Herbal Teas

Commonly known in the Philippines as “Luyang Dilaw” or “Dilaw” and in other countries as the “Golden Spice”, turmeric has been traditionally used for various conditions such as rheumatism, inflammations, infections, digestive problems, and circulatory problems. ^{9, 10, 11}

In Ayurvedic Medicine, it is used for “breathing problems, rheumatism, serious pain, and fatigue”. ¹²

Recent studies have found that curcuminoids in turmeric could reduce the number of heart attacks among post-surgery bypass patients, control osteoarthritic pains, and reduce skin irritation after radiation treatment among breast cancer patients. ¹²

It is a famous Philippine tea which is a blend of seven different herbs: Banaba Leaves, Guava Leaves, Mango Leaves, Pandan Leaves, Gotu Kola Leaves, Anise Seeds and Alagao Leaves. It is traditionally recommended for cleansing because it has a diuretic effect.

Banaba Leaves – It is traditionally recommended for lowering blood sugar Guava Leaves – Guava leaves contain astringents which aid keeping the gums healthy and aids the symptoms of loose bowels. Mango Leaves – Mango leaves contain anti-bacterial properties. Pandan Leaves – It contains anti-septic properties and functions as a pain reliever. ¹ Gotu Kola Leaves – Gotu Kola has long been used in traditional medicine in India, China and Indonesia. It contains triterpenoids which aid in the healing of wounds. It also aids in blood flow which alleviates the pain of those suffering from varicose veins. ² Anise Seeds – Anise Seeds has been traditionally used in Iran for medicinal purposes. It helps relax the muscles, produces gastric protection and aids the digestive system. ³ Alagao Leaves – It contains properties which can aid the cure of tuberculosis. ⁴

The blending of Ginger with Pito Pito Dried Herbal Tea adds great flavor and aroma. Ginger is a spice which contains anti-inflammatory substances like shagaol, gingerol and other substances with the same structure which can help alleviate muscle pain ⁵

Ampalaya or Bitter Melon has been used as a remedy for diabetes. It helps the body to produce insulin which can help address diabetes. ¹³

A traditional folk remedy with leaves that contain active ingredients with insulin-like effect making its infusion good for people with diabetes14. Banaba is given for diabetes, kidney failure, and obesity. It is also traditionally given for constipation, kidney inflammation, and urinary dysfunctions because of its diuretic effect.¹⁴

Malunggay or Moringa Oleifera has been dubbed as the “Miracle Tree” because of its abundant health benefits. It contains Vitamins A and C, Calcium, Potassium and Amino Acids. There have also been studies which prove that is a cure for diabetes because it helps improve the body’s tolerance for glucose and hyperlipidemia because it helps decrease the plasma level in the body ⁶

A traditional Philippine herbal tea recommended as a diuretic and therefore prevents edema. It has anti-urolithiasis (kidney stones) properties. ⁸

1. Philippine Herbal Medicine, Pandan (Pandanus Tectorius), (last visited Sept. 9, 2015).
2. University of Maryland Medical Center, Gotu Kola (last visited Sept. 9, 2015).
3. Asie Shojaii and Mehri Abdollahi Fard, Review of Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Constituents of Pimpinella anisum, NATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION (July 16,2012)
4. Lirio SB, Macabeo AP, Paragas EM, Knorn M, Kohls P, Franzblau SG, Wang Y, Aguinaldo MA., Antitubercular constituents from Premna odorata Blanco, NATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION (June 11, 2014)
5. Nafiseh Shokri Mashhadi, Reza Ghiasvand, Gholamreza Askari, Mitra Hariri, Leila Darvishi, and Mohammad Reza Mofid, Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and PhysicalActivity: Review of Current Evidence, NATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION (April 4, 2013)
6. Majambu Mbikay, Therapeutic Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Chronic Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia: A Review, NATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION (March 1, 2012)
7. Philippine Herbal Medicine, Lagundi (Vitex Negundo), (last visited Sept. 9, 2015).
8. Philippine Herbal Medicine, Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L.), (last visited Sept. 9, 2015).
9. Ando JKE, Herlao IAV. “(a) Curcuma longa Linn. (b) Amomum zingeber (c) Curcuma domestica”. November 2014. Philippine Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Health. (Date Accessed: October 28, 2018).
10. Ando JKE, Herlao IAV. “(a) Curcuma domestica (b) Amomum zingeber (c) Kaempferia sp. (d) Curcuma longa Linn.”. November 2014. Philippine Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Health. (Date Accessed: October 28, 2018).
11. Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 13.. (Date Accessed: October 28, 2018).
12. Turmeric. D367. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – National Institutes of Health: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Date Updated: September 2016. Date Accessed: October 28, 2018.
13. Baby Joseph and D Jini. “Antidiabetic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency” NATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION (April 3, 2013).
14. Stohs, SJ, Miller H, and Kaats GR. “A Review of theefficacy and safety of banaba (Lagerstroemia speciose L.) and corosolic acid. Phytother Res. 2012 March. 26(3):317-24.
15. Domingo, Ruth. “DOH-recommended herbal plants in the Philippines”. August 10, 2017. Business Mirror. (Date Accessed: October 28, 2018)