Lagundi is excellent for asthma, cough, upper and lower respiratory
tract infections. Being Considered replacement of the synthetic drug dextrometorphan, an anti-tussive in the
public system. Being promoted by the Dept of Health. Registered under BFAD as
medicine. There are 7 brands of Lagundi in
the market today.
What is
Lagundi? Also
knows as: Scientific Name : Vitex Negundo, Dabtan (If.) Dangla (Ilk.) Kamalan
(Tag.) Lagundi (Ibn., Tag., Bik., P. Bis.) Li?gei (Bon.) Limo-limo (Ilk.)
Sagarai (Bag.) Turagay (Bis.) Five-leaved chaste tree (Engl.) Huang Ching
(Chin.) Agno-casto (Spanish) Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a
large native shrub that grows in the Philippines and has been traditionally
used as herbal medicine. The Philippine Department of Health has conducted
research and study for Lagundi and has suggested that the lagundi plant has a
number verifiable therapeutic value.
Lagundi
is an erect, branched tree or shrub, that grows to as much as 5 m high. Lagundi
has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk and is usually seen in swamps of
the Philippines. Lagundi leaves appear palmately, in the form of five pointed
leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. Lagundi leaves are
5-foliate, rarely with 3 leaflets only. Lagundi leaves are 4-10 cm long,
slightly hairy beneath. The lagundi flowers are blue to lavender, 6-7 mm long
bearing fruit globose of about 4mm in diameter that turns black when ripe.
Lagundi,
herbal medicine - Health Benefits. Lagundi has been traditionally used as herbal
medicine by Philippine folks. The efficacy of Lagundi has also been verified by
the Philippine Department of Health and other Philippine based scientists which
concentrated on its use to ease respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally
used for the treatment of coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory
problems. Lagundi is also known for its analgesic effect that helps
alleviate pain and discomfort. Other traditional benefits that are derived from
the use of Lagundi are as follows: Relief of asthma &
pharyngitis; Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils,
diarrhea; Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other
bronchopulmonary disorders ;Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox; Removal of
worms, and boils
Lagundi
Herbal Medicine Preparation. Lagundi leaves, root, flowers, and seeds are
believed to have medicinal value. Lagundi concoction is prepared by boiling,
steeping, and then straining various parts such as lagundi leaves, roots,
flowers and seeds, the following steps: wash fresh or dried Lagundi
leaves; chop then add in 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of lagundi
parts; let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes; Let it steep then strain the
various parts; Drink half cup of Lagundi three times a day; Lagundi
concoction can be stored in suitable glass container for later consumption.
Lagundi
Availability. Commercially,
lagundi can be purchased in the form of syrup or capsules to make it easier to
handle. It is also blended in with cough medicines and other herbal
remedies. Lagundi syrup is now commonly formulated as cough medicine which
can also be bought in leading drugstores and supermarkets. For outside of the
Philippines, an alternative herbal capsule is Ricola Cough Drops, a naturally
extracted cough and sore throat tablet with high and favorable review.
Warning
and Side Effects of lagundi. Lagundi use is widely acceptable as safe for
use for children and adults and no adverse reaction has been reported. However,
moderate use is recommended for pregnant women, and treatment should not exceed
one week. If symptoms persist and irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your
doctor.