Local medicinal plants sold in the City of Manila

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Part of The Local Government Review

Title: Local medicinal plants sold in the City of Manila
Creator: Sulit, Mamerto D.
Language: English
Source: I (10&11) October-November 1949
Year: 1949
Subject: Medicinal plants – Quiapo (Manila); Medicinal plants – Binondo (Manila); Phytotherapy
Rights
Abstract: If anyone should desire to buy remedies for all conceivable ailments, he should not go very far. These remedies are very near the Quiapo churchyard and the Binondo ruins. Each store carries a large assortment of pieces of wood, twigs, roots, and a variety of leaves from fresh to dry. And if he should believe the storekeepers, these herbs and plants are potent medicines for all kinds of sickness. For this reason, people, having so much faith in the healing powers of these herbs, go to these stores. What is more interesting is the fact that the storekeepers are veritable herbalists.
Fulltext: Local Medicinal Plants Sold In The City Of Manila BY MAMERTO 1.J. SULIT Di-ut15Wn of Fo1'est Investigations Bureau of Foresh·11, Philippines INTRODUCTION If anyone should desire to buy remedies for all conceivable ailments, he should not go very far. For tiendas selling these remedies are very near the Quiapo churchyard and the Binondo ruins. Each tienda or store carries a large assortmerit of pieces of wood, twigs, roots and variety of leaves from fresh to dry. And if he should believe the storekeepers, these herbs and plants are potent medicines for all kinds of sickness. For this reason the people, having so much faith in the healing powers of these medicinal plants, patronize these stores. What is more interesting is the fact that the storekeepers are veritable herbalists or "herbolarios." One has only to go there, recite his symptoms, after which the storekeeper gives him a few leaves of this plant or a portion of that root, with full directions on the preparation of the mixture and its application. For all we know, his prescription may or may not cure the malady. But one thing sure i.;; that the mixture possesses medicinal properties, considering that many of the medicines and drugs which come in fancy bottles or in pills contain substances derived from these plants. Here is a list of plants with their sunposed medicinal properties sold in these tiendas: LEAVES AND TOPS 1. La11undi ( Vitex negundo L.). Locally known as dang la in Ilocano; lingei in Bontoc; sagarai in •Bagobo. Mothers use the decoction . of the leaves as an aromatic bath, a few days after childbirth. According to Guerrero, the decoction of bark, tops and leaves taken internally is antigastralgic; boiled seed including the decoction also taken internally will prevent spread of poison from bite_s of poisonous animals. Doses: not given. Page 524 2. Teak (Tectona grandis L. f.). Locally know as dalondon, kalayate in Bisaya; jati in J olo; teca in Spanish; Santa Tekla in Tagalog. The decoction of the leaves and roots is a remedy for spitting blood and for amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. Doses: One-half drinking glass three times a day. 3. Alagau (Premna. odorata Blanco). Locally known as adgau in Camarines; lcissi in Cagayan; tcingle in Pampanga. A decoction of either the leaves or flowers or both is a remedy for fever caused by colds. Doses: One small drinking glass three times a day. For cough, mix an equal amount of leaves of this plant and that of sampalok (Tnmnrindus indica L.) and then boil. To the resulting decoction add a small amount of sugar and take it internally. Doses: Three to four snoonfuls even· time the patient is awakened at night by his excessive coughing. 4. Guava (Psidium guajciva L.). Lo Lally known in most provinces as ba!Ja/ms, guavas or guayabas. The decoction of the leaves is antidiarrhetic and is used as a vulnerarv. To make it more effective add a fe~y pieces of bark to the leaves and then boil. Doses: One-half drinking glass three times a day, preferably after meal. 5. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus s pp . ) . Three or four species of Eurnlyptus, such as E. rolnista Sm.; E. tereticornis Sm.; E. deglupta Blumes, etc. are planted in various parts of the city. The first two species were introduced from foreign countriPs while the latter, indigenous in Mindanao, was brought to Manila for cultivation. The leaves are boiled. While it is boiling, the pot is covered tightly with banana leaf. Then a little hole is punched through the leaf, allowing the vapor to escape. The smoking vapor, when inhaled, is good for persons suffering from sore throat, headache and cough. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW While the decoction is still warm, it may be given as bath to a patient suffering from fever caused by colds. Ttl re!ie\'e excessiYe coughing and difficult breathing caused by asthma, the drie,\ leaves are sliced and mixed with the dried sliced leayes of Talo11gpunai (Datum sp.). The mixture is rolled and smoked like a cigarette. G. Tamarind or Sampalok (Tamari11d11.s indica L .. · Locally known as snlo11wr1i in Ilocos; S(f111/mk or swn/Juqi in Bicol; ta11wri;1do in Spanish. A remedy for .cough, ,the decoction of the leaves, S\Yeetened to suit one's taste, is good. Doses: Two to three spoonfuls every time the patient is awakened at night by his coughing. To make this remedy more effective, see notes for alagau. (Prc11111a odomta) No. 3. 7. Acapulco (Cassia ala ta L.). Locally knovvn as andadasi in Pangasinan; kasitas in Camarines; pakayomkom in Bataan; sunting in Surigao. The sap of the leaves is a cure for herpes, ringworms, dhobie itch and other skin diseases. Direction: Pound or crush sufficient amount of leaves until the watery juice is produced. Rub the mash against the affected parts at least once a day. 8. Sampasampalokan (Phyllanthus niruri L.). Locally known as sampasampalokan in the Tagalog provinces; malakirumrum in Samar; San Pedro in Negros; talikod in the Ilocos. The decoction of the entire plant is excellent bath for children. According to Guerrero, it is used as tonic for the stomach and emmenagogue. Considered as a febrifuge, it gives positive results in cases of ague. 9. Tubang-bakod or Physic nut (Jatrnplur curcas L.). Locally known as galumbang in Pampanga; kasla in Bisaya; taba-tallCl, tubang-bakod in Tagalog; tagumbau, tauci-taua in Ilocos. The leaves greased with coconut oil and heated is applied as a topical to the lower part of the abdomen (Tag. pus-on) to relieve the patient from suffering from amoebic dysentery (Tag. OCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1949 damgis). According to Guerrero, a decoction of the leaves is antidiarrhetic. Doses: not given. 10. Co11s11elda or sorosoro (Euphorbia tirumlli L.). Locally known as co11suelda, suelda-consuelda, susueld o and so mso ro in most provinces. The leaves are heated and the juice, \vhile moderately warm, is dropped into the painful ear. 11. AlprlSotes ( Chenopodiwn a mbrosioid(;s L.). Known locally as ((/pasotes, apasotes, and pasotis in most provinces of the Philippines. The pqtmcled or crushed leaves and tops mixed with cooked rice is used as carminative and applied as poultice to the abdomen of children suffering from dyspepsia or painful digestion. The decoction is emmenagogic; the oil, anthelmintic. 12. Ro:-emary or Romero ( Rosmarinus officinalis L.). Locally known as i·omero or dumero. This plant, especially among the common people, has several uses. The decoction of the leaves often given as enemas, is also a remedy for stomach pain. During childbirth same decoction is given to mother; also used for washing her face. 13. Mint or Y erba Buena (M entha cirvensis L.). Locally known as yerba buena in Spanish, meaning "Good Herb''. A mixture of boiled vinegar, crushed leaves and tops of yerba buena and crushed bulb or onion (Allium cepa L.), i5 rubbed or massaged against all parts of the body of person suffering from fever caused by colds. These leaves and tops, according to Guerrero, are used as carminative and when crushed, the same are used as antidote for stings of poisonous insects. 14. Balcinoi or Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Locally known as albahaka, bauinr;, bidai, boucik, kamangi and samirig. The leaves and tops used for flavoring are mixed with vegetables and other kinds of food. The infusion or decoction of leaves, Guerrero reported, is used as carminative and stimulant. 15. Solasi or Holy Basil ( Ocimum sanctum L.). Locally known as al Page 525 bahaka, kamangkau, lalui and lokoloko. Mixture of crushed leaves and tops, Gogo, (Entada phaseoides (L.) and Kcilamunding .fuice (Citrus mitis Blanco) is good for cleansing hairs and removing dandruff. A decoction brewed from the roots and leaves, according to Guerrero, is good for gonorrhea. 16. Rose-geranium· or Malva Rosa <(Pelargonium radula (Cav.) L'Herit.). Family Geraniaceae. A cul· tivated potted plant locally known as Malva Rosa (Spanish) or Balvarosa in Tagalog. ·The juice from the leaves mixed with the juice from dilao (Corcuma longci) is a remedy for stom~ch pain. Direction: Pound and mix sufficient amount of the leaves and the rhizome of dilau; wrap the mash on banana leaves and heat. Press to obtain the juice. Give the juice to person suffering from stomach pain. The leaves when placed un·der the pillows, have soporific effect. Crushed leaves mixed with gogo (Entada phaseoloides) are excellent for ·cleaning hairs. 17. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera (.L). DC.). Locally known as alibun, ayoban, bukadkad. . or gintingintin in Bisaya; Sambong in Tagalog and Pampanga; sabsab or subusub in Ilocano. Women use the decoction of the leaves as bath a few days after childbirth. The decoction, taken in small doses, is a remedy for stomach pain. According to Guerrero, it is used as anti-diarrhetic and antigastralgic. The decoction of the roots is a remedv for colds. · 18. Kamm·ia or Mugworth (Artemisiu vulgaris L.). Locally known as dcunong-mm·ici or kcmw1·ia in Tagalog; gillms in Bisaya; herbralw in in Igorot. The .infusion of the leaves, in small doses, is used as carminative and emmenagogue. 19. Tagulincw (Emilia couchifolia (L.) (DC). L.ocall~ known as lcipotpot or libun m 1B1col; lamlampctlca in Ilocano tagulinan or tagulinas in Tagalog. The decoction of the entire plant is Page 526 a febrifuge. · Doses: One-half drinking glass three times a day, preferably after meal. The same decoction, according to Guerrero, is used against infantile tympanites. Doses: not given. 20. Mango (Mangifera indica L.). Locally known as mangci or mangga i~ most provinces in the Philippmes. The decoction of the leaves drunk likt tea is a remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. According to Guerrero, the decoction of the roots is diuretic and of the bark, astringent. 21. Lukl,mn (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.). Locally known as luban or lubban in Ibanag; Lulcban in most provinces; suha in Tagalog; sua in Ilocano. Persons suffering from fever caused by colds use the decoction of the leaves as bath. 22. Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers.). Locally known as bugarom, duguam pamalauagon and lcauilan in Bisayan; makablos in Pangasina!1; mitla in Pampanga; tabangau m Ibanag and Negritos. The decoction of the leaves, according to report, is good for diabetes. 23. Botong (Borringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz.). Locally known as bitoon and bitung in Bisayan; botong in most provinces. The fresh leaves are used in topicals for rheumatic persons. Direction: Heat the leaves moderately. Then apply them to the swollen parts of the body. Do this before going to bed and remove the application in the morning. Repeat operation at least three times a week. 24. Baling-uai (Flagellaria indica L.). Locally known as anuad, iilguctl uai-ti-ualc in Ilocano; baling-uai in Tagalog and Pampango; hoag-uai in Bicol; huag, hualc, paua or taua in Bisayan; lcalauai or timwng in Iba nag; The decoction of the stem and leaves, the leaves of galamaianw (Schefflern odorn.ta) and memalis · (Pittosporum pentandnmi) is used as aromatic bath by women a few days after childbirth. The decoction of the stem and rhizome is diuretic according to Guerrero. Doses: not given. 25. MalvctS (Aliutilon indicum (L.) THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW Sweet). Locally known as dulupang, malvis, yampong, and .tarakupis in Bisaya; giling-gilingan, kuakiwkohan, malvas in Tagalog; lulupau or lupluppau in Ilocos. The decoction of the root, stem and leaves is used as enemas. 26. KatakatalcCl (B1·yophyllwn pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz.). Locally known as Clbisrana in Ilocos ; artitana in Bi col; karitana in Bisaya; putputok in Bontoc. The pounded leaves mixed with small .amount of salt is applied to the lower part of the abdomen (pus-on) to relieve the patient suffering from dysuria (Tag. balisao-sao). 27. Tag bale (Kolo1cratia elegllns Presi). Loeal1y known as tagbak, tagbak-babui, taibalc and tugbak in most provinces. The decoction of the stem and leaves, cut into small pieces, is given as bath to person suffering from urticaria (Tag. tagulabai or imon-imon.) The mash of pounded stem and leaves mix€d with little amount of salt, according to Guerrero, is rubbed against the affected parts of a paralytic patient. 28. Sabila-pi11a (Aloe· vera L.). Locally known as dilctn.qboaia, dilanghalo in 'filsaya; sabi"la., sabila-pifi.a in Tagalog. The sticky juice from the leaves is used as pomade. It helps prevent baldness. 29. Bakong ( Crinum assiaticum L.). Locally known as agubabahan, lcalagulcon, salibangbang in Bisaya; lwlcon or bakong in most provinces. In topicals, the leaves are used as emollient. SUCCULENT STEMS 1. Malcabuh:ai (Tinospom rumphii Boeri). Locally know as paliaba11, pauomrn, paniigimwn in Bisaya; nwkabuhai, and malcalrnhai-itim in most provinces. The stem is cut into small pieces and cooked in coconut oil to produce an ointment used for massaging swollen parts of rheumatic leg joints. Mature leaf of talisai (Terminalia catappa) is greased with the ointment and heated. While this leaf is moderately warm, it is used for wrapping rheumatic joints. The decoction of the stem, taken in 10CTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1949 small doses, is reported to be a good remedy for malarial fever. Besides being a good tonic, it is also a cure for gonorrhea and syphilis. 2. Dilang-balca (Nopalea cochinellifera (L.) Salm-Dyck). Locally known as alcakud in Bontoc; dapal in Bisaya; dila-dila in Ilocos; nopal, palcid in Bicol. The sliced stem is used in topical for painful breast. 3. Palcpak-lauin (Drynaria querifolill (L.). J. Sm.). Locally known as baga-baga in· Pangasinan; gona . tibcdib in Pampanga; kabkab, kabkabin in Bisaya; kappa-lcappa in Ilocos; paipai-amo, palcpak-lauin in Tagalog. The decoction of the rhizome-like stem is good for dysentery. According to Guerrero, this decoction, in concentrated form, is anthelmentic. 4. Kauad-kaiwd ( Cassytha filiformis L.). A parasitic vine on various coarse grasses, shrubs, trees and other vines. Mostly found along the sandy beaches or coast. Locally known as barubarut in Ilocos; malaboholc in Bicol and Bisaya; kauad-kauaran, kauad-kauad, kauat-lcaiwt in Tagalog. The decoction of the entire plant, according to report, is good for pregnant women. WOODS AND WOODY STEMS 1. Matcmg-ulang (Salacia prinoides (Willd.) D.C.). Locally known as mcitang-ulang in Tagalog; ope in Igo rot. The decoction or infusion of either mature stems or roots is good remedy for amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. Same decoction is regarded as an abortive. 2. Dugtong-ahas or Itiban (Parame1·ia b01·lHlta (Blume) K. Schum.). Locall? known as bulau-bulau, sagid, tagulctagulc in Bisaya; hinggiu-naputi, itiban, talcolauai, omooli in Tagalog; pataau, patian, yakdig in Ilocos. A decoction of stem including leaves is used as vulnerary. Taken internally, it is reported to cure tuberculosis. Doses: not given. 3. Bolong-eta (Diospyrns pilosanthern Blanco). Known in most provinces as bolong-eta. Page 527 Infusion of sliced stem including bark in coconut wine is reported to be efficacious for irregularity among women. ; 4. Am,.a11 or Tl(fi/)(tR (,llicromel111n mimit 11 m (Forst.) Seem.). Locally known as /)((sa r-/Jrrnr1r. ka ri11IJ11/)((o lr1 mla nwyot in Ilocano; b11r1to11r1, lmrffiqot 11wk((ba;/qo11 in Bicol; 1/1((/a/up((i in Pampanga; pr111ius11u11i((s, talws in Eisaya. The decoction of· sliced stem is reported to be good for diabetes and for paleness. Doses: Ad li/Jitum. 5. Agpoi or Br111ot (Bm1hi11w c11111ingim1r1 L.) .. Locall:" known as aqpoi, /)(}not, salibcwq/)(wg, wnpiq, umpik a 11d 11plig in most provinces. The decoction of stems is reported to be good remedy for paleness in convalescence. Doses: Ad libit111n. Juice from pounded fresh stems is dropped on sore feet (Tag. aliirw1ga) for rapid cicatrization. 6. Sibukau OJ' Sapcrnq (Caesalpiuia sappan L.). Locally known as sapang sappan and sibukan in most provinces. The decoction of sliced heartwood is reported to be good remedy for tuberculosis. Doses: Ad libitwn. BARKS 1. Du.hat (Syzygium cwnini Skeels). Locally known as duhat or lumboi in most provinces. The decoction of the bark is antidiarrhetic. DoseR: Ad libituin. Pulverized seeds taken internally, according to Guerrero, iR an efficacious remedy for diabetes. The fruit cooked to a thick jam, according to report, is an effective astringent for acute diarrhea. 2. Bcmgkal (Nauclea 01·ientc1lis L.). Locally known as banglcal and bulala in most provinces. The decoction of the bark, according to Guerrero, is vulnerary and antidiarrhetic. It is also used to cure toothache. ROOTS 1. Zarzapa1'illci or Banag (Smilax bmcteata Pres!). Locally known as banag, bcmal, hampas-tilcbalany, za1·zaparilla in most provinces. The decoction of the rootstocks and roots used as purifier of blood, is given to mothers a few days after childbirth. Same decoction is a remedy for gonorrhea, syphilis and rheumatism. Doses: Page 528 Ad libitwn. · Note: Two other species of SmilctJ', such as S. chi1w L. and S. lcucophylla Blume, produce the same effect. 2. Tim lrn ilqa 11 or Jla/a ubi (A J'istolochiu T((golo Cham.). Locally known as n111la11lJi, timlm:lgm1, timlHmgtimbr11lr1m1, parnlporolm1 in Tagalog; tr111e11ta11e11 in Iloco. Infusion of root is tonic, carminative, and emmenagogic. Direction: Obtain sufficient amount of roots, cut into pieces and drop them into a bottle containing coconut wine and water. After about twenty-four hours, the solution is reach'. Doses: Two to three tablespoonft;ls every three hours. 3. Abutm or Swna (AJ'ca ll.IJelisia flava (L.) Me1'J·.). Locally known as 11/mstJ'a, abutra, albotnt, and swno· in most provinces. The decoction or infusion of roots of mature stems is used as febrifuge, tonic and emmenagogue. Doses : One to two tablespoonfuls every three hours. According to Guenero, the same decoction or infusion is abortive, depending on the quantity administered. 4. Umi (Amaranthus spinosus L.). Locally known as ayantoto in Pampanga; iting-iting in Davao; lcalu11ai, kuantong in !locos; lculitis, kilitis, oori and urai in Tagalog. The decoction of the toots is reported to be efficacious in the treatment of gonorrhea, and other venereal diseases. To make it more effective, mix equal quantity of the root of this plant and that of zarzaparilla (Smilax sp) and then boil. Doses :Ad libitum. 5. Spiny Bamboo (Bambu.sa spinosa Roxb.). Locally known as kauayan-tinik or kauciyan in most provinces. The decoction of the roots is administered in the treatment of anuria. Doses: Ad libitwn. 6. Kogan (lmperata cylindrica (L). Beauv. var. Koenigii Benth.). Locally known as buchid in Batanes; gaon in Benguet; gogon in Bicol; lcogon in most provinces; pan·-au in the Ilocos. The decoction of the roots is a diure~ tic beverage. Doses: Ad libitum. The water from the exudation of the roots is reported to be a good remedy for phthisis. Direction on how to get the THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW water: Dig the soil where there is a good clump of kogon, about one foot deep one foot wide and two to three feet long. After about twenty-four hours, clumps of roots will grow along the sides of the hole. Tie these roots together, and cut the tips. Then insert them into bamboo tnbe or any container. Do this early in the evening. Early the following morninl!", take the tube. which no ·doubt contains pure water. Give to person afflicted with tuberculosis. Doses: One-half drinking glass every three hours, especially at night. 7. Moras (Andropogon zizanoides (L) Urban). Locallv known as morn or morns in most provinces. The decoction of the roots, according to Guerrero, taken internally is an .efficacious Iithontriptic besides being a good tonic. After the roots have been cleaned and. dried, they are placed in boxes where clothes are kept. Like napthaline, the dried roots impart a .sweet odor. 8. Tc111glad or Lemon Grass (Andrnpogon citratus DC.). Locally known as barani in lloco; tanglad in most provinces. The decoction of the roots is highly esteemed as diuretic medicine. The leaves when crushed and mixed with !'ogo are used for aromatic baths. The ~!em is sometimes mixed with chicken's meat for flavoring. 9. Parng-is or Yard Grass (Eleusi11e indicrt ( L) Gaertn.) Locally lrnown ~s palagtiki, in Bisaya; pan111gis m lloco; pamilgis-sabw1gan in Pampanga; parng-is in Tagalog. According to Guerrero, the entire plant mixed· with gogo (Entada Phascoloid es) is used to cleanse the head, remove dandruff and prevent baldness. FRUITS AND SEEDS 1. Patolang-ligau (Luffa cylindricct L.), the wild Yariety. Not to be confused with Patola (Luffa cyli11drica), the cultivated form, which is bigger in size than Patolang-ligr111. Locall:> known as ]Htfolu11g-uak, patolang-ligau, pepenillo de San (;reqorio and talwbok in most pro\·wces. The dried fruit containing seeds is steeped and the resulting liquid, accordOCTOBER-NOVEMBER. 194!1 ing to Guerrero, is an effective emetic. 2. Cw/a-fistula (Cassia fistula L.). Kno".l'n as caiia-fistula in nearly all provmces. The pulp of the fruit inside is used as purgative. 3. Kalumbibit ( Caesalpinia c1·ista L.). Locally known as bangbang, bayagkambing, kalumbibit, dalugdug in most provinces. The powdered seeds are administered af antifebrifuge and are regarded as tonic. The infusion of powdered seeds in coconut oil is a good remedy for athlete's foot or chailblain (Tag. alipuilga). 4. Kasai. (Anacardium occidentale .L). Accordmg to Guerrero the oil from the pericarp of the seeds' is a powerful escharotic. 5. St:. Ignatius Bean (StYychnos ignatu Berg.). Locally known as igasud in Samar and Leyte. The bark ond seeds taken in small dose~, Guerrero reported, are used as febnfuge. They are anticholeric and tonic, according to the report. 6. T_an~1olo 01· Niogniopan ( Quisqucilis z1~dzca L.) .. ~ocally known as niogmoqau, pinwnes, tartarnok and tag-c11"a11. The ~eeds are used as Yermifuge. P1:ecaut10n: Number of seeds given will _depend upon the age of the child, but from two to three will be sufficient. Too many seeds eaten, will cause hiccough and dizziness. As antidote to dizziness, give patient plenty of sugar. SUPREME COURT . .. (Continued frnm page 547) and the contract entered into thereunder between the same municipal goYernment and Timoteo Santaromana to be void as violative of the cor.stitutional provision against the impairment of the obligation of contracts. 'W'ith costs against the appellees. SO ORDERED '\\'e concur: (Sgd.) " (SGD.) ALEX REYES MANUEL V. MORAN RICARDO PARAS F. R. FERI/A (Co11ti1111Pd on pape 521)