• Leaves or root decoction can be use to ease hemorrhoids.

• Juice made from leaves is use for cough, to heal wounds and as a purgative and to drive out intestinal parasites.

• Juice from fruit is effective for dysentery and chronic colitis.

• A mixture of seeds and roots is helpful in treating urethral discharges.

• Pounded leaves used for scalds.

• Concoction of leaves relieved fevers.

• It is also used for jaundice, eczema, abdominal pain, pneumonia, rheumatism, and psoriasis.

Recent studies have suggested that ampalaya is highly recommended for the treatment of diabetes. It contains a plant insulin responsible for its blood sugar lowering effect.

Akapulko: (Ringworm Bush) – Cassia alata

Akapulko or Acapulco in English is an erect, shrubby legume found throughout the Philippines. It grows up to 6 feet tall, with dark green compound leaves. It has yellow-orange flowers that produce on average 50-60 small, triangular seeds. The parts use are leaves, flowers and seeds.

Medicinal Uses: (parts use: leaves, flowers and seeds)

• The seeds are used in expelling intestinal parasites.

• Decoction of leaves and flowers eases cough.

• Crushed leaves and juice extract are used to treat fungal infections such as; ringworm, athlete‘s foot, scabies, eczema, and herpes.

• Pounded leaves are used for insect bites, rheumatism and reducing swelling of joints due to injuries.

• Mixture of leaves and flowers used as mouthwash in the treatment of stomatitis.

• The leaves stain is used as purgative.

• The juice of the leaves is used for the treatment of fetid discharges.

• Decoction of leaves are used to treat bronchitis and asthma.

Bawang: (GARLIC) - Allium sativum

low herb that grows to about 30-60 cm high. Garlic leaves are linear and flat and the bulbs are about 2-4 in. that are widely ovoid containing several angular and truncated tubers. In the Philippines,iIt is commercially grown in the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Mindoro, Nueva Ecija and Cotabato.

Medicinal Uses:

• Crushing a lobe and massaging it to both temples can relieve headache

• Crushing a lobe of garlic and directly rubbing to affected areas is used to treat insect bites.

• Mixture of leaves and bulbs boiled is used for the treatment of fever.

• Decoction of leaves and bulbs is also used for tonsillitis.

• It is used for treating gastrointestinal spasms and digestive problems.

• Juice from crushed garlic is good for cough, sore throat, colds, asthma and bronchitis.

• Also used in the treatment of athlete’s foot.

Bayabas: (GUAVA) - Psidium guajava

The guava is a Perennial tree or shrub with oval to oblong leaves about 7.6 cm (3 inches) in length. At maturity, the tree will reach up to 25 feet high. It bears white flowers that developed into ordinary yellow fruits on ripening. Found throughout the Philippines and is a common backyard plant. The fruits are edible and is very high in Vitamin C. for its medicinal applications, the leaves are used.

Medicinal Uses:

• It has antiseptic, antispasmodic, and astringent properties.

• Fresh leaves are used for treating wounds and toothache.

• Decoction of fresh leaves is used as cleaning agent for wound to ease healing and to prevent infection

• Boiled fresh leaves is used for aromatic baths.

• Decoction of leaves is also used for diarrhea.

• Chewing fresh leaves is used as mouthwash to ease gum swelling.

• Decoction of leaves is also used for skin ulcers.

• Placing densely roll leaves into the nostril cavity can stop nosebleeds.

• It is also used as vaginal wash (after childbirth) or douche.

Lagundi: (Five-leaved chaste tree) - Vitex negundo

A small erect tree that grows to about 3m. The leaves are typically 5-foliate, blue flowers 6-7 mm long and globose black when ripe. Fruits about 4mm in diameter. For medicinal uses leaves, bark, roots and seeds are used.

Medicinal Uses: (parts use:leaves, bark, roots and seeds)

• Decoction of leaves are used for headache, toothache, fever, cough and asthma.

• Boiling leaves in coconut oil stop fungal infections on scalp.

• Ash of fresh leaves are used for swelled rheumatic joints.

• Decoction of leaves are used to ease amenorrhea, menstrual difficulties, menorrhagia, and Premenstrual Syndrome.

• Lukewarm decoction of leaves are used for sponge bathing.

• Mixture of leaves are used as wash in treating wounds and ulcers.

• Decoction of leaves taken as a diuretic.
• 
  

Niyog-niyogan: (Chinese honeysuckle) - Quisqualis indica

Niog-niogan is a large climbing shrub that grow to about 2.5-8 meters. The leaves are egg-shaped and opposite with a pointed tip and a rounded base. The flowers’s color varies from white to purple orange and are aromatic and tubular. The fruit grows to about 30-35 mm long and their color varies from white to pink to red. The 30 to 35 mm long fruit is oval-shape and has five distinguishable wings.

Medicinal Uses:

• The seeds (dried nuts) and leaves are used for traditional medicine.

• Dried seeds are used for deforming.

• Decoctions of the root can be used as antihelmintic.

• Roasted seeds are used to ease diarrhea and fever.

• Fruit decoction is also used for gargling and to fight nephritis.

• The roots can be used to ease rheumatism.

• Decoctions of seeds and fruits are used as pectoral to combat ascaris.

• Juice out of leaves are used for boils, ulcers, and headache cause by fever.

• Pounded leaves are used externally for skin diseases.

• Decoction of boiled leaves used to ease difficulty in urinating.

Pansit-pansitan: (SHINY BUSH) - Peperomia pellucida

It is a small herb that grows may reach 40 cm high ad can be found in damp areas such as: yards nooks, walls and even roofs. Leaves are shiny light green, heart-shaped , and alternate. Stems are erect, juicy and glabrous with tiny flowers on a spike. The fruits are also very small; round to oblong, green but turns to black when ripe.

Medical Uses: (parts use: leaves and stems)

• Fresh juice out of stem and leaves combats eye inflammation.

• Concoction of leaves are used as treatment for headache, fever, common colds, sore throat, cough, coughing, and diarrhea.

• Also used to fight against prostate problems.

• Mixture and decoction of leaves and stems ease gout and arthritis.

• Concoction of stems and leaves is good against high blood pressure.

• Concoction of leaves are used for abscesses, conjunctivitis, rheumatic pains, and gout.

• Externally, as a facial wash for skin problems.

• Pounded whole plant used as warm poultice for wounds, boils, and pimples.

Sambong: (Blumea camphora) – Blumea balsamifera

Sambong is a tall, erect, half wood, strongly aromatic herb that thrives in open fields, grasslands and waste areas. The shrub can grow up to 4 meters tall grows up to tall. Leaves are elongated with jagged edge and bears yellow flowers.

Medicinal uses: (parts use leaves)

• Leaves is an effective poultice for abscesses.

• Decoction leaves is used to ease fevers and cystitis.

• Concoction of leaves is used for rheumatic pains.

• Fresh juice of leaves used for wounds and cuts.

• Poultice of leaves used for headaches and stomach pains.

• Tea is used for colds and as an expectorant.

• Concoction of leaves is used for treating dysentery, sore throat

Tsaang Gubat: (Fukien tea tree) - Ehretia microphylla Lam

Tsaang Gubat is a shrub that grows up to 5 meters. Found throughout the Philippines in secondary forests at low and medium altitudes Leaves in clusters, simple, rough, alternate, jagged towards the tip, slowly narrowing towards base. Tsaang gubat bears white flowers and a fleshy, yellow-orange when ripe fruits. >

Medicinal Uses: (part use; leaves)

• Taken as tea, it is effective for stomach ache, diarrhea, and dysentery.

• Decoction has also been used as a dental mouthwash.

• Leaves concoction is an antidote for plant-based poisoning;

• Leaves are also used to stop bleeding from snakebites. ; as body cleanser after childbirth.

• Decoction of leaves is used as disinfectant wash after childbirth.

Yerba Buena: (PEPPER MINT) - Clinopodium douglasii

Yerba Buena is a strongly aromatic herb of the mint family. This perennial plant can reach up to 1 meter long with ascending terminal branches. growth ranges from 0.6 meters to 1 meter. It has elliptic to oblong-ovate, elongated leaves 1.5 to 2 cm long and bears small, hairy whitish, light blue or purplish flowers. Yerba Buena plants are found in high elevated areas.

Medical Uses: (parts use: leaves and stem)

• Decoction of leaves is used for headaches, fever, toothaches, migraine and joint pains.

• Leaves soak in a glass of water is an effective mouthwash.

• Decoction of leaves is also used for treating indigestion, dysmenorrhea, stomach aches, diuresis, and relieves internal gas.

• Pounded or crushed leaves is effective for insect bites.

• For dizziness: Crushed fresh plants or leaves are sniffed.

• It is good for the health if taken as a tea.

Sambong - (Blumea Camphor) - Blumea Balsamifera Linn. Parts used: leaves


Sambong is found throughout the Philippines, and grows wild on Mt. Banahaw. Doctors in the Philippines prescribe Sambong for the dissolution of kidney stones. The leaves of Sambong are used as a tea in the Philippines, and as a cure for colds. It is also said to have antidiarrhetic and antigastralgic properties. It is also used as an expectorant. It is given for worms and dysentery. It is one of the most common used medicinal herbs in the Philippines. For more information on Sambong

Talong - (Eggplant) - Solanum Melongena Linn. Parts used: root


Talong is cultivated throughout the Philippines, and is common on Mt. Banahaw. In the Philippines, the Talong roots are taken as a decoction internally as an antiasthmatic and general stimulant. The roots are also used in treatment of skin diseases

Duhat - (Black Plum/Java Plum) - Syzygium Cumini Skeels Parts used: fruit, leaves, bark, seeds

Duhat is a fruit tree found mostly wild throughout the Philippines. Duhat seeds are known for the treatment of diabetes, as are the leaves and the juice from the fruit. The bark is astringent and in decoction is used as a mouthwash and as a gargle for ulcerations of the mouth. For more information on Duhat