Herbal Plant - Papaya : Carica papaya

Papaya (Carica papaya) is an evergreen flowering tree that is valued for its buttery fruit that is believed to offer many health benefits. The amazing papaya fruit contains enzymes and compounds that can prevent cancer, ageing and can promote healthier heart. The papaya is a short-lived, fast-growing, woody, large herb to 10 or 12 feet in height. It generally branches only when injured. All parts contain latex. The hollow green or deep purple trunk is straight and cylindrical with prominent leaf scars. Its diameter may be from 2 or 3 inches to over a foot at the base.

Scientific Name: Carica Papaya. Also knows as: Papita, Papeeta, Papiitaa, Melon tree, Papaw, Paw paw. Papaya (Carica papaya) is one of the all year round favorite dessert fruits known for its sweet, juicy, melt on your mouth flesh. Papaya is not only delicious but it is likewise packed with vitamins and minerals that offer many health benefits for the usual papaya lover.

Papaya plants grow in three sexes: male, female, hermaphrodite. The male produces only pollen, never fruit. The female will produce small, inedible fruits unless pollinated. The hermaphrodite can self-pollinate since its flowers contain both male stamens and female ovaries. Almost all commercial papaya orchards contain only hermaphrodites. According to Wikipedia, papaya may have probably originated from the tropics of America especially southern Mexico where it was first cultivated and was later propagated in other tropical and sub-tropical countries in the continents of America, Australia, Africa and Asia.

Papaya Description: The papaya plant which has a semblance of a tree has usually one erect trunk that can grow to about 4 to 7 meters in height. Papaya tree is characterized with large green leaves that have seven to nine deeply palmate lobes with elongated hollow petioles spirally confined at the top of the trunk. Older leaves are shed off as the tree grows leaving scars at the trunk.

Papaya fruits have smooth skin, green while young turning yellow when ripe. Papaya fruit varies in size and shape depending on the variety and type of plant. The common Philippine papaya is usually pear shape about 10 to 40 cm in length upon maturity. Ripe papaya feels soft, the skin has a yellowish color and when opened it has soft orange-yellowish flesh with numerous small black seeds embedded at the hollow center.

Papaya Traditional Health Benefits. Papaya is widely used as folkloric herbal medicine. Papaya is known for the following health benefits: Acne and skin infections.  Papaya contains Vitamin A which provides a fresh and glowing skin. It is used in Acne control and protects the skin from infections. Wound Healing. Papaya helps to speed up the healing of wounds.  Papain extracted from the fruit and leaves is also the main ingredient of an ointment popularly used as a topical application for cuts, rashes, stings and burns.

Anti-aging. Papaya is rich in antioxidants that helps defer premature aging.  It is widely used in cosmetics as an exfoliant and skin softener and whitener. Improves and preserves good vision. The vitamin A rich papaya helps in preserving good eyesight. It also contains flavonoids and Beta carotene that protects against Macular degeneration. Anthelmintic. The compound papain found in the seeds of papaya can destroy and flush out  worms from the body. Ingest Papaya seeds with honey 30 minutes before or after a meal.  Constipation and dyspepsia. Papaya fruit is rich in fiber that improves digestion and softens the bowel movement.

Colon Cancer. The anti oxidant activity coupled by rich fiber content of papaya fruit helps in absorbing the toxins from the colon that protects the good cells from free radicals and damage. This in turn helps prevent the development of colon cancer. Lowers the blood pressure. Papaya fruit contains a good amount of Calcium and Potassium. These minerals are important in regulating the blood pressure and metabolism. Prevents atherosclerosis and heart disease. Papaya is rich in vitamins A and vitamin C, well known powerful antioxidants that inhibits the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood and prevents the build up of plaque along the inner walls of the arteries. Unchecked plaque build up is the main cause of heart attack or stroke.

Weight loss. The rich vitamins and minerals of papaya fruit coupled by high fiber content and the low calories makes this an ideal food for weight loss. That is why it is good for Diabetic patients.  Boosts the immune system. The vitamins,, minerals and coumpounds found in papaya fruit are known to strengthen the immunse system of the body, improving resistance against illness and infections. Menstruation and pregnancy. Papaya fruit regulates the menstrual flow and eases the condition in menstrual cramps. It is also used to alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness for pregnant women. Abortificient. Extracts from papaya roots are used to abort early pregnancy. Dengue fever. The papaya leaf juice is used in treating dengue fever. It helps in increasing the platelet count in a dengue patient.

Papaya Usage, Dosage. Carica Papaya tree can be found almost every where. You can check with your local horticulturist for seeds or small trees for personal cultivation. The papaya fruit is largely available in most fruit stands, grocery stores and supermarkets. Papaya fruits, roots and leaves extracts and other herbal medicine preparations can also be fought from reputable health stores. Online, Amazon listed American Health Multi-Enzyme Plus, Super Papaya.

How to use Papaya herbal medicine? Papaya fruit. The fuit has a sweet and soft pulp that is best eaten when ripe or as mixed is salads. The young papaya fruit is also considered as vegetable used in cooking. Papaya leaves. Fresh papaya leaves can be pounded or chewed and consumed by mouth. Maximum dosage is two tablespoon per day. Papaya tea from roots, flowers and leaves. The papaya decoction or tea can be prepared by choping the roots, flowers and leaves then boiled in water (see below). Papaya tea decoction is taken twice to three times a day. Papaya poultice. Fresh papaya leaves can be pounded and applied directly to the affected area. Papaya seeds. Used as purgative, a spoonful of seeds is taken three times before meals. Papaya latex. The latex from the young papaya fruit are applied directly to the affected area. Used to stop bleeding, treat wounds and avoid infections.

Papaya Tea Preparation. Wash freshly gathered Papaya plant parts. chop then add in 4 cups of water for every 1 cup. Let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes with the pot cover removed. Let it steep then strain. Drink half cup of Papaya tea three times a day. Papaya tea concoction can be stored in suitable glass container for later consumption. Dried leaves are more potent. Reduce the blend by half.

Papaya Use, Warnings and Side Effects. Generally safe in moderate consumption. Ripe papaya fruit does not have any serious side effects at moderate consumption even for pregnant mothers and young children. May cause skin coloration. Ripe papaya just like carrots contains carotene which may turn the palms and soles yellowish when consumed at large amount but this does not impose any health danger. Overdosage can be poisonous. The leaves and roots of Carica papaya contain cyangenic glucosides which form into cyanide, while the leaves contain tannins. These two compounds may have adverse side effects when taken at large concentrations.

Pregnancy and fertility side effects. In animal studies, aqueous extracts of Carica papaya can cause temporary infertility and irregular oestrous cycles that is reversible when treatment was stopped. Extracts of papain found in Carica papaya were also found to induce abortion after conception by dissolving the protein needed by the newly fertilized egg to adhere to the uterus wall. The abortificient property is a matter of high dose side effect of Carica papaya toxicity which affects the fetus. Breast feeding. There are no sufficient studies made to determine the side effects of Carica Papaya taken in medicinal amounts to infants and babies. Stay on the safe side, avoid taking Papaya in herbal medicine dosage while breast feeding.Allergies. In rare cases, the herb has caused allergic reaction as side effect.

Scientific Studies: Carica Papaya Herbal Medicine. Dengue fever treatment with Carica papaya leaves extracts. An article published in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (2011 Aug) reported a study that investigated the potential of Carica papaya leaves extracts against Dengue fever in 45 year old patient bitten by dengue virus carrier mosquitoes. The patient was given a dose of 25 mL of aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves twice daily for five consecutive days. Before the extract administration the blood samples from patient were analyzed. It was noted in the report that the platelet count continuously increased in the duration of the treatment and the condition of the patient dramatically improved. The study suggests that based from the patient’s recovery and blood reports, Carica papayaleaves aqueous extract exhibited potential activity against Dengue fever. Furthermore, the different parts it is recommended that other parts of Carica papaya may be beneficial against viral diseases. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614241/

Carica Papaya may have potential health benefits for blood related medical problems. The Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, issue of March 2011, reported a study on the phytochemistry and heamotological potential of the ethanol seed, leaf and pulp extract of Carica papaya. In this study, it was identified that the phytochemical contents in the seeds, leaf and pulp of Carica papaya were almost the same but in varying proportions. It was also observed that the phytochemicals found in Carica papaya significantly improved (P<0.05) the production of certain blood parameters in treated albino rats. This study suggests that Carica papaya may have potential health benefits for blood related medical problems. (Source : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21902066)

Carica Papaya may have Anti diabetic health benefits. The Journal of Natural Product Research, issue of December 2011 reported that a study done in INFORMM, Malaysia identified the phytochemicals in Carica papaya that may have anti diabetic properties. The ethanol extracts of Carica papaya and Pandanus amaryfollius were administered to a group of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats to measure its anti diabetic effects. Results have shown that there was a significant reduction (P<0.05)in the blood glucose level in the Carica papaya treated group in comparison to a control group. Histologically the pancreas of the treated groups indicated significant regeneration of the β-cells and liver tissues indicated a reduction in fatty changes and pyknotic nucleus. Moreover, the kidney tissues of the treated groups indicated significant recovery in the cuboidal tissue. The study suggests that the phytochemicals found in C. Papaya and P. amaryfollius may be responsible for the anti diabetic health benefits. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21707251)

Carica papaya Health Benefits for Digestive Disorders. In a published report in Nuero Endocrinology Letters 2013, a research was done in Vienna, Austria to verify the folkloric health benefits of Carica papaya for digestive disorders. Clinical trials involving volunteers with chronic (prevailing) indigestions and dysfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract were given papaya preparation (Caricol). They were compared to a control group given a placebo. Results have shown that there was a significant improvement in the symptoms of “indigestion” and “bloating” for those under the papaya preparation as compared to the control group. The study concludes that the papaya preparation (Caricol®) contributes to the maintenance of digestive tract physiology. It ameliorates various functional disturbances, like symptoms of IBS. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23524622)

Papaya and Pregnancy: Safety and Side Effects. The British Journal of Nutrition, August 2002. published a study done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University, Singapore on the common belief of some Asian communities that eating papaya can be unsafe for pregnant women. In a laboratory experiment, the effects of ripe papaya blend (500 ml/l water) and papaya crude latex to the uteri of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats was compared to a control group given with water only. Results have shown that ripe papaya has no adverse or noticeable side effects, while the crude latex induced spasmodic contraction of the uterine muscles. The study suggests that normal consumption of ripe papaya during pregnancy may not pose any significant danger. However, the unripe or semi-ripe papaya (which contains high concentration of the latex that produces marked uterine contractions) could be unsafe in pregnancy. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12144723)

Antihelminthic and Anti-amoebic Health Benefits from Carica Papaya Seeds. In the Journal of Medicinal Food, March 2007, an article has been written about a study done on the effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis. The study was done in the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria., where 60 children with evidence of intestinal parasites were given either dried seeds of Carica papaya mixed with honey or honey alone. 76.7% of those who were given honey mixed with dried seeds of papaya were cleared of parasites after 7 days while 16.7% of those who took honey alone. This study concludes that air-dried C. papaya seeds are efficacious in treating human intestinal parasites and without significant side effects. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17472487)

Anti-cancer and Immunomodulatory Health Benefits of Carica Papaya. A study done in the Institute of Medical Science in The University of Tokyo, Japan, reported that aqueous solution of Carica papaya leaf extract have significant growth inhibitory activity on tumor cell lines. The study further suggests that Carica papaya leaf extract may potentially provide the means for the treatment and prevention of selected human diseases such as cancer, various allergic disorders, and may also serve as immunoadjuvant for vaccine therapy. (Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, February 2010: Aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves exhibits anti-tumor activity and immunomodulatory effects)

Antibacterial and Wound Healing Health Benefits of Carica Papaya fruit Seeds. The West Indian Medical Journal, December 2003, published an article on the antibacterial activity of Carica papaya fruit extract against common wound organisms . The study was done in The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica, where the seed extracts from the fruit showed inhibition of bacterial activity against B cereus, E coli, S faecalis, S aureus, P vulgaris and S flexneri. This study suggests that Carica papaya has antibacterial effects that could be useful in treating chronic skin ulcers to promote healing.

Lemongrass or tanglad - Cymbopogon citratus

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus Also knows as: Brazil: Capim-cidrao, Capim-santo; Egypt: tanglad; English: tanglad, Citronella, Squinant; Ethiopia: Tej-sar Hindi: Sera, Verveine; Indonesian: Sereh; Italian: Cimbopogone; Malaysia: Sakumau; Mexico: Zacate limon; Swedish: Citrongräss; Thailand: Ta-khrai; Turkish: Limon out; USA and UK: Citronella.

Tanglad (Cymbopogon citratus), is a native herb from warm regions such as India, Philippines and Malaysia, is widely used in Asian cooking and is an ingredient in many Thai and Vietnamese foods. Tanglad use in cooking has become popular in the Caribbean and in the United States for its aromatic citrus flavor with a trace of ginger.

Tanglad or lemon grass is a commercially-viable plant that is cultivated mainly for the fragrance that it produces. It can be easily found in most Asian countries, and is widely cultivated in 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 its leaves, which allows easy access to the main part that is needed in order to enjoy tanglad's health benefits. It constitutes most of what appears of this plant above ground, as the leaves grow up to one meter in length, and are flat in shape.

Tanglad is a member of specie of grass that grows to as high as 1 meter with leaves of 1 to 1.5 centimeters in width that grows from a stalk of about 30 to 80 cm long with bulbous lower end. Tanglad is a perennial and tufted grass that is commercially cultivated in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and China. tanglad is also cultivated in United States specifically in California and Florida. Propagation is by dividing the root clumps.

Tanglad oil has a lemony, sweet smell and is dark yellow to amber and reddish in color that is extracted by distillation. Tanglad is also known as 'choomana poolu' and is also referred to as 'Indian Verbena' or 'Indian M`elissa oil'. tanglad oil is a valuable ingredient in cosmetics, perfumes and as fragrances for soaps and insect repellants. Tanglad is reportedly has a wide variety of therapeutic application and health benefits. With limited research and studies conducted on humans, tanglad's effectiveness is based mainly on the results from animal and laboratory studies as well as its reputation as a folk remedy.

Tanglad Traditional Medicinal Uses. Tanglad is largely used in traditional herbal medicine for various conditions. Tanglad as herbal Tea: (Taken 1 cup every 8 hours) for gastrointestinal problems stomachaches, diarrhea, gas, bowel spasms, vomiting, fever, the flu, and headaches. Tanglad oil mixed with other essential oils such as coconut oil is used as a liniment for back pains, rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains and other body pains. Tanglad oil mixed with other essential oils such as lavender or jasmine oil used in baths or vapor scents, can revitalize the body and relieve the symptoms of jet lag, headaches, anxiety and stress related exhaustion.

Tanglad is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat fevers and infectious illnesses. Tanglad is also used in Chinese medicine to treat colds and rheumatism.To treat circulatory disorders, some authorities recommend rubbing a few drops of tanglad oil on the skin of affected areas; it is believed to work by improving blood flow. Tanglad has natural anti-microbial properties, is an antiseptic, suitable for use on various types of skin infections, usually as a wash or compress, and is especially effective on ringworm, infected sores. Acne and athlete's foot.

Tanglad is effective in killing cancer cells. It is useful with respiratory infections such as sore throats, laryngitis and fever and helps prevent spreading of infectious diseases. Tanglad is also used as an insect repellant. It helps to keep pets clean of fleas, ticks and lice. In Asia and Africa, tanglad is used as antiseptic, antitussive, and anti-rheumatic and to treat backache, sprains, and hemoptysis. Infusions of tanglad leaves are used in alternative medicine as sedative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. In some African countries, Tanglad is used to treat diabetes.

The effect of tanglad oil on clinical isolate mastitis pathogens. The aims of this study were to investigate the antibacterial activity of tanglad oil and its major components which were citral, geraniol and myrcene, against four strains of clinically isolated bovine mastitis pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, The results demonstrate that S. agalactiae and B. cereus are more susceptible to tanglad, citral and geraniol than S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, they also inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation and exhibit effective killing activities on preformed biofilms. The tanglad appears to have multiple targets in the bacterial cell, depending on concentration used as well as the amount of its components. Source: Research in Veterinary Science ( Dec 2011).

Activation of intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in cancer cells by Cymbopogon citratus polysaccharide fractions. In the present study, polysaccharides from C. citratus were extracted and fractionated by anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Using these polysaccharide fractions F1 and F2, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities were evaluated against cancer cells in vitro and the mechanism of action of the polysaccharides in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells via intrinsic pathway was also proposed. These polysaccharide fractions exhibited potential cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on carcinoma cells, and they induced apoptosis in these cells through the events of up-regulation of caspase 3, down-regulation of bcl-2 family genes followed by cytochrome c release. Source: Carbohydrate Polymers – Journal (Jul 2014)

Link of tanglad to Cholesterol. The link between tanglad and cholesterol was investigated by researchers from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, who published their findings in the medical journal Lipids in 1989. They conducted a clinical trial involving 22 people with high cholesterol who took 140-mg capsules of tanglad oil daily. While cholesterol levels were only slightly affected in some of the participants--cholesterol was lowered from 310 to 294 on average--other people in the study experienced a significant decrease in blood fats.

The latter group, characterized as responders, experienced a 25-point drop in cholesterol after one month, and this positive trend continued over the course of the short study. After three months, cholesterol levels among the responders had decreased by a significant 38 points. Once the responders stopped taking tanglad, their cholesterol returned to previous levels. It should be noted that this study did not involve a placebo group, which is usually used to help measure the effects of the agent being studied (in this case, tanglad oil).

Neurobehavioral Effects :   (1) Study of myrcene in rats suggests anxiolytic activity. (2) Study of essential oil produced marked CNS depression in mice, similar to chlorpromazine effect. Also, it increased sleepness time, similar to a thiopental effect. Antinociceptive / Analgesic :   Myrcene extract from the essential oil has been shown to have an antinociceptive effect. Antitumoral :   (1) Study showed a-myrcene possess antimutagenic activity in mammary cells. (2) Plant compounds, a-limonene and geraniol showed inhibition of liver and intestinal mucous membrane cancer in mice. (3) Study in Thailand showed inhibition of colorectal neoplasia in mice. (4) Study showed inhibitory effects on early phase hepatocarcinogenesis in rats after initiation with diethylnitrosamine.

tanglad Usage, Dosage. tanglad leavesTanglad thrives in the wild even without too much care. It can be grown in pots and gardens. The stalks and leaves are harvested and used. Fresh tanglad can also be bought in most Asian markets by bundles. tanglad oil extract can also be bought in most grocery and health foods stores. tanglad comes in various forms, such as powder, dried leaves and essential oil. Amazon lists Lemon grass Essential Oil. 10 ml.

Tanglad Tea Preparation. Pound or cut about 10 leaves of tanglad Then add in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, Strain, add sugar and a slice of ginger to taste. Let it cool and drink a cup three to four times a day. Make new tanglad herbal tea as needed. When symptoms persist or irritation occurs stop the use and consult your doctor. tanglad oil (food grade) can also be used to make tea by diluting 2 teaspoon of tanglad oil to a cup of boiling water.

Tanglad Liniment Preparation. Boil equal amounts of chopped leaves and roots with freshly made coconut oil. You can also mix 2 drops of tanglad oil to an ounce of your usual oil used such as coconut oil, olive oil, etc. Tanglad Baths and Compress. Chop about a cup of tanglad leaves to a liter of water. Let it boil and strain. You can add it to your bath or you can use it as herbal compress for skin infections. tanglad oil can also be added to a bath or warm water for hot compress. a tablespoon of oil for every 500ml for compress is suggested.

Tanglad use Warnings and Side Effects. When cooked and properly prepared, eating tanglad has been proven beneficial even for young children, pregnant women and breast feeding mothers. Tanglad is not known to be harmful when taken in recommended dosages. However, individuals should always take caution before using any treatment. Pregnancy and Breast feeding. The essential oil should not be used internally by children, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Liver or kidney disease. When used for various medication, There are reports of the following: Burning sensation(s), Skin Irritation, discomfort, and rash.

Lowered blood glucose. While tanglad is not known to have an adverse effect with known drugs and supplements. Nonetheless It is advisable to limit the use of tanglad for the following medical conditions: Individuals taking oral diabetes drugs, Individuals taking anti-hypertensive drugs, Individuals with diabetes and / or individuals who are hypoglycemic, Allergies. In rare cases, tanglad essential oil has caused allergic reactions when applied to the skin. To minimize skin irritation, dilute the oil in a carrier oil such as safflower or sunflower seed oil before application. As with all essential oils, small amounts should be used, and only for a limited time. Can cause eye irritation. Avoid getting tanglad (herb or oil) in the eyes.

Dragon Fruit - Hylocereus Undatus

Scientific Name: Ceraus, Acanthocereus, Echinocereus, Hylocereus, Selenicereus, Stenocereus, Escontria, Myrthillocactus. Also knows as: Pitaya, Dragon Fruit, Red Pitahaya, Night blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night, conderella plant. Other common names: French: cierge-lezard, poire de chardon; German: distelbirn, echte stachelbirn, drachenfrucht; Hawaiian: Pa-nani-o-ka; Portoguese: cato-barse, cardo-ananaz; Spanish: pitahaya roja (Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela); flor de caliz, pitajava (Puerto Rico); junco, junco tapatio, pitahaya orejona, reina de la noche, tasajo (Mexico); Swedish: skogskaktus, rod pitahaya.

Dragon fruits have a surprising number of phytonutrients. Rich in antioxidants, they contain vitamin C (equivalent to 10 percent of the daily value), polyunsaturated (good) fatty acids, and several B vitamins for carbohydrate metabolism, as well as carotene and protein. Calcium is present for strong bones and teeth, iron and phosphorus for healthy blood and tissue formation. The benefits are realized in a number of ways, from a strengthened immune system and faster healing of bruises and wounds to fewer respiratory problems. Dragon fruits have zero complex carbohydrates, so foods can be more easily broken down in the body, helped by vitamin B1 (thiamin) and other B vitamins. The phytochemical captin, used as a medication to treat heart problems, is present in the fruit itself, and an oil in the seed operates as a mild laxative.

The seeds of dragon fruits are high in polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) that reduce triglycerides and lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Eating dragon fruit can help the body maintain such normal function as ridding the body of toxic heavy metals and improved eyesight. Lycopene, responsible for the red color in dragon fruit, has been shown to be linked with a lower prostate cancer risk.

The Dragon plant is a vine, epiphytic cacti of the genus Hylocereus that is believed to be native in Central and Southern America and has been brought to Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Dragon plant has fleshy stems that grow up to 20ft long when matured. Dragon plant may grow from the ground or climb onto trees using aerial roots. Dragon plant bears flowers that only bloom at night. The flowers are ornate and beautiful with fragrant scent. Pitahaya plants can have up to 4-6 fruiting cycles per year. The dragon fruit has spines that grows up to 1 kilogram in weight. Dragon fruit skin may be yellowish to dark red in color with edible flesh that maybe white or red depending on the variety. It has a lot of black small seeds that is also edible. Pitaya or Dragon fruit is also known to have some health benefits that includes preventing memory loss, anti cancer activity, control of blood glucose level in diabeetes, anti-xidant properties, aids in healing of wounds and others.

Dragon fruit Medicinal Uses. Folkloric health Benefits from Dragon fruit. Dragon fruit promotes healing of wounds and cuts. Dragon fruit improves appetite. Dragon fruit improves eye sight Dragon fruit can aid in weight reduction. Dragon fruit improves memory. Confirmed health Benefits from Dragon fruit. Dragon fruit boosts immune system. Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and fibers that help provide an overall healthy body. Dragon fruit helps in digestion. Because of the richness in fibers, Dragon fruit aids in the digestion of food, Studies also suggest that Dragon fruit promotes the growth of probiotics. Dragon fruit help to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Studies also suggest that the the glucose found in Dragon fruit aids in controlling the blood sugar level for diabetes patients. Dragon fruit prevent formation of cancer causing free radicals. Dragon fruit is rich in minerals and fibers that aids in digestion, cleans toxic ingredients thus preventing the occurrence of colon cancer.

Dragon fruit as anti-oxidant. The presence of high level of vitamin C, minerals and pytoalbumin is regarded as relevant in fighting free radicals and possess anti-oxidant properties. Dragon fruit helps to control cholesterol level. Dragon fruit is also rich in flavonoids that are known to have favorable effects against cardio related disease.  Dragon fruit confers prebiotic benefits. The researcher concluded that dragon fruit may be used as an ingredient in functional food and nutraceutical products for the overweight individuals and diabetic prevention management. Meanwhile, the prebiotic effect of dragon fruit should be tested in clinical studies with both the raw and extracted flesh for comparison.

Wound healing properties of Hylocereus undatus on diabetic rats. Aqueous extracts of leaves, rind, fruit pulp and flowers of Hylocereus undatus were studied for their wound healing properties. Wound healing effects were studied on incision (skin breaking strength), excision (percent wound contraction) and the nature of wound granulation tissues, which were removed on day 7 and the collagen, hexosamine, total proteins and DNA contents were determined, in addition to the rates of wound contraction and the period of epithelialization. In streptozotocin diabetic rats, where healing is delayed, topical applications of H. undatus produced increases in hydroxyproline, tensile strength, total proteins, DNA collagen content and better epithelization thereby facilitating healing. H. undatus had no hypoglycemic activity.

Dragon fruit Preparations, Usage and Side Effects. Dragon fruit Preparation and Usage. Dragon is fruit is best eaten fresh, it can be diced, sliced, chilled, add to salads or even blended to make a smoothie. Dragon fruits are available in most grocery stores, supermarkets and fruit stores. They are sold in per piece or in a per kilo basis. Dragon fruits are also made into jams, puree, sherbets, salads, fruit pizza, juice and beverages. Dragon fruit Warnings and Side Effects. Dragon fruit is generally a nutritious fruit that is a good source of vitamins and minerals. There are no reported side effects in consuming dragen fruit. Dragon fruit is safe for consumption even by pregnant and breast feeding mothers.

Scientific Studies of Health Benefits from Dragon fruit. Dragon fruit Mechanism of action in disease treatment and prevention. Pouyrhizus Waste Extract By Using Ultrasonic Solvents Extraction. Pitaya plants also known as Dragon fruit are rich in naturally-occurring flavonoids, which are primarily found in dragon fruit peel. Flavonoids have a wide range of biological activities, such as cell proliferation-inhibiting, apoptosis-inducing, enzyme-inhibiting, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects (Cook and Samman, 1996; Havsteen, 2002; Middleton and Kandaswami, 1993). Moreover, some findings indicate that flavonoids\ has various clinical properties, such as antiatherosclerotic, antiinflammatory, antitumour, antithrombogenic, antiosteoporotic, and antiviral effects (Cook and Samman, 1996; Havsteen, 2002). Numerous epidemiological studies confirm significant relationship between the high dietary intake of flavonoids and the reduction of cardiovascular risk (Cook and Samman, 1996). The formulation of preventive and healthy nutrition requires information about phenolic and flavonoid composition in the dragon fruit waste.

Detailed studies aimed at determining the relationship between a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, lifetime physical activity, and oxidative DNA damage with prostate cancer were measured. Many details were telling, such as the fact that men between 45 to 54 years of age who did not engage in physical activity had three times the risk of prostate cancer. The conclusion was that a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those containing lycopene, such as dragon fruit, and exercise were found to be protective against the disease. Since limited information on the capacities of tropical fruits is available, one study explored with positive results the ability of tropical fruits such as dragon fruit to inhibit human cytochrome P450, which is highly expressed in the liver, but also known to be present other tissues such as in the small intestine, lung, and kidney, and especially linked to congenital glaucoma.

Proximate analysis of dragon fruit (Hylecereus polyhizus). Dragon fruit is also rich in phytoalbumins which are highly valued for their antioxidant properties. Dragon fruit or Hylocereus polyrhizus is rich in fibers, vitamin C, minerals and phytoalbumins which are highly valued for their antioxidant properties. The dragon fruit helps the digestive process, prevent colon cancer and diabetes, neutralize toxic substances such as heavy metal, reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and consumed regularly the dragon fruit can help against asthma and cough. It is also rich with potassium, protein, fiber, sodium and calcium which goods for health than other fruits.

The Nutrition and Health Benefits of Tropical Fruits with Special Reference to Red Pitaya. This study indicates hypocholesterolemic effect of tropical fruits including dragon fruit or pitaya as shown in-vivo and human intervention trial, therefore it has a potential of reducing the risk factor for CHD (dyslipidemia). Soluble fiber increase fecal bile acids losses and chemodeoxycholic acid synthesis and appear to be the best substantiated mechanism by which fiber lowers serum cholesterol. Other factors that may have contributed to the cholesterol-lowering effects are the plant sterol and phytochemical present in fruits that interfere with cholesterol metabolism These effects maybe attributed by the active components present in the pitaya fruit such as antioxidant, polyphenolics, thiols, and their antioxidative activity from the betacyanin contents (Wybraniec & Mizrahi, 2002). The present study results revealed that both treatments (Red pitaya fruit and Lovastatin drug) showed a similar effect in increasing HDL-C and lowering TC, TG and LDL-C level

Oregano - Origanum vulgare

Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare Also knows as: Oregano (Spanish.), Suganda (Tagalog.), Torongil de Limon (Spanish.), Zuo shou xiang (Chinene.) Oregano is a wonderful herb, both to use in your cooking and to use therapeutically as needed. Its name means "mountain joy," and oregano was revered as a symbol of happiness by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Oregano is considered as a perennial plant that grows in warm temperate areas and is native in India, western and southern Eurasia and Mediterranean countries. Oregano was later introduced and cultivated in the Philippines and other Asian countries. Oregano grows from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite heart-shaped leaves 3 to 9 cm long. Oregano flowers are purple, 3–4 mm long, produced in erect spikes. It is sometimes called wild marjoram, and its close relative O. majorana is then known as sweet marjoram.

Oregano is used for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs, asthma, croup, and bronchitis. It is also used for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as heartburn and bloating. Other uses include treating menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract disorders including urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, and heart conditions. The oil of oregano is taken by mouth for intestinal parasites, allergies, sinus pain, arthritis, cold and flu, swine flu, earaches, and fatigue. It is applied to the skin for skin conditions including acne, athlete's foot, oily skin, dandruff, canker sores, warts, ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis; as well as for insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothaches, muscle pain, and varicose veins. Oregano oil is also used topically as an insect repellent.

Oregano Traditional Health Benefits. Oregano as used as herbal medicine has its earliest beginnings even in early Egyptian times and has been traditionally used as herbal remedy for skin burns, cuts and bruises. Because of the minty flavor of oregano, it is also used as herbal remedy for sore throat, asthma, colds, coughs and flu. Bleeding disorders (hemophilia). Early research suggests that oregano might not prevent bleeding after dental procedures in people with hemophilia. Wound healing. Early research suggests that applying an oregano extract to the skin twice daily for up to 14 days can improve skin color, stiffness, and thickness, but does not improve itching, pain, or scars, in people who have had portions of skin removed surgically. It is also used for: Repelling insects, Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Flu, Indigestion and bloating, Painful menstrual periods, Arthritis, Headaches, Heart conditions,

Other conditions,

Other traditional health benefits from Oregano. Antiseptic and fungicide. Oregano leaves and flowers are used to treat cuts and burns. Oregano contains thymol, a crystalline substance that has antiseptic and fungicide properties. Respiratory and stomach ailments. Oregano tea is taken as herbal medicine for respiratory and stomach ailments. Treatment for Colds, Fever and Indigestion. Oregano oil extracts are taken to alleviate symptoms of colds, mild fever, and indigestion. Antioxidant Oregano is known to have antioxidant properties that can protect against damaging agents. Relaxant. Oregano tea is believed to have a soothing effect and helps in getting restful sleep. Pain reliever. Tea made with oregano is also used to relieve flatulence [gas problems] and menstrual pain. Oil derived from oregano leaves offers relief from toothaches by rubbing a few drops of oregano oil on the teeth and gums after every meal and at bed time to reduce bad breath.

Source of fiber. The oregano herb is also a good source of fibre. A diet high in fibre helps manage weight, reduces risk of colon cancer and increases breakdown of cholesterol in the body. Source of Vitamins and minerals. Oregano is a relatively good source of calcium, iron, manganese, Vitamin A, C and K. [However, because the quantity consumed is very less, one cannot depend on oregano as a wholesome source of vitamins and minerals.Sinus Inhalant. The minty aroma of Oregano is used as a steam inhalant that helps clear sinuses. Acne and pimple treatment. Oregano oil helps in controlling acne and pimples. Add two drops of oregano oil to any face wash when cleaning your face [recommended: twice daily].

Arthritis, swelling and muscle pains. Externally crushed oregano leaves are mixed with oats and hot water and pounded into a paste. When applied over swelling, itching and aching muscles can ease pain. It also provides relief when rubbed on affected joints [twice daily] in case of arthritis. Dandruff and lice control. A few drops of oregano oil rubbed on the scalp at night help control dandruff. You may experience a mild warming sensation, which is normal. Wash off with a shampoo next morning. Oregano oil helps remove lice from hair. Oregano oil helps cure infections of fingernails. Asthma attack prevention. Oregano oil when rubbed on the chest and inhaled as vapors directly from the bottle several times in a day, helps clear the passage in cases of asthma.

Oregano Usage, Dosage. You can buy some at any grocery stores near the spices section. Oregano leaves may be available in fresh or dried forms. Oregano plant in pots can also be bought in some home depot shops or local plant nursery that can be grown in your home garden. Oregano oil can also be in capsules form available at your local health food store, and should be taken according to the manufacturer's directions. While naturally extracted oregano oil is harmless. Be careful of artificial oregano oils because these are toxic and are for external use only. Oregano oil extracts, dried powder and capsules are also available in online stores such as Amazon listed is the Frontier Mediterranean Oregano Leaf.

How to use Oregano oil? Oregano essential oil is the concentrated essence, or essential oil, of wild oregano. It takes approximately 100 pounds of oregano leaves to make a single pound of the volatile oregano oil. Oregano essential oil can be taken internally or used externally by topically applying directly on the affected area. Oregano Oil, Internal Use: Adults, dilute 2 drops of oregano oil 120 ml of water, and take 1-2 times daily. Children, dilute one drop in 120 ml of water, and take 1-2 times daily. Juice or any other natural liquid may be used in place of water, if desired. Oregano OIl, External Use: One part oregano oil can be diluted with to two parts of olive oil and may be applied directly to the affected area. If irritation of skin may occur, dilute the oregano with more olive oil. If symptoms persist, stop usage and consult a medical practitioner.

Oregano Tea Preparation:  Chop fresh Oregano leaves, add 1 tablespoon for every cup of water, boil for 15 to 20 minutes, let it steep then strain, take one cup once a day until condition improves, Dried leaves are more potent. To make tea, steep 15g of oregano leaves in 250mL of water. Oregano Use Warnings and Side Effects. When properly prepared and consumed in moderation or as small amount included in daily diet, Oregano is considered safe even for children and pregnant women. However when taken more than the recommended dosage, this may result to overdose and may have the following side effects: stomach upset,  allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Breast feeding. There are no sufficient studies made to determine the side effects of oregano taken in medicinal amounts to infants and babies. Stay on the safe side, avoid taking Oregano in herbal medicine dosages when pregnant and while breast feeding. Bleeding disorders: Oregano might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Allergies. In rare cases, Oregano herb has caused allergic reaction to people allergic to Lamaceae plant family. Diabetes. Oregano might lower blood sugar levels. If under medication, consult your doctor before taking oregano herbal medicine.

Scientific Studies: Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Herbal Medicine. Antiviral efficacy and mechanisms of action of oregano essential oil and its primary component carvacrol against murine norovirus. A study investigated the antiviral efficacy of oregano oil and its primary active component, carvacrol, against the nonenveloped murine norovirus (MNV), a human norovirus surrogate. Results suggest that oregano extract appeared to act directly upon the virus capsid and subsequently the RNA.  The results further demonstrate that carvacrol is effective in inactivating MNV within 1 h of exposure by acting directly on the viral capsid and subsequently the RNA. Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology 2014 May.

Bio-efficacy of the essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare Lamiaceae. Ssp. Hirtum). This study investigated the bioactivity of the essential oil isolated from Origanum vulgare L. (EOv). The extract was analyzed the in vivo anti-inflammatory properties in a mouse-airway inflammation model and the in vitro antimicrobial activity, genotoxicity over the anaphase-telophase with the Allium cepa strain and its cytotoxicity/viability in A549 culture cells. Results have shown that the oregano extract presents antimicrobial activity against different Gram (-) and (+) strains, measured by disc-diffusion test and confirmed with a more accurate method, the AutoCad software. It is  postulated that oregano extract presents antibacterial, antioxidant and chemopreventive properties and could be play an important role as bioprotector agent. Source:  Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2014 Dec.

Aloe Vera - Aloe barbadensis

Aloe Vera is one of the oldest known herbal medicines that can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt. Aloe Vera plant was depicted on stone carvings known as the “plant of immortality” and was presented as a funeral gift to pharaohs. Historically, aloe Vera has been used for a variety of purposes, including treatment of wounds, hair loss, and hemorrhoids; it has also been used as a laxative. Nowadays, aloe extract is still popularly used as a home remedy for skin problems such as psoriasis, burns, sunburns, insect bites and others. Aloe Vera can be found in many skin products such as lotions, gels and sun blocks. Other folkloric uses include treatment of arthritis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and osteoarthritis.

Two substances from aloe vera, the clear gel and the yellow latex, are used in health products today. Aloe latex is taken by mouth mainly as a laxative for constipation. It is also used for seizures, asthma, colds, bleeding, lack of a menstrual period, swelling of the colon (colitis), depression, and diabetes, eye conditions that cause blindness (glaucoma), multiple sclerosis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, and vision problems. Fresh aloe leaves are taken by mouth for cancer. 

People apply aloe gel to the skin for acne, an inflammatory skin condition called lichen planus, inflammation in the mouth, burning mouth, radiation-induced skin damage, dental plaque, diaper rash, frostbite, gum disease, bedsores, scabies, dandruff, wound healing, hemorrhoids and pain after surgery to remove internal hemorrhoids, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and as an antiseptic. Aloe extract and aloe gel are also applied to the skin for genital herpes, scaly and itchy skin, burns, sunburns, and dry skin. Aloe extract is applied to the skin as an insect repellant. Aloe leaf juice is applied to the skin for anal fissures. A chemical in aloe called acemannan is applied to the skin for dry sockets in the mouth and canker sores.

Aloe Vera is a herb that grows in warm climates and is widely distributed in Philippines, India, and Africa. Aloe Vera is widely used as traditional herbal medicine in China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, the United States, Jamaica, Latin America and India. Aloe Vera is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, regenerative, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and healing properties. Aloe Vera is a herb that grows up to 35 cm in height with green leaves. Aloe Vera leaves are about 6 cm wide that grows up tapering with spiny margins. Aloe Vera flower grows erect from the herb to as much as twice the height of the plant. Aloe Vera flowers are yellow to red yellow in color that grows to about 2cm.

Aloe Vera Traditional Medicinal Uses and Health benefits. Aloe Vera in Traditional and Folkloric Medicine for Skin Problems. Aloe Vera is traditionally used to treat the following skin conditions: skin burns, scalds, scrapes, sunburn wounds, psoriasis and others. Aloe Vera juice or the fleshy leaf is applied directly to the affected skin, providing relief and believed to improve healing.

Aloe Vera is used for treatment of hair related problems: Dandruff, Thinning and falling hair, Baldness. Fresh Aloe Vera juice or sap are massaged to the affected scalp and let it stay for a few minutes before washing. Aloe Vera, Herbal Medicine For Conjunctivitis, Stomachic, Hemorrhoids and Diabetes. Aloe Vera is used in conjunctivitis, Aloe leaf juice is applied to the outer eyelid. In small doses, Aloe Vera is considered stomachic tonic; in large doses, as purgative. For hemorrhoids, Aloe Vera cuticle from its leaves is used as suppository for hemorrhoids. In some Arabian regions, Aloe Vera is used to treat diabetes.

How to Get and How to Use. Aloe vera are widely cultivated and generally grown in pots. It can be bought it from your local horticulturist and at time at home depot shops as ornamental plant. Aloe vera is also widely used as ingredient in cosmetic and herbal preparations. Aloe vera leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment. The green part of the Aloe leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance (called latex) that is taken by mouth.

Dosage, Warnings and Side Effects. Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects. A 2-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on oral consumption of non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera found clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats, based on tumors of the large intestine. According to the NTP, from what is known right now there is nothing that would lead them to believe that these findings are not relevant to humans. However, more information, including how individuals use different types of aloe vera products, is needed to determine the potential risks to humans.

Science Based Studies and Research. Aloe Vera Mechanism of action in disease prevention. Aloe vera has several active constituents and most of them have therapeutic implications for disease prevention and treatment through the modulation of various biological and genetic activities. The possible mechanisms of actions of Aloe vera are described as follows: Aloe vera has aloe emodin (AE), aloin (barbaloin), anthracene, and emodin found to be relevant to cancer prevention owing to the activation and inactivation of molecular pathways associated with them.

Aloe vera  function as an antioxidant through free radical and superoxide radical-scavenging activities and anti-inflammatory activities via inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid and also inhibition of various transcription factors and the activities of enzymes including lypoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. Aloe vera shows antimicrobial activity by rupturing bacterial cell walls. Earlier studies have reported the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Aloe vera gel.

Aloe Vera has Anti Leukemic Function through its Anti-Mutagenic Activity. A study that isolated di(2)-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) from Aloe vera found that Aloe Vera exhibited growth inhibition against three leukemic cell lines and reduced AF-2-induced mutagenicity. DEHP was considered the active principle responsible for the anti-leukemic and anti-mutagenic effects in vitro. Extracts of Aloe vera Linne have been found to exhibit cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines.

Aloe vera has Wound Healing, Anti-cancer and Immune stimulation Activities. Study isolated a major carbohydrate fraction from the gell of Aloe vera leaf. It has been claimed to accelerate wound healing, immune stimulation and have anti-cancer and anti-viral effects. Study showed acemannan an extract found from Aloe vera stimulate cytokine production, nitric oxide release. The production of cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha were acemannan dose-dependent. The results suggest acemannan may function, in part, through macrophage activation.

Aloe Vera, Promotes Bone Regeration and Formation (osteoformation). Studies suggest that acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe vera gel, could affect bone formation.  Acemannan could function as a bioactive molecule inducing bone formation by stimulating BMSCs proliferation, differentiation into osteoblasts, and extracellular matrix synthesis. Acemannan extracted from Aloe vera could be a candidate for natural biomaterial for bone regeneration.

Aloe Vera for Biochemotherapy: An effective suport for Chemotheraphy. Study showed percentage of both objective tumor regressions and disease control was significantly higher in patients concomitantly treated with Aloe than with chemotherapy alone. Study suggest Aloe may be beneficial to use with chemotherapy to increase efficacy in terms of both tumore regression and survival time.

Aloe Vera as Antigenotoxic : Study showed antigenotoxic potentials of aloe and suggests a potential use in prevention of DNA damage caused by chemical agents. Aloe-emodin / Anticancer / Antiproliferative : Study showed aloe-emodin inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in two human liver cancer cell lines, but with different antiproliferative mechanisms. Results suggest aloe-emodin may be useful in liver cancer prevention. Aloeride / Immunostimulatory Activity : Study characterized a new immunostimulatory polysaccharide, Aloeride, from commercial aloe vera juice

Paragis - Eleusine indica (Linn.) Gaertn.

Scientific name: Eleusine indica (Linn.) Gaertn.; Eleusine barbata  Vidal. Common name: english: goose grass, paragis = tagalog, plagtiki = ilonggo, bila-bila = bisaya

What is Paragis? Paragis is an annual, erect, tufted, glabrous grass, 10 centimeters to 1 meter in height. Leaves are 10 to 30 centimeters long, sometimes involute when dry, 3 to 7 millimeters wide, distichous, rather flaccid, with flattened sheaths. Spikes are 3 to 6, all in a terminal whorl, or one or two lower down, 2.5 to 10 centimeters long, 3 to 5 millimeters thick. Spikelets are very numerous, crowded, 3- to 5-flowered, 3 to  millimeters long, the first glume 1-nerved and small, the second, 3-nerved, and the third and succeeding ones ovate, acute.

What are the Health Benefits of Paragis? Paragis is widely used in Africa as an alternative medicine to different kinds of illnesses. Aeta people from Porac, Pampanga used burnt dried leaves of Paragis as a repellent against insects. Leaves of Paragis contain silicon monoxide, calcium oxide, and chlorine. Dried leaves contain protein. Many declared it to be anti-inflammatory, a natural antihistamine, a natural diuretic, antidiabetic, an effective anti-oxidant and has cytotoxic properties.

Parts of Paragis that Can Be Used as a Herbal Medicine. Leaves- Drinking boiled leaves of Paragis or making a Paragis Tea will ease several pains and illnesses. You can also patch the minced or pulverized leaves on some conditions. Stems- Boil the stem with leaves to achieve more effective results. Roots- Drinking boiled roots can also cure several illnesses.

Health Conditions That Can Be Cured by Paragis. Cancer- because of this plant’s antioxidant properties, this can lower the risk of growing cancer cell in your body. Ovarian Cyst and Myoma- patients with ovarian cyst conditions have proven that drinking Paragis tea in a daily basis has made the cyst completely disappear. Kidney Problems- paragis is a natural diuretic which increases the amount of water in our body and expells salt as urine. Arthritis- heat pounded leaves mixed with scraped coconut. Patch and bandage on the affected area. Diabetes- drink Paragis tea regularly and say goodbye to diabetes. Wounds- apply decoction to wound to stop the bleeding. Parasitism- paragis is a strong laxative that can flush out worms and parasites from your stomach. Urinary Tract Infection- you may stop taking antibiotics and start drinking boiled leaves to immediately cure UTI. 

Hypertension- lowers the risk of high blood pressure by drinking boiled leaves and stems of Paragis. Fever- you won’t be needing any medication to reduce your temperature. Just drink boiled roots of Paragis for faster and more effective results. Sprain (Pilay)- to have an instant relief from a sprain, patch some minced leaves on the affected area. Dandruff- reduce the appearance of dandruff. Mix minced leaves and stems with coconut oil. Use it as a shampoo and gently massage it on your scalp.  It can also stop hair fall and help your hair grow back to its original thickness. Dysentery- this is a type of gastroenteritis that results in diarrhea with blood. Drink boiled roots of Paragis to ease this alarming condition.

Other Illnesses that Can Be Cured By Paragis: Asthma, Haemoptysis, Bladder Disorders, Problems, Jaundice, Malaria, Infertility in Women, Epilepsy. Distribution.  An abundant weed in waste places and along river banks, roads, and settled areas throughout the Philippines. Strictly xerophytic. Also found throughout warm countries. Constituents.  Ash of leaves contain SiO, 16-47%; CaO, 10-13%; and chlorine, 6-7%. Study showed the dry matter content to be 35.8%, crude protein 12.4%. Properties. Plant considered diuretic, antihelminthic, diaphoretic, febrifuge.

Uses. Edibility / Culinary. Roots and seeds are edible.  Roots eaten raw, young seedling raw or cooked. Grain is a famine food in India and parts of Africa.

Folkloric.  Antihelminthic: Decoction of 20 gms in 1 liter of water. Two tablespoons of fresh leave juice every hour.  Decoction of the fresh plant used as a diuretic and for dysentery. Dandruff: whole plant mixed with gogo; also prevents hair loss. Post-partum: Decoction or fresh juice of leaves prescribed after childbirth. Fever: Decoction of roots; boil 20 gms to a liter of water, 4 to 5 glasses a day. Sprains and lumbago: Apply poultice of leaves 4 times daily. Hemoptysis: Boil the whole plant from root to flowers, boil 20 to 30 grams in a liter of water, as decoction.

Used for hypertension.  Bakwiri people of West tropical Africa use infusion of whole plant for hemoptysis. In Singhalese Materia Medica, reported as useful for sprains and dislocation. In Malaysia, decoction of roots used for asthma. In coastal Guyana, decoction of plant used to relieve pains from abdominal muscle strain; applied to wounds to stop the bleeding. Decoction of grass used as tonic and to relieve bladder disorders. In Malaya, leaf juice given after childbirth to help expel the placenta. In Sumatra, used as anthelmintic. In Cambodia, used for fevers and liver complaints. In Venezuela, seed decoction given to infants suffering from black jaundice. In Nigeria, used for diabetes and malaria. In Colombia, decoction of plant for diarrhea, dysentery and convulsions. In Sri Lanka, for muscle sprains, roots or the entire plant mixed with scraped coconut and a piece of Curcuma domestica is pounded well and heated till cooked, then packed over sprained muscles and bandaged.

Study Findings. Airway Inflammatory Processes: C-glycosylflavones from the aerial parts of Eleusine indica inhibit LPS-induced mouse lung inflammation: Study may justify the popular use of EI against airway inflammatory disorders.  Apoptotic Induction Activity: Study of grass extracts of D. aegyptium and Eleusine indica showed selective inhibitory growth inhibition effect on human lung cancer and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. The activity was probably mediated through induction of apoptosis. Antiplasmodial / Antidiabetic: Study of ethanolic leaf extract showed significant schizonticidal activity during early and established infections. Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rats a leaf extract caused significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels in acute and prolonged treatment study.

Nutritional Potential / Fodder: Study showed the dry matter content to be 35.8%, crude protein 12.4%. Forage was found to be fairly palatable when fed to goats, with no adverse effect. E. indica presents a potential alternative for the problem of green roughage scarcity. Hepatoprotective/ Antioxidant: Study evaluated an aqueous extract of E. indica against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Results showed hepatoprotective effects which may be attributable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property. The extract reduced the stable DPPH level in a dose-dependent manner.

Coconut - Cocos Nucifera

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is the Best Oil in the World. Coconut oil contains lauric acid which is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Coconut oil is the best    frying oil since it does     not create any free     radicals when heated. Virgin coconut oil is a very good skin moisturizer. VCO lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

Coconut / Buko (Cocos nucifera).

 In most Pacific islanders, is called the tree of life for its versatility of use. Almost every part of the Coconut / buko tree has good use as seen in many domestic, commercial and industrial applications. It is also valued in traditional medicine for the many health benefits it provides, from graying hair to cancer. We shall examine in this article how they are used and what is the scientific basis if any.

Scientific Name: Cocos nucifera Common Names: The Coconut / Buko tree ;(Cocos nucifera), is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family) The Coconut / Buko tree is of the genus Cocos. The Coconut / Buko tree or Coconut / Buko palm can be found in rainforests and countries with tropical climate such as in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific. In the United States, Coconut / Buko tree can be found in Hawaii, the Southern tip of Florida, and the Virgin Islands.

The Coconut / Buko tree has erect graceful gray colored trunk, swollen at the base and grows slightly curved. The truck is ringed due to old leaf scars and is smooth. The Coconut / Buko tree is topped by a crown composed of about 25 to 30 pinnate feather-like leaves that are about 6 feet wide and 18 feet long. There are about 200 leaflets in every leaf, colored yellow green when young and as it matures turned to brown. The Coconut / Buko leaves are shed as it grows old and young new shoots grows from the top most of the crown. Coconut / Buko flowers start to bloom when the Coconut / Buko is about 4 to 6 years of age. The Coconut / Buko flowers are yellow and are sweet scented. The flowers grow in clusters from a branched stalked with both male and female flowers growing from the same inflorescence.

The flower buds turned to Coconut / Buko fruits that grow to a large nut like shape about 10 inches in diameter and about 12 inches in length. The fruit is commonly called as Coconut / Buko . The Coconut / Buko has a smooth hard protective outer layer, usually green, but others may be pale yellow, silver-gold or brown depending on variety and age. Coconut / Buko fruit has a husk of about 1 to 2 inches thick with an inner hollow round seed of about 5 to 7 inches in diameter. The Coconut / Buko seed has a hard shell that when cracked open will reveal a layer of white edible meat and about a glassful of sweet watery Coconut / Buko milk. A matured Coconut / Buko tree can produce about 50 to 200 Coconut / Buko s per year depending on variety and growing conditions.

Coconut / Buko Health Benefits as in Traditional Medicine. Traditional Health Benefits of Coconut / Buko. Coconut has long been used in traditional medicine for almost any kind of illness and almost all parts have their uses. Among these health benefits are as follows. Antifungal and antimicrobial treatment for skin and mouth problems such as ring worms, candidiasis, psoriasis, sores, skin burns, sunburns, toothache, sore throat and ulcers. Coconut oil is massage over the skin as anti-ageing regimen to keep skin soft and youthful looking. Used as oil massage to remove heel cracks and darkening of armpits. Coconut oil is used to treat scalp and hair problems. From greying hair, dandruff to baldness.

Coconut oil is an antidote for pesticide poisoning.  Coconut water is used to treat colitis, kidney stones, and stomach acidity. Coconut water is also used as diuretic to improve removal of excess water. Coconut water is used for the treatment of urinary tract, gall bladder and kidney problems. Used for the treatment of catarrhal inflammation associated with common colds and coughs. Consume the flesh of Coconut with Coconut Milk and Honey. It increases libido in both men and women. Coconut water is used to treat measles.

Science Based Health Benefits from Coconut / Buko Herbal Medicine. Coconut / Buko has many claims of health benefits in traditional medicine. Only recently that laboratory studies and researches has been made to verify its effectivity and science has uphold some its claims as cure for many health problems. Coconut health benefits 1: Immune System Booster. Coconut oil is good for the immune system. Coconut water is now considered as a potent nutritional source that can boost energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance. Coconut health benefit 2: Aids the digestive system. Coconut has been found to improve digestion and hasten the absorption of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Coconut is also effective in expelling parasites such as tapeworms and lice.

Coconut health benefit 3: Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal actions. The coconut oil contains antimicrobial lipids, capric acid, caprylic acid and lauric acid that are known to possess antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Coconut helps strengthen the immune system by converting lauric acid into monolaurin which limits the activities of viruses that cause diseases such as influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, and even AIDS. Coconut also fights bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori that are causes of diseases such as throat infections, gum disease, ulcers, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhea. Coconut is also used in the treatment of fungi and yeast infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash and candidiasis.

Coconut health benefits 4: Skin and Hair Care. Coconut oil is widely used to promote healthy growth of hair. Coconut is traditionally used to treat baldness, dandruff and head lice; Coconut oil is used as hair conditioner to nourish damaged hair. Coconut oil is also used as topical applicant for wounds and burns to lubricate skin and to protect from infections. Reduces symptoms associated to psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. It also helps to soften the skin and relieve dryness and flaking. Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. Coconut is also used as a protection against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Coconut health benefit 5: Prevents Heart disease.There is a misconception about coconut oil that has been propagated long since being high in saturated fats that can cause heart diseases. In the contrary, recent researches have shown that the saturated fats found in coconut oil is a type of unique fat molecule known as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) that actually prevents heart diseases. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil increases the HDL level (good cholesterol) while lowering the LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood thus improving the ratio of HDL to LDL which is the basis for heart disease risks. The p-Coumaric acid in coconut oil prevents the formation of arterial plaque by preventing the stickiness of the blood platelet, lowering the blood pressure and reducing the risk of damaging the arteries and preventing the development of atherosclerosis.

Coconut health benefit 6: Aids weight loss. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil are readily burned into energy preventing the formation of fats. This process also relieves the pancreases of stress, making it more efficient, increasing the body metabolism, and thereby burning more energy that results to weight reduction. This likewise reduces the symptoms of pancreatitis. Furthermore, coconut oil is easy to digest helping the thyroid and the enzyme system to function properly as well. In a study done on women who were given coconut oil supplementation for 12 weeks as compared to those given with soybean oil have indicated that women who took 30 millilitres of coconut oil daily have lower body mass index and reduced waist line.

Coconut health benefit 7: Antioxidant and anti-cancer. Coconut oil extracted by cold press process or commonly called virgin coconut oil naturally contains Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ferulic and p-Coumaric acids that are known as potent antioxidants. The antioxidants in coconut helps protect the body from free radicals that are the primary cause of premature aging, degenerative disease and even cancer. Coconut oil is traditionally used to protect the body against colon, breast and other cancers. The anti-oxidative property of coconut oil also protects other essential fatty acids in the body from oxidation.

Other health benefits. Coconut oil helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes by improving insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement). Reduces epileptic seizures. Coconut water is good for urinary, kidney and bladder problems. Helps prevent liver disease. Coconut improves the absorption of calcium and magnesium that supports bone development that is beneficial for osteoporosis prevention. Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.

Coconut / Buko Herbal Medicine Preparations, Usage and Side Effects. Coconut / Buko Herbal Preparation and Usage. Coconut / Buko meat can be used in cooking along with other vegetables and meat or can be eaten raw. Coconut water is best consumed fresh after the coconut is opened it is taken as supplement to water intake. It can also be used to wash skin problems and as mouth wash. One teaspoon of coconut oil can be mixed with a glass of milk, coffee or other drinks. Coconut oil may be applied and massaged directly to the affected area. Virgin coconut oil can be taken one teaspoon at a time, twice a day.

Fresh coconut is available in most Asian and Indian grocery stores and markets. Fresh coconut should be consumed immediately upon opening to benefit from its natural properties. Fresh coconut water can be refrigerated up to 12 hours in a tightly sealed container to maintain its freshness. You can make your own virgin coconut oil as follows: coconut oil, Crack to open a mature (brown) coconut, Scrape the white meat off the shell, Cut and shred into fine pieces using a blender / food processor, Filter and extract the juice into a clean jar using a clean cloth., Let it stay in a cold place for 24 hours to separate the oil from the curd, Remove and dispose of the curd and harvest the oil. Virgin coconut / buko oil are now available in many health sotres even in some grocery and super markets. If you can't find one in your area, online stores such as Amazon carry a few listings such as Carrington Farms Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Just llok out for a reputable manufacturer and follow the instructions found in the label for safe use.

Coconut / Buko Herb Warnings and Side Effects. Coconut water. Fresh Coconut Water is one of the best natural drinks there is. There is no known or reported side effect for its use and consumption. Coconut water is safe even for children and pregnant women. Moderate use of virgin coconut oil or coconut oil extracted by cold press has no known side effects.