Carnivorous Plants Felix

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    CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

    Although carnivorous plants do include predatory species that trap, kill and digest animal victims, none

    of them are "man-eating." Contrary to some sci-fi movies, there are no carnivorous plants capable of trapping

    people. Some tropical pitcher plants may be large enough to trap small amphibians, but generally their diet ischiefly insects. The huge Malaysian arum called "devil's tongue" or krubi (Amorphophallus titanum) may

    produce an erect flower stalk or spadix over 8 feet (2.4 m) tall from a huge vase-shaped, pleated spathe over

    four feet (1.2 m) tall and 12 feet (4 m) in circumference. This floral giant develops from a tuber measuring 6

    feet (2 m) in circumference and weighing over 100 pounds (46 kg). Although it may appear like a giantcarnivorous plant, it is completely harmless to people--unless you take a deep breath of its foul, carrion-like

    stench. The enormous blossom generates such an overwhelming smell that people have been known to pass out

    from taking too close a whiff.

    Carnivorous plants may be subdivided into 2 major groups; those with passive traps and those with

    active traps. For some of these traps the actual method of insect decomposition involves digestive enzymes

    produced by the plant and bacterial decay within the trap. A classic passive trap is the "pitfall trap" of pitcher

    plants, including Darlingtonia and Sarracenia of the Sarraceniaceae, and Nepenthes of the Nepenthaceaewhere an insect falls into a vase-like modified leaf. Downward-pointing hairs on the slippery walls prevent the

    insect from crawling out, and the hapless victim ultimately drowns in a pool of digestive enzymes at the bottom

    Other well-known passive traps are the "flypaper" or adhesive traps of sundews (Drosera, Droseraceae) andbutterworts (Pinguicula, Lentibulariaceae). In both of these unrelated genera, the leaves are covered with

    sticky, gland-tipped hairs (Drosera) or a sticky (viscid) layer of mucilage (Pinguicula) which entangle the

    hopeless, struggling victim.

    CONTENT:

    I. PITCHER PLANT

    II. SUNDEWS

    III. VENUS FLY TRAP

    IV BLADDERWORTHS

    V. PREDATORY FUNGI

    VI. A PROTOZOA-TRAPPING FLOWERING PLANT

    VII. RAPID MOVEMENT OF THE SENSITIVE PLANT

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    1. Pitcher Plants

    Pitcher plants (Darlingtonia californica) growing in a boggy meadow in northern California. Some of the plants

    have flowers on long stalks.

    Illustration of the passive trap of a pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica). The

    sign was photographed at a roadside "Darlingtonia Bog" along the Oregon coast.

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    North American pitcher plants of the genus Sarracenia. Left: S. purpurea, a variable species widely

    distributed in the Eastern United States. Right: Close-up view of a Sarracenia flower showing theenlarged, umbrella-like style, with five branches terminating in a stigma.

    Climbing, epiphytic pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes, mostly native to tropical Asia and

    northern Australia. Left: N. ventricosa native to the Philippine Islands. Right: A climbing Nepenthesshowing the elongate tendrils bearing "pitcher" traps at their tips. Each "pitcher" has a thickened rim

    and a lid at the apex. The lid presumably serves as a barrier to prevent the prey from climbing out ofthe pitcher. According to James and Patricia Pietropaolo (Carnivorous Plants of the World, Timber

    Press, Inc. 1986), the fluid from unopened pitchers has been used as a laxative, a remedy for burns,

    coughs, inflamed eyes, and for various skin disorders. Open pitchers are used to carry water and aspots for cooking food, while the strong vines are used for cordage.

    2. Sundews

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    The elongate leaf of a sundew plant (Drosera capensis) is covered with dense, gland-tipped

    hairs. Several tiny midge flies are stuck to the sticky hairs. They will be slowly,

    enzymatically digested and absorbed by the plant.

    3. Venus' Fly Trap

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    In active traps a rapid plant movement takes place as an integral part of the trapping process. Probably the best

    known active trap is the Venus' flytrap (Dionaea muscipula, Droseraceae), one of the most astonishing plantsin the world. A relative of the sundews (Drosera), this remarkable species belongs to the Sundew Family

    (Droseraceae). Its native habitat in all the world is a narrow strip of coastal land approximately 10 miles (16

    km) wide and 100 miles (160 km) long in North Carolina and adjacent South Carolina. Its generic name is amodification of Dione, the Greek name for Venus. When triggered by an insect, the leaf blade folds closed

    along its midrib bringing the two halves together. Three bristle-like hairs near the middle of the upper side of

    the leaf blade are sensitive to touch and cause the blade to snap shut. Touching one hair will not trigger the

    closing mechanism. Only when one hair is touched twice or two hairs are touched in succession will the leafblade fold closed. This strategy generally prevents an inanimate object (such as pebbles or small sticks) from

    activating the trap. A fringe of stiff hairs around the edge of the blade become interlocked (intermeshed) when

    the blade folds closed, thus trapping the insect like bars in a jail cell. The action of this remarkable mechanisminvolves a rapid loss of turgor pressure within the leaf cells on the upper side of the leaf. Digestive enzymes

    from glands on the leaf surface break down the proteins of the imprisoned victim, and the plant gets a

    supplemental source of nitrogen.

    A Venus' flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) in full bloom. Active traps are formed by hinged

    leaves fringed with stiff hairs. When the leaf blade folds closed, it traps a hapless insect

    behind the intermeshed hairs.

    But why would some insectivorous plants need an additional supply of nitrogen, particularly whenthey are living in organically-rich bogs? The answer to this question may involve the pH of the water and soil

    which is too acidic for nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia from protein decay into nitrite and nitrate ions.

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    This important bacterial process is called nitrification. The nitrite and nitrate ions made available by the bacteria

    are readily absorbed by the roots of plants. If the nitrification process is impaired, there could actually be ashortage of these nitrite and nitrate ions; hence, the carnivorous plants have evolved a mechanism to obtain a

    supplemental supply of nitrogen.

    A Venus' flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Active traps are formed by hinged, 2-lobed leaf blades fringed

    with stiff hairs. When the leaf blade folds closed, it traps an insect within a jail of interlocking hairs.Three bristle-like hairs near the middle of the upper side of the leaf blade are sensitive to touch and

    cause the blade to snap shut. Touching one hair will not trigger the closing mechanism. Only when one

    hair is touched twice or two hairs are touched in succession will the leaf blade fold closed.

    The mechanism responsible for the rapid closure of the leaf (within 1/2 second) has generally beenexplained as being due to rapid loss of turgor pressure in the upper epidermal cells. Recent studies indicate that

    the pressure loss may be in the layer of mesophyll cells underlying the upper epidermis. When these cells

    suddenly become flaccid, the leaf folds upward along the midrib. A decrease in ATP (adenosine triphoshate) is

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    associated with each closure, suggesting that biochemical energy is also involved. Repeated stimulation of the

    trap by touching the trigger hairs too frequently will noticeably fatigue the trap. Apparently the ATP supply isexhausted, and not enough time has elapsed for sufficient ATP regeneration.

    This fly is trapped between the folded halves of a Venus' fly trap leaf blade. The fly is imprisoned

    within a jail of interlocking hairs along the leaf margin. This fly later escaped, only to be caught anddigested by another leaf.

    4. Bladderworts

    The only carnivorous plant with a true "trapdoor" is the remarkable bladderwort (Utricularia). Thislittle submersed aquatic plant has one of nature's most precise and delicate traps, and certainly the most rapid.

    Thousands of minute bladders are attached to feathery submersed branchlets by tiny stalks. Some authorities

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    consider these finely divided branchlets to be modified leaves. The flattened, pear-shaped bladders range in

    diameter from 2 millimeters (the size of a pinhead) to about 4 millimeters (the size of a BB). At one end is anopening and a flap of tissue which forms the door. The door hangs down from the top of the entrance like a

    garage door, except it opens inward. Support tissue and a mucilage coating around the door frame helps to seal

    the door and prevent water from entering the bladder. The door opening is surrounded by several bristly hairsthat resemble the antennae of a tiny crustacean or insect. Numerous, tiny glands inside the bladder absorb most

    of the internal water and expel it on the outside. As a result, a partial vacuum is produced inside the bladder and

    the pressure on the outside becomes greater than inside. This causes the walls to squeeze inward and explains

    their slightly concave appearance.

    Left: A flowering bladderwort plant (Utricularia vulgaris) raised out of the water. The

    dense, intricately-branched, submersed branchlets contain hundreds of minute pear-shaped

    bladder traps. Right: Flower stalk and blossoms of a bladderwort plant (Utricularia

    vulgaris). Hundreds of minute bladder traps are attached to a feathery mass of branchlets

    below the water surface.

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    Underwater view of the slender branchlets of a bladderwort plant (Utricularia vulgaris)

    bearing tiny, pear-shaped bladders. Note the bristly hairs at the entrance to the bladder traps.

    The airtight door is hinged to allow easy entry; but like a door, it cannot be forced open from within.Special trigger hairs near the lower free edge of the door cause it to open. When a minute aquatic organismtouches or hits one of these extremely sensitive hairs, the hair acts as a lever, multiplying the force of impact

    and bending or distorting the very pliable door. This breaks the watertight seal and, since the bladder contains a

    partial vacuum, the hapless victim is sucked in. The whole trapping process occurs within 15 to 20 milliseconds(about 1/60 of a second), roughly the speed of a daylight camera shutter setting. Bladder extracts from some

    species of bladderworts indicate that enzymes secreted by the plant may be involved in the digestion process.

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    View of the slender branchlets of a bladderwort plant (Utricularia vulgaris) bearing tiny,

    pear-shaped bladders. Note the bristly hairs at the entrance to the bladder traps. One

    bladder trap has been enlarged to show a trapped copepod, a minute crustacean related to

    shrimp and crayfish. The tail, legs, and antennae of the copepod are clearly visible. The

    entire bladder is about 2 mm across, slightly larger than the head of an ordinary straight

    pin.

    5. Predatory Fungi

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    Any discussion of carnivorous plants would be incomplete without mentioning the amazing predatoryfungi that actually capture and devour they prey. These organisms are technically not plants since they belong to

    the Kingdom Fungi, but they are nonetheless quite remarkable. The predatory fungi belong to the Phylum

    (Division) Zygomycota. In some mycology books they are placed in the Class Zygomycetes. The zygomycetes

    include a number of microscopic fungi that attack bread, dead flies and moving animals. You have probably

    seen the web-like filaments and black sporangia of black bread mold, especially if you allow freshly-bakedbread (without preservatives) to get moldy. Other references place these fungi in the Class Deuteromycetes

    (Imperfect Fungi) because their sexual cycle is not fully understood; therefore, it is difficult to place them in adefinite fungal class. The visible body of these fungi consists of a mass of intricately branched filaments

    collectively referred to as a mycelium. Several predatory species in the genus Dactylaria attack minute

    nematodes called eelworms, and another fascinating species (Dactylella tylopaga) attacks microscopicamoebas in the soil.

    It is hard to imagine a filamentous fungus that actually lassos its prey, but this is the case in certain

    species ofDactylaria. Some of the filamentous strands of this fungus form a loop which serves as an animaltrap. Minute nematodes (called eelworms) slither into the loop, hoping to eat the fungus. As the eelwormtouches the fungus, the loop tightens and captures the struggling eelworm. When the victim finally dies, the

    fungus penetrates the eelworm body and proceeds to digest and absorb it. Exactly what triggers this lassoing

    mechanism has been the subject of considerable scientific speculation. It undoubtedly involves a chemicalreaction between the eelworm body and the fungus. Just as researchers made attempts to fool Venus' flytraps

    with probes made of glass, wood or metal, they have also tried to trick the fungus. But to no avail, the fungal

    noose refused to tighten up. Other species of these unusual fungi catch their prey with hundreds of sticky,adhesive pads, similar to the glue-like, gland-tipped hairs and sticky leaves of sundews and butterworts.

    6. A Protozoa-Trapping Flowering Plant

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    Afascinatingarticle about a rare

    and little-known

    member of the

    carnivorous

    Bladderwort Family

    (Lentibulariaceae)

    called Genlisea

    appeared in Nature

    Volume 392 (2

    April 1998) by

    Wilhelm Barthlott,

    Stefan Porembski,

    Eberhard Fischer

    and Bjorn Gemmel.

    Since the time of

    Darwin it has beenpostulated that the

    specialized leaves

    of this unusual plant

    are traps for

    catching small prey,

    and finally after

    more than a century

    it was proven.

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    Genlisea species

    are rare in the wild

    and occur mainly in

    nutrient-poor white

    sands and moist

    rock outcrops in

    South America andtropical Africa.

    They form a small

    rosette about 3

    centimeters in

    diameter, with

    linear or spatulate

    leaves. The yellow

    or violet flowers,

    similar to those of

    the closely-relatedbladderwort, are

    borne on an

    inflorescence up to

    20 centimeters tall.

    When a rosette of leaves and rhizome are dug up, pale bundles of slender, root-like organs up to 15centimeters long are revealed. Since the plant is rootless, these organs are actually subterranean modified

    leaves lacking chlorophyll. Each leaf consists of a long hollow strand that divides into 2 spirally twistedarms or branches (like a long inverted Y). The whole structure (called a trapping leaf) hangs downward in

    the water or wet soil. Just above the fork (toward the rhizome) of each trapping leaf is a widened portioncalled the bulb or bladder. The arms are also hollow with an average inside diameter of 200 micrometers.

    At each twist along the spiral arms is a slit-like opening about 400 micrometers wide and 180 micrometers

    high. Protozoans (including at least 9 documented species of ciliates) are attracted to the arms bychemicals secreted by the plant. The hapless protozoans swim into the slit-like openings where they

    become trapped and digested by the plant. Their escape is blocked by rows of special inwardly-pointing

    hairs which line the slits. Glands between the rows of hairs presumably secrete digestive enzymes, and theinviting entrances are definitely a one-way trip for the protozoans.

    This is the first documented case of a flowering plant that actually captures and digestsmicroscopic protozoans. It is also the first example of a carnivorous plant secreting a chemical

    as a lure. Thus, 125 years after Charles Darwin's initial postulations, the puzzle ofGenlisea's

    feeding behavior is finally solved.

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    7. Rapid Movement Of The Sensitive Plant

    The sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) is a pantropical weedy herb in the legume family (Fabaceae).

    The pinnately compound leaves are composed of numerous tiny leaflets. When touched, the leaflets

    begin to fold up very rapidly and the leaf stalk (petiole) suddenly bends downward. [Sleepmovements also occur in the sensitive plant and in many other species of leguminous trees and

    shrubs in which the leaflets slowly fold up at night.] These plant movements in response to a

    stimulus (called nastic movements) are associated with loss of tugor pressure in the leaves. Thesensitive plant is especially interesting because of the rapidity of the wilting process, an entire leaf

    suddenly drooping after it has been touched. As one leaflet folds up, the stimulus moves to other

    parts of the leaf until all the leaflets and adjacent leaves have folded up. Two distinct mechanisms,

    one electrical and the other chemical, appear to be involved in the rapid spread of the stimulus insensitive plants. At the bases of the leaflets are jointlike thickenings called pulvini, with a large

    pulvinus at the base of each petiole. When a leaf is stimulated by touch, heat or wind, there is a chain

    reaction in which potassium ions migrate from one side of each pulvinus to the other side. This isfollowed by a rapid shuttling of water molecules from parenchyma cells in one half of the pulvinus to

    cells in the other half. This action results in loss of turgor pressure that causes folding of the leaflets

    and eventually the entire leaf. The entire process may take only a few seconds. When the leaflets foldup and instantaneously become wilted, it is often difficult to see where the leaf was in its original

    turgid state. It has been suggested that this rapid wilting process may be an adaptation to grazing

    mammals or ravenous insects.

    A sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) before and after being touched. The left photo shows fully turgid

    leaves (pinnae) with all the leaflets (pinnules) fully extended for maximum light absorption. In the right

    photo the leaflets have folded up and the leaves are barely discernable. Can you spot the five main

    compound leaf divisions (pinnae) that have closed up in the right photo?

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    A sensitive plant (Mimosa) growing in the Palomar College Arboretum. The flowers resemble Mimosa

    pudica); however, this is a woody shrub two meters tall. In addition, the stems have very long stipular

    spines at the bases of the compound leaves. It may be M. pigra, a widespread tropical shrub

    appropriately called "giant mimosa" or "catclaw mimosa."

    A sensitive plant before and after being touched. The left photo shows fully turgid leaves

    (pinnae) with all the leaflets (pinnules) fully extended for maximum light absorption. In the

    right photo the leaflets have folded up.

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    CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

    AND MEDICINAL PLANTS

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    Ten (10) Herbal Medicines in the Philippines

    Approved by the Department of Health (DOH)

    These is the list of the ten (10) medicinal plants that the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its

    "Traditional Health Program" have endorsed. All ten (10) herbs have been thoroughly tested and have beenclinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and treatment of various aliments:

    1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) - also known as "bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm bush" in English, this herbalmedicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections.

    2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) - known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in English, it most known as atreatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin dependent patients.

    3. Bawang (Allium sativum) - popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood andhence, helps control blood pressure.

    4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "guava" in English. It is primarily used as an antiseptic, to disinfect wounds.Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth decay and gum infection.

    5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known in English as the "5-leaved chaste tree". It's main use is for the relief of

    coughs and asthma.

    6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". It is effective in the

    elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina. Only the dried matured seeds aremedicinal -crack and ingest the dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds for

    adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.

    7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic that helps in the excretion of

    urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema.

    8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - Prepared like tea, this herbal medicine is effective in treatingintestinal motility and also used as a mouth wash since the leaves of this shrub has high fluoride content.

    9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) - It is effective in fighting arthritis and gout. Theleaves can be eaten fresh (about a cupful) as salad or like tea. For the decoction, boil a cup of clean chopped

    leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup after meals (3 times day).

    10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, this vine is used as an analgesicto relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally as a decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and

    applied directly on the afflicted area.

    http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/akapulko.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/ampalaya.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/garlic.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/bayabas.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/lagundi.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/niyog-niyogan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/sambong.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/tsaang_gubat.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/pansit-pansitan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/yerba_buena.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/akapulko.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/ampalaya.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/garlic.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/bayabas.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/lagundi.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/niyog-niyogan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/sambong.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/tsaang_gubat.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/pansit-pansitan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/yerba_buena.htm
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    Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:

    If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.

    Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during

    and after heavy rainfall.

    Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on

    young parts.

    After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on

    screens above ground and never on concrete floors.

    Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a

    moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried

    and stored can be used up to six months.

    Tips on Preparation for Intake of Herbal Medicines:

    Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.

    Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike

    utensils.

    As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.

    Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day,

    keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.

    Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.

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    OTHER LISTS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS COMMONLY FOUND

    IN THE PHILIPPINES

    Akapulko (scientific name: Cassia alata) - a shrub known to be a diuretic, sudorific and purgative. The

    medicinal uses of akapulko are to treat fungal infection of the skin and for the treatment of ringworms. English

    name: ringworm bush.

    Ampalaya (scientific name: Momordica charantia) - a vegetable used to treat diabetes (diabetes mellitus) it is

    now commercially produced in tablet form and tea bags. English name: bitter melon and bitter gourd.

    Atis (scientific name:Anona squamosa L.) - a small tree used as a medicinal herb. The leaves, fruit and seeds

    are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and fainting. English name: Sugar apple and Sweet sop.

    Banaba (scientific name:Lagerstroemia speciosa) - a tree found throughout the Philippines. The leaves, roots,

    fruit and flowers all have medicinal uses. It is used in the treatment of diabetes and other ailments. It is a

    purgative and a diuretic.

    Bawang (scientific name:Allium sativum) - a specie of the onion family. English name: Garlic. It is used to

    reduce cholesterol in the blood and thus helps lower blood pressure.

    Bayabas (scientific name:Psidium guajava) - more popularly known as guava, bayabas is a small tree whose

    boiled leaves are used as an disinfectant to treat wounds. The decoction is also used as a mouth wash to treatgum infection and tooth decay. The bark is also used in children with chronic diarrhea.

    Gumamela (scientific name:Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn) - called China rose or Hibiscus in the West, it is a

    common ornamental plant in the Philippines. As a medicinal herb, it is used as an expectorant for coughs, cold,sore throat, fever and bronchitis.

    Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) - one of the better known of the medicinal plants in the Philippines,lagundi (five-leaved chaste tree) is a shrub with many medicinal uses. It is used for the relief and treatment of

    coughs, asthma, dyspepsia, worms, colic, rheumatism and boils. The root is known to be an expectorant, tonic

    and febrifuge.

    Luya (scientific name:Zingiber officinale) or Ginger. It is botanically not a root but a rhizome of the

    monocotyledonous perennial plant. It has many uses as a medicinal herb with antifungal, anti-inflammatory,

    antibiotic, antiviral, diuretic and antiseptic properties.

    Niyog-niyogan (scientific name: Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine that is an effective in the elimination of

    intestinal worms, particularly the Trichina and Ascaris by ingesting its matured dried seeds. Chew (5 to 7 driedseeds for children or 8 to 10 seeds for adults) two hours after eating. Repeat treatment after a week if necessary.

    Roasted leaves are also used for fever and diarrhea while pounded leaves are used for skin diseases. English

    name: Chinese honey suckle.

    Oregano (scientific name: Origanum vulgare) - a perennial herb with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

    Commonly used for cooking in the West, it is used as a medicinal plant in the Philippines. A decoction oforegano leaves is taken internally for the prevention of degenerative arthritis, relief of cough, osteoarthritis,

    asthma and upset stomach.

    http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/akapulko.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/ampalaya.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/atis.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/banaba.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/garlic.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/bayabas.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/gumamela.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/lagundi.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/ginger.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/niyog-niyogan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/oregano.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/akapulko.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/ampalaya.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/atis.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/banaba.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/garlic.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/bayabas.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/gumamela.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/lagundi.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/ginger.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/niyog-niyogan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/oregano.htm
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    Pansit-Pansitan (scientific name:Peperomia pellucida Linn.) - an herb used to treat arthritis, gout, skin

    disorders, abdominal pains and kidney problems. It is applied to the skin as poultice or as a decoction whentaken internally.

    Sabila (Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) - one of the most common medicinal plants in the Philippines that canbe found in many Filipino homes. It is a succulent plant used to treat burns, cuts, eczema and other disorders.

    Aloe vera has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, antioxidant and antiparasitic properties.

    Sambong (scientific name:Blumea balsamifera) - a Philippine medicinal plant used to treat kidney disorders,colds, fever, rheumatism, hypertension and other ailments. As a diuretic, it helps in the excretion of urinary

    stones. A decoction of leaves is taken internally for treatment. It can also be used as an edema. English name:

    Blumea Camphora.

    Tsaang Gubat (scientific name:Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - a shrub prepared like tea, it is now commercially

    available in tablets, capsules and tea bags. This medicinal herb is effective in treating diarrhea, dysentery,gastroenteritis and other stomach ailments. It has high fluoride concentration making it a good mouth wash for

    the prevention of tooth decay. English name: Wild Tea.

    Ulasimang Bato (scientific name:Peperomia pellucida) - an annual herb also known as "pansit-pansitan". It is

    a medicinal herb that is effective in treating gout, arthritis and prevents uric acid build up. A decoction of theplant is taken internally or the leaves and stem can be eaten fresh as salad. To make a decoction, boil a cup of

    washed chopped leaves in 2 cups of water, simmer for about 15 minutes, strain, let cool. Drink a cup 2 times aday after meals.

    Yerba Buena (scientific name: Clinopodium douglasii) - a vine of the mint family, popularly known asPeppermint. Its analgesic properties make it an ideal pain reliever to alleviate the body's aches and pains. A

    decoction of clean leaves is taken internally or externally as a poultice by pounding the leaves mixed with a

    little water then applied directly on the afflicted area.

    Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) - Although not a medicinal plant, VCO is a product of the coconut tree. VCO is

    one of the more popular alternative medicine widely used in the Philippines today. It is taken internally forvarious aliments like diabetes to high blood pressure. Topically, VCO is also applied to the skin and scalp tonourish and heal.

    http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/pansit-pansitan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/sabila.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/sambong.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/tsaang_gubat.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/pansit-pansitan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/yerba_buena.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/coconut.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/pansit-pansitan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/sabila.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/sambong.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/tsaang_gubat.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/pansit-pansitan.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/yerba_buena.htmhttp://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/coconut.htm
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