Local Medicinal Plants Sold In The City Of Manila BY 2. Teak (Tectona grandis L. f.). Lo­ MAMERTO 1.J. SULIT cally know as dalondon, kalayate in Di-ut15Wn of Fo1'est Investigations Bisaya; jati in J olo; teca in Spa­ Bureau of Foresh·11, Philippines nish; Santa Tekla in Tagalog. INTRODUCTION The decoction of the leaves and roots is a remedy for spitting blood and for If anyone should desire to buy reme­ amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. Doses: dies for all conceivable ailments, he One-half drinking glass three times a should not go very far. For tiendas sell­ day. ing these remedies are very near the Quiapo churchyard and the Binondo 3. Alagau (Premna. odorata Blanco). ruins. Each tienda or store carries a Locally known as adgau in Cama­ large assortmerit of pieces of wood, rines; lcissi in Cagayan; tcingle in twigs, roots and variety of leaves from Pampanga. fresh to dry. And if he should believe A decoction of either the leaves or the storekeepers, these herbs and plants flowers or both is a remedy for fever are potent medicines for all kinds of caused by colds. Doses: One small sickness. For this reason the people, drinking glass three times a day. For having so much faith in the healing cough, mix an equal amount of leaves powers of these medicinal plants, pa­ of this plant and that of sampalok (Tn­ tronize these stores. What is more in­ mnrindus indica L.) and then boil. To teresting is the fact that the storekeep­ the resulting decoction add a small ers are veritable herbalists or "herbola­ amount of sugar and take it internally. rios." One has only to go there, recite Doses: Three to four snoonfuls even· his symptoms, after which the store­ time the patient is awakened at night keeper gives him a few leaves of this by his excessive coughing. plant or a portion of that root, with full 4. Guava (Psidium guajciva L.). Lo directions on the preparation of the Lally known in most provinces as mixture and its application. For all we ba!Ja/ms, guavas or guayabas. know, his prescription may or may not The decoction of the leaves is anti­ cure the malady. But one thing sure diarrhetic and is used as a vulnerarv. i.;; that the mixture possesses medicinal To make it more effective add a fe~y properties, considering that many of pieces of bark to the leaves and then the medicines and drugs which come in boil. Doses: One-half drinking glass fancy bottles or in pills contain subs­ three times a day, preferably after tances derived from these plants. meal. Here is a list of plants with their sun­ posed medicinal properties sold in these 5. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus s pp . ) . tiendas: Three or four species of Eurnlyp­ tus, such as E. rolnista Sm.; E. te­ LEAVES AND TOPS reticornis Sm.; E. deglupta Blumes, 1. La11undi ( Vitex negundo L.). Lo­ etc. are planted in various parts of cally known as dang la in Ilocano; the city. The first two species lingei in Bontoc; sagarai in •Bago• were introduced from foreign coun­ bo. triPs while the latter, indigenous in Mindanao, was brought to Ma­ Mothers use the decoction . of the nila for cultivation. leaves as an aromatic bath, a few days after childbirth. According to Guerre­ The leaves are boiled. While it is ro, the decoction of bark, tops and boiling, the pot is covered tightly with leaves taken internally is antigastral­ banana leaf. Then a little hole is punch­ gic; boiled seed including the decoction ed through the leaf, allowing the vapor also taken internally will prevent to escape. The smoking vapor, when spread of poison from bite_s of poison­ inhaled, is good for persons suffering ous animals. Doses: not given. from sore throat, headache and cough. Page 524 THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW While the decoction is still warm, it damgis). According to Guerrero, a de­ may be given as bath to a patient suf­ coction of the leaves is antidiarrhetic. fering from fever caused by colds. Ttl Doses: not given. re!ie\'e excessiYe coughing and difficult 10. Co11s11elda or sorosoro (Euphorbia breathing caused by asthma, the drie,\ tirumlli L.). Locally known as leaves are sliced and mixed with the co11suelda, suelda-consuelda, susuel­ dried sliced leayes of Talo11gpunai d o and so mso ro in most provinces. (Datum sp.). The mixture is rolled The leaves are heated and the juice, and smoked like a cigarette. \vhile moderately warm, is dropped into G. Tamarind or Sampalok (Tamari11- the painful ear. d11.s indica L .. · Locally known as 11. AlprlSotes ( Chenopodiwn a mbro­ snlo11wr1i in Ilocos; S(f111/mk or swn­ sioid(;s L.). Known locally as ((/pa­ /Juqi in Bicol; ta11wri;1do in Spa­ sotes, apasotes, and pasotis in most nish. provinces of the Philippines. A remedy for .cough, ,the decoction of The pqtmcled or crushed leaves and the leaves, S\Yeetened to suit one's taste, tops mixed with cooked rice is used is good. Doses: Two to three spoonfuls as carminative and applied as poultice every time the patient is awakened at to the abdomen of children suffering night by his coughing. To make this from dyspepsia or painful digestion. remedy more effective, see notes for The decoction is emmenagogic; the oil, alagau. (Prc11111a odomta) No. 3. anthelmintic. 7. Acapulco (Cassia ala ta L.). Local­ 12. Ro:-emary or Romero ( Rosmari­ ly knovvn as andadasi in Pangasi­ nus officinalis L.). Locally known nan; kasitas in Camarines; paka­ as i·omero or dumero. yomkom in Bataan; sunting in Su­ This plant, especially among the com­ rigao. mon people, has several uses. The de­ The sap of the leaves is a cure for coction of the leaves often given as en­ herpes, ringworms, dhobie itch and emas, is also a remedy for stomach pain. other skin diseases. Direction: Pound During childbirth same decoction is or crush sufficient amount of leaves un­ given to mother; also used for washing til the watery juice is produced. Rub her face. the mash against the affected parts at 13. Mint or Y erba Buena (M entha cir­ least once a day. vensis L.). Locally known as yerba 8. Sampasampalokan (Phyllanthus ni­ buena in Spanish, meaning "Good ruri L.). Locally known as sam­ Herb''. pasampalokan in the Tagalog prov­ A mixture of boiled vinegar, crushed inces; malakirumrum in Samar; leaves and tops of yerba buena and San Pedro in Negros; talikod in the crushed bulb or onion (Allium cepa L.), Ilocos. i5 rubbed or massaged against all parts The decoction of the entire plant is of the body of person suffering from excellent bath for children. According fever caused by colds. These leaves to Guerrero, it is used as tonic for the and tops, according to Guerrero, are stomach and emmenagogue. Consider­ used as carminative and when crushed, ed as a febrifuge, it gives positive re­ the same are used as antidote for stings sults in cases of ague. of poisonous insects. 9. Tubang-bakod or Physic nut (Ja­ 14. Balcinoi or Sweet Basil (Ocimum trnplur curcas L.). Locally known basilicum L.). Locally known as as galumbang in Pampanga; kasla albahaka, bauinr;, bidai, boucik, ka­ in Bisaya; taba-tallCl, tubang-bakod mangi and samirig. in Tagalog; tagumbau, tauci-taua The leaves and tops used for flavor­ in Ilocos. ing are mixed with vegetables and other The leaves greased with coconut oil kinds of food. The infusion or decoction and heated is applied as a topical to of leaves, Guerrero reported, is used the lower part of the abdomen (Tag. as carminative and stimulant. pus-on) to relieve the patient from suf­ 15. Solasi or Holy Basil ( Ocimum fering from amoebic dysentery (Tag. sanctum L.). Locally known as al OCTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1949 Page 525 bahaka, kamangkau, lalui and loko­ a febrifuge. · Doses: One-half drinking loko. glass three times a day, preferably af­ Mixture of crushed leaves and tops, ter meal. The same decoction, accord­ Gogo, (Entada phaseoides (L.) and Kci­ ing to Guerrero, is used against infan­ lamunding .fuice (Citrus mitis Blanco) tile tympanites. Doses: not given. is good for cleansing hairs and remov­ 20. Mango (Mangifera indica L.). Lo­ ing dandruff. A decoction brewed from cally known as mangci or mangga the roots and leaves, according to Gue­ i~ most provinces in the Philip­ rrero, is good for gonorrhea. pmes. 16. Rose-geranium· or Malva Rosa The decoction of the leaves drunk likt <(Pelargonium radula (Cav.) L'He­ tea is a remedy for diarrhea and dy­ rit.). Family Geraniaceae. A cul· sentery. According to Guerrero, the tivated potted plant locally known decoction of the roots is diuretic and as Malva Rosa (Spanish) or Bal­ of the bark, astringent. varosa in Tagalog. 21. Lukl,mn (Citrus maxima (Burm.) ·The juice from the leaves mixed with Merr.). Locally known as luban or lubban in Ibanag; Lulcban in most the juice from dilao (Corcuma longci) provinces; suha in Tagalog; sua is a remedy for stom~ch pain. Direc­ tion: Pound and mix sufficient amount in Ilocano. of the leaves and the rhizome of dilau; Persons suffering from fever caused wrap the mash on banana leaves and by colds use the decoction of the leaves as bath. heat. Press to obtain the juice. Give the juice to person suffering from sto­ 22. Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa mach pain. The leaves when placed un­ (L.) Pers.). Locally known as bu­ ·der the pillows, have soporific effect. garom, duguam pamalauagon and Crushed leaves mixed with gogo (En­ lcauilan in Bisayan; makablos in tada phaseoloides) are excellent for Pangasina!1; mitla in Pampanga; ·cleaning hairs. tabangau m Ibanag and Negritos. 17. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera The decoction of the leaves, according (.L). DC.). Locally known as alibun, to report, is good for diabetes. ayoban, bukadkad. . or gintin­ 23. Botong (Borringtonia asiatica (L.) gintin in Bisaya; Sambong in Ta­ Kurz.). Locally known as bitoon galog and Pampanga; sabsab or and bitung in Bisayan; botong in subusub in Ilocano. most provinces. Women use the decoction of the The fresh leaves are used in topicals leaves as bath a few days after child­ for rheumatic persons. Direction: Heat birth. The decoction, taken in small the leaves moderately. Then apply doses, is a remedy for stomach pain. them to the swollen parts of the body. According to Guerrero, it is used as Do this before going to bed and remove anti-diarrhetic and antigastralgic. The the application in the morning. Repeat decoction of the roots is a remedv for operation at least three times a week. colds. · 24. Baling-uai (Flagellaria indica L.). 18. Kamm·ia or Mugworth (Artemisiu Locally known as anuad, iilguctl vulgaris L.). Locally known as uai-ti-ualc in Ilocano; baling-uai in dcunong-mm·ici or kcmw1·ia in Taga­ Tagalog and Pampango; hoag-uai log; gillms in Bisaya; herbralw in in Bicol; huag, hualc, paua or taua in Igorot. in Bisayan; lcalauai or timwng in Iba nag; The .infusion of the leaves, in small The decoction of the stem and leaves, doses, is used as carminative and em­ the leaves of galamaianw (Schefflern menagogue. odorn.ta) and memalis · (Pittosporum 19. Tagulincw (Emilia couchifolia (L.) pentandnmi) is used as aromatic bath (DC). L.ocall~ known as lcipotpot by women a few days after childbirth. or libun m 1B1col; lamlampctlca in The decoction of the stem and rhizome Ilocano tagulinan or tagulinas in is diuretic according to Guerrero. Do­ Tagalog. ses: not given. The decoction of the entire plant is 25. MalvctS (Aliutilon indicum (L.) Page 526 THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW Sweet). Locally known as dulu­ small doses, is reported to be a good re­ pang, malvis, yampong, and .tara­ medy for malarial fever. Besides be­ kupis in Bisaya; giling-gilingan, ing a good tonic, it is also a cure for kuakiwkohan, malvas in Tagalog; gonorrhea and syphilis. lulupau or lupluppau in Ilocos. 2. Dilang-balca (Nopalea cochinellife­ The decoction of the root, stem and ra (L.) Salm-Dyck). Locally leaves is used as enemas. known as alcakud in Bontoc; da­ 26. KatakatalcCl (B1·yophyllwn pinna­ pal in Bisaya; dila-dila in Ilocos; tum (Lam.) Kurz.). Locally known nopal, palcid in Bicol. as Clbisrana in Ilocos ; artitana in The sliced stem is used in topical for Bi col; karitana in Bisaya; putpu­ painful breast. tok in Bontoc. 3. Palcpak-lauin (Drynaria querifolill The pounded leaves mixed with small (L.). J. Sm.). Locally known as .amount of salt is applied to the lower baga-baga in· Pangasinan; gona . part of the abdomen (pus-on) to relieve tibcdib in Pampanga; kabkab, kab­ the patient suffering from dysuria kabin in Bisaya; kappa-lcappa in (Tag. balisao-sao). Ilocos; paipai-amo, palcpak-lauin 27. Tag bale (Kolo1cratia elegllns in Tagalog. Presi). Loeal1y known as tagbak, The decoction of the rhizome-like tagbak-babui, taibalc and tugbak stem is good for dysentery. According in most provinces. to Guerrero, this decoction, in concen­ The decoction of the stem and leaves, trated form, is anthelmentic. cut into small pieces, is given as bath 4. Kauad-kaiwd ( Cassytha filifor­ to person suffering from urticaria mis L.). A parasitic vine on va­ (Tag. tagulabai or imon-imon.) The rious coarse grasses, shrubs, trees mash of pounded stem and leaves mix­ and other vines. Mostly found €d with little amount of salt, according along the sandy beaches or coast. to Guerrero, is rubbed against the af­ Locally known as barubarut in Ilo­ fected parts of a paralytic patient. cos; malaboholc in Bicol and Bisa­ ya; kauad-kauaran, kauad-kauad, 28. Sabila-pi11a (Aloe· vera L.). Lo­ kauat-lcaiwt in Tagalog. cally known as dilctn.qboaia, dilang­ The decoction of the entire plant, ac­ halo in 'filsaya; sabi"la., sabila-pifi.a cording to report, is good for pregnant in Tagalog. women. The sticky juice from the leaves is WOODS AND WOODY STEMS used as pomade. It helps prevent bald­ 1. Matcmg-ulang (Salacia prinoides ness. (Willd.) D.C.). Locally known as 29. Bakong ( Crinum assiaticum L.). mcitang-ulang in Tagalog; ope in Locally known as agubabahan, lca­ Igo rot. lagulcon, salibangbang in Bisaya; The decoction or infusion of either lwlcon or bakong in most provinces. mature stems or roots is good remedy In topicals, the leaves are used as for amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. emollient. Same decoction is regarded as an abor­ SUCCULENT STEMS tive. 1. Malcabuh:ai (Tinospom rumphii 2. Dugtong-ahas or Itiban (Parame- Boeri). Locally know as paliaba11, 1·ia b01·lHlta (Blume) K. Schum.). pauomrn, paniigimwn in Bisaya; Locall? known as bulau-bulau, sa­ nwkabuhai, and malcalrnhai-itim gid, tagulctagulc in Bisaya; hing­ in most provinces. giu-naputi, itiban, talcolauai, omo­ The stem is cut into small pieces and oli in Tagalog; pataau, patian, yak­ cooked in coconut oil to produce an dig in Ilocos. ointment used for massaging swollen A decoction of stem including leaves parts of rheumatic leg joints. Mature is used as vulnerary. Taken internally, leaf of talisai (Terminalia catappa) is it is reported to cure tuberculosis. Do­ greased with the ointment and heated. ses: not given. While this leaf is moderately warm, it 3. Bolong-eta (Diospyrns pilosanthern is used for wrapping rheumatic joints. Blanco). Known in most provinces The decoction of the stem, taken in as bolong-eta. 10CTOBER-NOVEMBER, 1949 Page 527 Infusion of sliced stem including Ad libitwn. · Note: Two other species bark in coconut wine is reported to be of SmilctJ', such as S. chi1w L. and S. efficacious for irregularity among wo­ lcucophylla Blume, produce the same men. ; effect. 4. Am,.a11 or Tl(fi/)(tR (,llicromel111n mi­ 2. Tim lrn ilqa 11 or Jla/a ubi (A J'istolo­ mit 11 m (Forst.) Seem.). Locally chiu T((golo Cham.). Locally known known as /)((sa r-/Jrrnr1r. ka ri11IJ11/)((o as n111la11lJi, timlm:lgm1, timlHmg­ lr1 mla nwyot in Ilocano; b11r1to11r1, timbr11lr1m1, parnlporolm1 in Taga­ lmrffiqot 11wk((ba;/qo11 in Bicol; log; tr111e11ta11e11 in Iloco. 1/1((/a/up((i in Pampanga; pr111ius- Infusion of root is tonic, carminative, 11u11i((s, talws in Eisaya. and emmenagogic. Direction: Obtain The decoction of· sliced stem is re­ sufficient amount of roots, cut into ported to be good for diabetes and for pieces and drop them into a bottle con­ paleness. Doses: Ad li/Jitum. taining coconut wine and water. After 5. Agpoi or Br111ot (Bm1hi11w c11111in­ about twenty-four hours, the solution gim1r1 L.) .. Locall:" known as aq­ is reach'. Doses: Two to three table­ poi, /)(}not, salibcwq/)(wg, wnpiq, spoonft;ls every three hours. umpik a 11d 11plig in most provinces. 3. Abutm or Swna (AJ'ca ll.IJelisia fla­ The decoction of stems is reported to va (L.) Me1'J·.). Locally known as be good remedy for paleness in conva­ 11/mstJ'a, abutra, albotnt, and swno· lescence. Doses: Ad libit111n. Juice in most provinces. from pounded fresh stems is dropped The decoction or infusion of roots of on sore feet (Tag. aliirw1ga) for rapid mature stems is used as febrifuge, to­ cicatrization. nic and emmenagogue. Doses : One to 6. Sibukau OJ' Sapcrnq (Caesalpiuia two tablespoonfuls every three hours. sappan L.). Locally known as sa­ According to Guenero, the same decoc­ pang sappan and sibukan in most tion or infusion is abortive, depending provinces. on the quantity administered. The decoction of sliced heartwood is 4. Umi (Amaranthus spinosus L.). reported to be good remedy for tuber­ Locally known as ayantoto in Pam­ culosis. Doses: Ad libitwn. panga; iting-iting in Davao; lcalu- BARKS 11ai, kuantong in !locos; lculitis, ki­ 1. Du.hat (Syzygium cwnini Skeels). litis, oori and urai in Tagalog. Locally known as duhat or lumboi The decoction of the toots is reported in most provinces. to be efficacious in the treatment of The decoction of the bark is antidiar­ gonorrhea, and other venereal diseases. rhetic. DoseR: Ad libituin. Pulverized To make it more effective, mix equal seeds taken internally, according to quantity of the root of this plant and Guerrero, iR an efficacious remedy for that of zarzaparilla (Smilax sp) and diabetes. The fruit cooked to a thick then boil. Doses :Ad libitum. jam, according to report, is an effective 5. Spiny Bamboo (Bambu.sa spinosa astringent for acute diarrhea. Roxb.). Locally known as kaua­ 2. Bcmgkal (Nauclea 01·ientc1lis L.). yan-tinik or kauciyan in most prov­ Locally known as banglcal and bula­ inces. la in most provinces. The decoction of the roots is admi­ The decoction of the bark, according nistered in the treatment of anuria. to Guerrero, is vulnerary and antidiar­ Doses: Ad libitwn. rhetic. It is also used to cure toothache. 6. Kogan (lmperata cylindrica (L). ROOTS Beauv. var. Koenigii Benth.). Lo­ 1. Zarzapa1'illci or Banag (Smilax cally known as buchid in Batanes; bmcteata Pres!). Locally known as gaon in Benguet; gogon in banag, bcmal, hampas-tilcbalany, Bicol; lcogon in most provinces; za1·zaparilla in most provinces. pan·-au in the Ilocos. The decoction of the rootstocks and The decoction of the roots is a diure~ roots used as purifier of blood, is given tic beverage. Doses: Ad libitum. The to mothers a few days after childbirth. water from the exudation of the roots Same decoction is a remedy for gono­ is reported to be a good remedy for rrhea, syphilis and rheumatism. Doses: phthisis. Direction on how to get the Page 528 THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW water: Dig the soil where there ing to Guerrero, is an effective emetic. is a good clump of kogon, about 2. Cw/a-fistula (Cassia fistula L.). one foot deep one foot wide and Kno".l'n as caiia-fistula in nearly all two to three feet long. After about provmces. twenty-four hours, clumps of roots The pulp of the fruit inside is used will grow along the sides of the as purgative. hole. Tie these roots together, and cut 3. Kalumbibit ( Caesalpinia c1·ista L.). the tips. Then insert them into bam­ Locally known as bangbang, bayag­ boo tnbe or any container. Do this kambing, kalumbibit, dalugdug in early in the evening. Early the follow­ most provinces. ing morninl!", take the tube. which no The powdered seeds are administered ·doubt contains pure water. Give to per­ af antifebrifuge and are regarded as son afflicted with tuberculosis. Doses: tonic. The infusion of powdered seeds One-half drinking glass every three in coconut oil is a good remedy for ath­ hours, especially at night. lete's foot or chailblain (Tag. alipu­ ilga). 7. Moras (Andropogon zizanoides (L) 4. Kasai. (Anacardium occidentale .L). Urban). Locallv known as morn Accordmg to Guerrero the oil from or morns in most provinces. the pericarp of the seeds' is a powerful The decoction of the roots, accord­ escharotic. ing to Guerrero, taken internally is an 5. St:. Ignatius Bean (StYychnos igna­ .efficacious Iithontriptic besides being a tu Berg.). Locally known as iga­ good tonic. After the roots have been sud in Samar and Leyte. cleaned and. dried, they are placed in boxes where clothes are kept. Like The bark ond seeds taken in small napthaline, the dried roots impart a dose~, Guerrero reported, are used as .sweet odor. febnfuge. They are anticholeric and tonic, according to the report. 8. Tc111glad or Lemon Grass (Andrn­ pogon citratus DC.). Locally known 6. T_an~1olo 01· Niogniopan ( Quisqucilis as barani in lloco; tanglad in most z1~dzca L.) .. ~ocally known as niog­ provinces. moqau, pinwnes, tartarnok and The decoction of the roots is highly tag-c11"a11. esteemed as diuretic medicine. The The ~eeds are used as Yermifuge. leaves when crushed and mixed with P1:ecaut10n: Number of seeds given !'ogo are used for aromatic baths. The will _depend upon the age of the child, ~!em is sometimes mixed with chick­ but from two to three will be sufficient. en's meat for flavoring. Too many seeds eaten, will cause hic­ 9. Parng-is or Yard Grass (Eleusi11e cough and dizziness. As antidote to indicrt ( L) Gaertn.) Locally lrnown dizziness, give patient plenty of sugar. ~s palagtiki, in Bisaya; pan111gis m lloco; pamilgis-sabw1gan in SUPREME COURT . .. Pampanga; parng-is in Tagalog. (Continued frnm page 547) According to Guerrero, the entire and the contract entered into thereunder plant mixed· with gogo (Entada Pha­ between the same municipal goYern­ scoloid es) is used to cleanse the head, remove dandruff and prevent baldness. ment and Timoteo Santaromana to be FRUITS AND SEEDS void as violative of the cor.stitutional 1. Patolang-ligau (Luffa cylindricct provision against the impairment of the L.), the wild Yariety. Not to be con­ obligation of contracts. 'W'ith costs fused with Patola (Luffa cyli11dri­ against the appellees. ca), the cultivated form, which is SO ORDERED bigger in size than Patolang-ligr111. (SGD.) ALEX REYES Locall:> known as ]Htfolu11g-uak, pa­ tolang-ligau, pepenillo de San '\\'e concur: (;reqorio and talwbok in most pro\·­ (Sgd.) MANUEL V. MORAN wces. " RICARDO PARAS The dried fruit containing seeds is F. R. FERI/A steeped and the resulting liquid, accord- (Co11ti1111Pd on pape 521) OCTOBER-NOVEMBER. 194!1