(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.
Akapulko or Acapulco in English is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. It is known under various nam
regions in the country. Locals call the plant katanda, andadasi, and palochina in Tagalog, Ilocos and in the
respectively. The shrub belongs to the family of Leguminosae, and grows about one to two meters tall. It h
branches and the leaves are embraced with 8 to 20 leaflets that are oblong-elliptical in shape. The flowers
have oblong sepals, and its fruits are tetragonal, which are also winged and glabrous. A medicinal herb that
chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies, and eczema. Akapulk
contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.
The primary part used for herbal purposes are the leaves, although the roots and flowers are also used for
preparations with medicinal value. The extracts from the Akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient
soaps, and shampoos.
Benefits & Treatment of Akapulko:
External Use:
Treatment of skin diseases:
Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms,eczema,
scabies and itchiness.
Mouthwash in stomatitis
Internal use:
Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea
Alleviation of asthma symptoms
Used as diuretic and purgative
For cough & fever
As a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other
stomach problems.
Note: A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an
abortifacient. Pregnant women should not take
decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.
It should be noted that the pounded leaves of this plant may be applied thinly on the affected part twice a d
improvement may be expected after two to three weeks of continuous application to the affected area(s) w
prepared Akapulko leaves were applied.
Ampalaya (scientific name: Momordica charantia) - a vegetable used
throughout the
Philippines. The leaves, roots, fruit and flowers all have medicinal uses. It is used in the
(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: 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
(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
barbadensis miller liquid) - one of the most common medicinal plants in the
Philippines that can be 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
Tsaang Gubat