San Vicente Botanical Garden Series 3: Medicinal Plants

 San Vicente Botanical Garden Series 3: 

Medicinal Plants 

"The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul." — Alfred Austin

Dr Abe V Rotor

Chichirica or Periwinkle - Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is the primary source of anticancer agents vinblastine and vincristine which are used to treat various cancers. The flower comes in red and white, and various blended colors. Chichirica is also known as San Vicente after the patron saint of the author's hometown.  

Insulin plant Costus igneus, belongs to the family Costaceae. Consumption of the leaves are believed to lower blood glucose levels, and diabetics who consumed the leaves of this plant did report a fall in their blood glucose levels.

 

Guyabano or soursop (Annona muricata), relative of atis, anonang and cherimoya of the Annonaceae family has anti-cancer properties. The sweet flesh of guyabano fruit is eaten on its own or made into custard, juice, candies and ice cream. The seeds, leaves, roots and bark are used as a poison to kill off insects.

 

Guava (Psidium guajava) Guava leaves contain high levels of Vitamin C and iron, and a decoction of guava leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold as it helps get rid of mucus. It also disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs. The phenolic compounds in guava help to cure cancerous cells and prevent skin aging before time.  Guava possesses anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-plaque and anti-mutagenic activities. Guava extract shows antinociceptive activity and is also effective in liver damage inflammation and serum production Consuming guavas or guava leaf extract may prevent or reduce diarrhea and constipation.

Takip kuhol is a highly regarded plant of many uses; in fact it has a panacean reputation in folk medicine. Ask an herbolario, a bona fide housewife, or a village elderly. And they would say, "Takip kuhol lang ang kailangan diyan." (All you need is Centella asiatica, the scientific name of the plant.)  Of course they are talking about common ailments, referring to ordinary colds, fever, flu, skin infection, sore throat, boil (pigsa), headache, constipation, blows and bruises.  The herbal may be prepared as decoction (boiled) or fresh.  It may be toasted and served as tea or infusion.*  For external use, the leaves are crushed and applied as ointment or liniment with vaseline or coconut oil. ~