Philippine Herb Index

Here is a list of our herbs that we use in our products. They are listed alphabetically by their Philippine name, with the English (if it exists) and scientific names given also.

Most of these herbs are available for bulk ordering. Contact us for quotes and availability.

Alagau - (no English) - Prema Odorata Blanco - Parts used: leaves
Alagau is a tree that is only found in the Philippines. It grows wild on Mt. Banahaw and in many other places in the Philippines. For many years now, Alagau has been considered a drug in the Philippines, being used to loosen phlegm and relieve coughs. It is also claimed to benefit tuberculosis and headaches. Its other properties are carminative, parasiticide, sudorific, and pectoral. Alagau is one of the great medicinal herbs of the Philippines.

Ampalaya - (Bitter Gourd) - Momordica Charantia Linn. Parts used: fruit and leaves
Ampalaya is a vegetable grown throughout the Philippines. It is mostly cultivated, although wild forms can be found. It grows wild in the remote areas of Mt. Banahaw. As the English name suggests, the melon has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin. There has been much research done on the effectiveness of using Momordica Charantia in the treatment of diabetes. It has been shown to increase production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin. It has been recommended by the Department of Health of the Philippines, as one of the best herbal medicines for it's ability to help with liver problems, Diabetes and HIV. It is a common herb used in Chinese herbology. In the Philippines, the leaves are often used for children's coughs.  It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases, sterility in women, as a parasiticide, as an antipyretic, and as a purgative. For more information on Ampalaya, click here.

Avocado - (English same) - Persea Americana Mill. Parts used: leaves and bark
The Avocado is a fruit and was introduced into the Philippines from tropical America around the 16th century. It is very common on Mt. Banahaw. It is a seasonal fruit, which contains over 20 percent fat, and more protein content than any other fresh fruit. The parts we use in our herbal formulas are the leaves and bark. The leaves and bark are used in domestic medicines because of the pectoral, stomachic, emmengague, resolutive, and antiperiodic properties ascribed to them.

Banaba - (no English) - Lagerstroemia Speciosa Linn. Parts used: leaves and bark
Banaba is a tree which is found throughout the Philippines, including Mt. Banahaw. There has been much resource done on Banaba leaves and their ability to reduce blood sugar, and its "insulin-like principle." In the Philippines, Banaba is a popular medicine plant and is used in treatment of diabetes mellitus. It is high in colosolic acid which is used in many drugs for diabetes. It is also used in weight-loss products. The leaves are also known to be diuretic and purgative. The bark is used to stop diarrhea. For more information on banaba, click here.

Bauang - (Garlic) - Allium Sativum Linn. Parts used: bulb
Bauang is cultivated throughout the Philippines. The Filipino variety of Bauang is very small, and four times more expensive than the imported varieties of Bauang found in the markets. The reason for this is the superior quality and pungency of the small Tagolog (Filipino) variety. We use ONLY the Tagolog variety in our herbs. Bauang is one of our four "power herbs" having a long history and proof of being a very effective medicinal herb. Bauang is a diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, anthelmintic, and stimulant. As an antiseptic, its use has long been recognized. In World War I it was widely employed in the control of suppuration in wounds. The raw juice was expressed, diluted with water, and put on swabs of sterilized Sphagnum moss, which were applied to the wound. Where this treatment was given, it was proved that there were no septic results, and the lives of thousands of men were saved by its use. Bauang is an invaluable medicine for asthma, hoarseness, coughs, difficulty of breathing, and most other disorders of the lungs, being of particular virtue in chronic bronchitis, on account of its powers of promoting expectoration. The successful treatment of tubercular consumption by Bauang has been recorded. The successful treatment of tubercular consumption by Bauang has been recorded. In the Philippines, the bulbs are prescribed for high blood pressure. Dr. James Balch, in his book "The Super Anti-Oxidants," states that garlic acts as a super antioxidant, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, balances blood sugar, prevents heart disease, assists in fat metabolism, and aids in cancer prevention. For more information on Bauang, click here and here.

Bayabas - (Guava) - Psidium Guajava Linn. Parts used: fruit, leaves, and bark
Bayabas is a fruit found throughout the Philippines. While the larger varieties are cultivated, most of it grows wild. It is very abundant on Mt. Banahaw in its wild form. The leaves and bark are known to be astringent, vulnerary, and antidiarrhetic. The bark is used in the chronic diarrhea of children. The fruit is known to be anthelmintic, and is used for high blood pressure, poor circulation, diabetes and asthma. The fruit also has probably the highest concentration of vitamin C of any of the tropical fruits in the Philippines. For more information on Bayabas, click here.

Bignay – (no English) – Antidesma Bunius Linn. Parts used: fruit, leaves
Bignay is a fruit tree with small red berries. It grows wild on Mt. Banahaw. The fruit is commonly used to make jam and wine. The fruit is known for its cooling properties. The leaves are sudorific and employed in treating snakebite, in Asia. The fruit is harvested once a year, and we add fresh bignay juice to our Kombucha Health drinks during that time. For more information on Bignay, click here.

Cacao - (Cocoa) - Theobroma Cacao Linn. Parts used: pulpy flesh from fruit
Cacao is a fruit tree cultivated throughout the Philippines, and is very abundant on Mt. Banahaw. It is most known for the seeds of its fruit, which is used to manufacture cacao, chocolate, cacao butter, etc. We use the pulpy flesh of the fruit in our Digestive Enzyme tincture, because it contains the enzymes protease, invertase, raffinase, cesease and oxydase.

Carrot - (English same) - Daucus Carota Linn. Parts used: root
Carrots are only grown in the Philippines at high elevation, and grow well on Mt. Banahaw. Among the many health benefits of carrots would include: useful for toxemia, constipation, asthma, poor complexion, poor teeth, insomnia, high blood pressure, inflamed kidneys and bladder, colitis, and catarrh. They can improve the appearance of hair and nails, help improve eyesight, correct dropsy, end painful urination, increase menstrual flow, and help to keep the skin healthy. The juice of carrots is said to be a great colon cleanser, and cancer preventer.

Darangita - (Mandarin Orange, or Tangerine Orange) - Citrus Reticulata Blanco Parts used: fruit
Darangita is a fruit tree common throughout the Philippines and abundant on Mt. Banahaw. Darangita is valued for its pleasant flavor and high concentration of vitamin C. For more information on Darangita, click here.

Damong Maria - (Mugwort) - Artemisia Vulgaris Linn. Parts used: leaves
Damong Maria is a small plant found in many places in the Philippines, often cultivated. On Mt. Banahaw it grows wild. It is known to be stomachic, antispasmodic, alterative, anthelmintic, haemoptysis, antiseptic, and carminative. Filipinos use it for all sorts of stomach ailments. For more information on Damong Maria, click here.

Duhat - (Black Plum/Java Plum) - Syzygium Cumini Skeels Parts used: fruit, leaves, bark, seeds
Duhat is a fruit tree found mostly wild throughout the Philippines. Duhat seeds are known for the treatment of diabetes, as are the leaves and the juice from the fruit. The bark is astringent and in decoction is used as a mouthwash and as a gargle for ulcerations of the mouth. For more information on Duhat, click here.

Dumero - (Rosemary) - Rosmarinus Officinalis Linn. Parts used: leaves
Dumero is cultivated in some places in the Philippines, and is grown on Mt. Banahaw. Dumero is reported to fight bacteria, relax the stomach, stimulate circulation and digestion, act as an astringent and decongestant, and improve circulation to the brain. It is reported to help prevent liver toxicity, and have anticancer and antitumor properties.

Gabi - (Taro) - Colocasia Esculenta Linn. Parts used: root
Gabi is a large leaf plant with a tuberous rootstock. It grows wild throughout the Philippines, and is abundant on Mt. Banahaw. The roots are a staple food in some localities. The tubers are digestive, laxative, diuretic, lactagogue, and styptic.

Gogo (no English) - Entada Phaseoloides Linn. Parts used: bark
This plant is very large tree found throughout the Philippines. It grows wild on Mt. Banahaw. Gogo is used extensively in the Philippines for washing hair and for hair tonics. When the bark is soaked in water and rubbed, it produces a lather which cleanses the scalp very effectively. The active principle of the bark is saponin. For more information, click here.

Gumamela - (Hibiscus) - Hibiscus Rosasinensis Linn. Parts used: flower
Gumamela is cultivated as an ornamental flower throughout the Philippines. It is common on Mt. Banahaw. Gumamela flowers are used as an expectorant in bronchitis, for general coughs, and as a refrigerant drink in fevers.

Guyabano - (no English) - Anona Muricata Linn. Parts used: fruit
Guyabano is a fruit tree cultivated throughout the Philippines. It is abundant on Mt. Banahaw. The fruit The Guyabano fruit is an excellent source of vitamin B and C, and is known to have pectoral and febrifuge properties.

Hierba Buena - (Mint) - Mentha Arvensis Linn. Parts used: leaves
Hierba Buena is cultivated throughout the Philippines, although it does well at higher altitudes. It is grown on Mt. Banahaw. This mint is known as a remedy for weakness of the stomach and for diarrhea. It is valuable as an antiseptic, and has been used in alcohol solutions for asthma.

Kalabasa - (Squash) - Cucurbita Maxima Duchesne Parts used: seeds
Kalabasa is a vegetable cultivated throughout the Philippines, and is common on Mt. Banahaw. Kalabasa seeds are used as an anthelmintic, which is attributed to the presence of saponin in the seeds. They are used to combat tapeworms. The seeds are also used as a diuretic for urinary diseases.

Kalamansi - (no English) - Citrus Microcarpa Bunge Parts used: fruit
Kalamansi is a small citrus fruit that appears as cross between a lemon and lime. It is widely cultivated throughout the Philippines, and is abundant on Mt. Banahaw. It is a native of the Philippines, and does not occur naturally outside of the Philippines. The juice of Kalamansi is known as a refrigerant, a remedy for coughs and for itches, a deodorant, and an antiphlogistic. For more information on Kalamansi, click here.

Kamatis - (Tomato) - Lycopersicum Esculentum Mill. Parts used: fruit
Kamatis is cultivated throughout the Philippines. The original form of this species has small fruit. Dr. Eduardo Quisumbing, author of the classic book "Medicinal Plants of the Philippines," states, "Briefly, the medical and food value of tomatoes may be stated thus: -- (a) Tomatoes are the richest in vitamins of all foods; (b) they are the most wonderful and effective blood cleansers of all foods known to man; (c) they are the richest of all vegetables in the natural health acids which keep our stomachs and intestines in condition; (d) they are a most extraordinary corrective for kidneys, being a gentle, natural stimulant which helps to wash away the poisons which cause disease and contaminate our systems."

Kamote - (Sweet Potato) - Impomoea Batatas Linn. Parts used: leaves
Kamote is tuber grown throughout the Philippines, and grows especially well at higher altitudes. It is one of the main commercial crops grown on Mt. Banahaw. Depending on the variety, the leaves are either green or purple. Research has been done on the use of Kamote leaves, especially the purple ones, in the treatment of diabetes. They are also a rich source of iron and calcium.

Kauayan - (Bamboo) - Bambusa Spinosa Roxb. Parts used: leaves
Kauayan is a tree grown throughout the Philippines, and is abundant on Mt. Banahaw. The bamboo is used primarily in building purposes, including furniture and household items. The silicious concretion of the culms is said to be stimulant, astringent, tonic, cooling, and antispasmodic. The leaves are used as an emmenagogue and an anthelmintic.

Labanos - (White Radish) - Raphanus Sativus Linn. Parts used: root and leaves
Labanos is a vegetable cultivated throughout the Philippines and is one of the main crops of Mt. Banahaw. The leaves of labanos are laxative and diuretic. The roots are considered stimulant, carminative, stomachic, anthelmintic, and nervine tonic. They are also useful in diseases of the heart, ammenorrhoea, leprosy, and cholera. For more info on the radish, click here.

Lagundi - (Five Leafed Chaste Tree) - Vitex Negundo Linn. Parts used: flowers, seeds, root
Lagundi is a common medicine shrub in the Philippines, and is found on Mt. Banahaw. The use of Lagundi for medicinal purposes has a long history in the Philippines. Today, pharmaceutical companies sell it in capsule form at drug stores. The root is reported to be tonic, febrifuge, and expectorant. The root is also used in a great variety of diseases: dyspepsia, colic, rheumatism, worms, boils, and leprosy. The flowers are used in diarrhea, cholera, fever, and diseases of the liver, and are also recommended as a cardiac tonic. The seeds make a cooling medicine for skin diseases and leprosy, and for inflammation of the mouth. The leaves are reported to be used for coughs and asthma. For more information on Lagundi, click here.

Langka - (Jack Fruit) - Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lam. Parts used: fruit and leaves
Langka is a fruit tree found throughout the Philippines. It is abundant on Mt. Banahaw. The ripe fruit is said to be demulcent, nutritive, and laxative. For more information on langka, click here.

Lukban - (Pomelo/Grapefruit) - Citrus Grandis Osbeck Parts used: fruit, leaves, seeds
Lukban is a fruit tree found throughout the Philippines, and is abundant and wild on Mt. Banahaw. Lukban is a pomelo, which is similar to grapefruit. It is pure-strain citrus fruit, whereas grapefruit is a hybrid between pomelo and orange. Lukban leaves are used in the Philippines, in the form of a decoction or infusion, as a sedative in nervous affections. The leaves are also said to be useful in epilepsy, chorea, and convulsive coughs. The seeds are known to have antiseptic qualities. For more information on Lukban, click here.

Luya - (Ginger) - Zingiber Officinale Rosc. Parts used: rhizome (root stock)
Luya is a root stock grown in many places in the Philippines, and is very common on Mt. Banahaw. Luya is one of our four "power herbs" having a long history and proof of being a very effective medicinal herb. It is commonly used in treating colds and flu in children, because of it effectiveness and safety in large doses. Japanese researchers have found that Luya causes the heart to beat more strongly and slowly and that blood pressure lowers by 10 to 15 points after Luya is ingested. Indian researchers have found that Luya is also effective in removing cholesterol from both the blood and liver. Luya is also reported to sooth the stomach, helping digestion. It is reported to relive gas, flatulence, and cramping, and facilitate the breakdown of food in the stomach and the absorption of food in the small intestine. A number of researchers have found that Luya is highly effective in alleviating motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting, being more effective than Dramamine. Luya's various isolated components also possess anti-inflammatory, antiviral, diuretic, antifungal, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties. It has been found effective in the treatment of heart disease, migraines, stroke, coughs, dizziness, fever, kidney stones, and viral infections. For a good article on the history of Ginger, click here.

Makahia - (no English) - Biophytum Sensitivum Linn. Parts used: leaves
Makahia is found throughout the Philippines and is found wild everywhere on Mt. Banahaw. It is not cultivated, and is considered a weed. The Tagalog name, and suggested by the scientific name, means "sensitive." The reason it is given this name is that upon human touch the leaves contract and appear to wilt, but then open up again a short time later. Makahia is known as a diuretic, and is considered alterant and antiasthmatic. It is used for urinary complaints, and is useful in diseases arising from corrupt blood and bile.

Makabuhay - (no English) - Menispermum crispum Linn. Parts used: leaves
Makabuhay is a vine found throughout the Philippines. It contains a bitter principle, colombine, traces of an alkaloid, and a glucoside, berberine. The Filipinos and Malay in general consider this vine as a universal medicine. The name in Tagalog means "to give life." It is commonly used for stomach trouble, indigestion, diarrhea, and ulcers. It is known as a febrifuge, and is said to have anti-malaria properties. Recent studies in the Philippines have found it useful as an insecticide for rice crops. Not for pregnant women, as can cause abortions.

Malungai - (Horse Radish Tree) - Moringa Oleifera Lam. Parts used: leaves
Malungai is a tree found throughout the Philippines, including Mt. Banahaw. It is a common vegetable found in the market. They are a rich source of calcium and iron. The leaves are purgative, and diuretic.

Manga - (Mango) - Mangifera Indica Linn. Parts used: leaves, fruit
Manga is a fruit tree cultivated throughout the Philippines, and is abundant on Mt. Banahaw. The leaves are used in treatment of diabetes, for chronic diseases of the lungs, for asthma and colds. The flowers are used for diarrhea. The ripe fruit is said to be diuretic, laxative, and useful for constipation. The seed (pit/stone) of Manga is used for diarrhea and is considered anthelmintic. The seeds are also used for treating round worm. For more information on Manga, click here.

Mansanitas - (Jujube) - Zizyphus Mauritiana -Lam. Parts used: fruit, leaves, seeds, bark
Many varieties of Mansanitas are scattered throughout the Philippines. There is a variety that grows wild on Mt. Banahaw in a few places. Where it grows, it is a huge fruit tree that can produce several hundred kilos of fruit per year. Fortunately, we have one tree on our farm that is wild. The bark and leaves are employed as an effective astringent in dysentery and diarrhea. The fruit is said to be nourishing, mucilaginious, pectoral, and styptic, and is said to purify the blood and assist in digestion. The fruit is also a mild laxative and expectorant, being used to relieve coughs. For more information on Mansanitas, click here.

Niyog - (Coconut) - Cocos Nucifera Linn. Parts used: fruit, root
Niyog is a palm tree cultivated throughout the Philippines. Mt. Banahaw, being in Quezon Province, the coconut capital of the Philippines, is rich in Niyog trees. The roots of Niyog are astringent, and are used for coughs. Niyog fruit is often processed into oil or milk because of its refrigerant, aperient, diuretic, anthelmintic, and purgative properties. It is often used in cosmetics as a lotion for the skin. For more information on Niyog, click here.

Noni/Bankoro - (Noni/Indian Mulberry) -Morinda Citrifolia Linn. Parts used: fruit
Bankoro is a fruit tree found throughout the Philippines, chiefly along or near the seashore. This tropical fruit, which is native to the Philippines, has become very popular recently due to some heavy marketing by certain companies, and is now known by its common name "Noni." It is hard to find reliable scientific information on this herb among all the hype, but there is no doubt that Noni is a very effective herb. It is said to be antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and used to retard cancer and tumorous growth. For more information about Noni, click here.

Papaya - (English same) - Carica Papaya - Linn. Parts used: fruit, leaves, flowers, seeds
Papaya is a fruit tree found throughout the Philippines, mostly cultivated. The native species grows mostly wild on Mt. Banahaw. Papaya is one of our four "power herbs" having a long history and proof of being a very effective medicinal plant. The leaves, fruits, stem and roots all contain the proteolytic enzyme papain. Exhaustive studies have been done on papain, and it is reported to be a true, soluble, digestive ferment or a mixture of ferments of vegetable origin, its proteolytic action marked in acid, alkaline, and neutral solutions and also in the presence of many chemicals, antiseptics, and therapeutic agents. It has a peculiar softening and disintegrating actions in proteids, and its general proteolytic action is that of a genuine digestive ferment, similar to that of the ferments of animal origin. It acts in the way rennet does upon milk, and has a pronounced digestive power at a wide range of temperatures. Papain is used effectively as an anthelmintic. The leaves are often employed as a remedy for asthma, and said to also be a heart tonic. The flowers have pectoral properties. The fruit is used in cosmetics for a healthy skin complexion. The green fruit is laxative and diuretic. Studies at the University of Nigeria have revealed that extracts of ripe and unripe papaya fruits and of the seeds are active against gram-positive bacteria. Strong doses are effective against gram-negative bacteria. The substance has protein-like properties. To read more about Papaya, click here.

Pepino - (Cucumber) - Cucumis Sativus Linn. Parts used: fruit and seeds
Pepino is a vine cultivated throughout the Philippines, including Mt. Banahaw. Pepino is sometimes given to children with dysentery, and also considered cooling, diuretic, and purgative. A salve is recommended for skin diseases, and for scalds and burns. The seeds are said to have anti-tapeworm properties. Pepino is also useful in eliminating water from the body, which makes is important for those with heart and kidney problems. For more information on Pepino, click here.

Piña - (Pineapple) - Anana Cosmosus Linn. Parts used: fruit, leaves/stalks
Piña is a fruit widely cultivated in the Philippines. There are two varieties, the native one, which has smaller fruits and is grown on Mt. Banahaw, and the Smooth Cayenne variety, which was introduced from Hawaii. Piña is well-known for its digestive enzyme bromelin, which has anthelmintic properties. For more information on Piña, click here.

Sambong - (Blumea Camphor) - Blumea Balsamifera Linn. Parts used: leaves
Sambong is found throughout the Philippines, and grows wild on Mt. Banahaw. Doctors in the Philippines prescribe Sambong for the dissolution of kidney stones. The leaves of Sambong are used as a tea in the Philippines, and as a cure for colds. It is also said to have antidiarrhetic and antigastralgic properties. It is also used as an expectorant. It is given for worms and dysentery. It is one of the most common used medicinal herbs in the Philippines. For more information on Sambong, click here.

Sampalok - (Tamarind) - Tamarindus Indica Linn. Parts used: fruit, leaves, bark
Sampalok is a fruit tree found throughout the Philippines, and is common on Mt. Banahaw. Sampalok fruit is used as a laxative, for bilious vomiting, and against cholera. It is also a refrigerant, and used to reduce fevers. The bark is astringent and tonic, and used for asthma and amenorrhoea. The leaves are used to destroy worms in children, and are useful for jaundice. For more information on Sampalok, click here and here.

Santol - (no English) - Sandoricum Koetjape Merr. Parts used: bark
Santol is a fruit tree found throughout the Philippines, and grows wild on Mt. Banahaw. The bark of Santol contains a bitter substance, sandoricum acid, and is used to treat ringworm. For more information on Santol, click here.

Suganda - (no English) - Coleus Amboinicus Lour. Parts used: leaves
Suganda, called "oregano" here on Mt. Banahaw,  is an herb cultivated mostly in peoples gardens. It is well-known on Mt. Banahaw, and thrives in the soil and climate there. When you ask people locally here why they grow it, they will universally claim that it is effective in relieving coughs, especially in children. The leaves are also used externally to relieve pain.

Sili - (Chili Pepper/Cayenne) - Capsicum Frutescens Linn. Parts used: fruit
Sili is found throughout the Philippines, being introduced from Mexico, and grows wild on Mt. Banahaw. Sili, also know as Cayenne, is one of our four "power herbs" having a long history and proof of being a very effective medicinal plant. This variety of cayenne, capsicum frutescens, is known as the hottest of all peppers, having a heat level of 9. It is commonly used in Tabasco sauce. Cayenne is known to be very affective in the treatment of heart disorders, such as high blood pressure, and in digestive disorders. It is an excellent cleanser of the whole digestive system. Noted herbalist Dr. Schulze lists cayenne as his number one medical emergency herb, and always carries a tincture of it around with him. He claims to have treated many patients with it for over 20 years, and to have even revived a man who had gone into cardiac arrest with doses of cayenne tincture. Cayenne is said to be a powerful and pure stimulant, having no narcotic effect, increasing the power of the pulse and carrying the blood to all parts of the Body. It also equalizes and restores the balance of circulation throughout the body. Cayenne is a hemostat, arresting the flow of blood from a cut or wound in seconds and a cardiac tonic, helping to rebuild the heart. It is an antiseptic, killing pathogens and a counter-irritant, helping to relieve pain. Cayenne is also a stomachic, helping to digest foods and a carminative, helping to expel gas. For a good article on cayenne, click here. We believe that we have one of the best cayenne tinctures available on the market, and encourage you to buy it in its pure form to add to other herbs and teas as you see fit.

Talong - (Eggplant) - Solanum Melongena Linn. Parts used: root
Talong is cultivated throughout the Philippines, and is common on Mt. Banahaw. In the Philippines, the Talong roots are taken as a decoction internally as an antiasthmatic and general stimulant. The roots are also used in treatment of skin diseases

Tañglad - (Lemon Grass; Ginger Grass) - Andropogon Citratus DC. Parts used: leaves
Tañglad is a grass and is clutivated throughout the Philippines. It is grown on Mt. Banahaw near rice fields, and is a popular ingredient in herbal teas and herbal soaps. It is used to aid digestion, for stomach problems and to reduce fevers.

English Index of common names:

Avocado Bamboo Bitter Gourd Black Plum Blumea Camphor Carrot Cayenne Chaste Tree Chili Pepper Cocoa Coconut Cucumber Eggplant Garlic Ginger Ginger Grass Grapefruit Guava Hibiscus Horse Radish Tree Indian Mulberry Jack Fruit Java Plum Jujube Lemon Grass Lemon Lime Mandarin Orange Mango Mint Mugwort Noni Papaya Pineapple Pomelo Ringworm Bush Rosemary Squash Sweet Potato Tamarind Tangerine Orange Taro Tomato White Radish