Archive for the ‘Sambong’ Category

Uses and Preparation of Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)

Description: the plant grows 1 1/2 to 3 meters in height. The leaves give a rough feeling when touched.

How to plant Sambong: Plant the sprout (with 3 or more leaves) taken from the sides of the main plant in a shady area.
How to Take Care of the Plant: Water the plant everyday. Remove the weeds and grass around it.
Harvesting and Proper storage:
* Harvest only mature and healthy leaves. Make sure that there are leaves left on the plant to prevent the plant from dying.
* Dry the leaves to be stored.
* Store in a sealed plastic bag or tightly covered brown jar or bottle.
Used for:
* Swelling
* Increased urination
Preparation:

* Chop the leaves and place them in an earthen jar according to the following amounts:
For Dried Leaves:
ADULTS = 4 tbspful
7-12 y/o = 2 tbspful
For Fresh Leaves:
ADULTS = 6 tbspful
7-12 y/o = 3 tbspful
* Pour in 2 glassfuls of water. Cover it.
* Bring the mixture to a boil.
* Remove the cover and let it continue to boil for another 15 minutes or until the 2 glassfuls of water originally poured have been reduced to 1 glassful.
* Let 1 cool, then strain the mixture.
How to Use:
* Divide the decoction into 3 parts and drink 1 part 3 times a day.
Source: doh.gov.ph, photo courtesy of http://www.hawaii.edu/

10 Herbal Medicine Endorsed by DOH

There are 10 herbal drugs that have been scientifically studied and shown to be safe and effective in treating certain illnesses.

1. Five -leaf Chaste Tree (Lagundi)
2. Marsh -Mint; Peppermint(Yerba Buena)
3. Sambong
4. Tsaang Gubat
5. Ulasimang Bato or Pansit-pansitan
6. Garlic
7. Niyog-niyogan
8. Guava (Bayabas)
9. Akapulko
10. Bitter Gourd/Melon (Ampalaya)

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

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