Medicinal uses of lagundi

LAGUNDI

 

 Luzon: Dabtan, Dangla, Kamalaan, Limo-limo, Lingei, Lingo-lingo

Visayas: Lagundin, Tugas

Mindanao: Kalipapa-madam, Limpapa, Magupay, Molrei-oso, Sugarai

 

Lagundi is a shrub that grows to as tall as 5 meters. A shrub is described as somewhere between an herb and a tree. A shrub is a low, woody plant with several stems while a tree is a tall, woody plant with only one stem called “trunk.” A leaf of Lagundi is composed of 5 leaflets arranged like fingers in a hand. Lagundi is indicated or used primarily for the following:

1. To stop coughing, relieve asthma, and facilitate the discharge of phlegm.

2. To lower fever due too colds or flu.

 

Preparing the Lagundi Mixture (Decoction)

For cough, asthma, and fever, the steps in preparing Lagundi leaves as medication are the same.

 

Measurements:

However, the amount of leaves you should use differs depending on whether the leaves are dried or fresh and on how old the patient is. Fresh leaves are washed first and then chopped coarsel, while air-dried leaves are crushed. The following measurements should guide you:

Condition of leaves

Age of patient Dried (crushed) Fresh (chopped)

Adult 4 tbsp. 6 tbsp.

7-12 years 2 tbsp. 3 tbsp.

2-6 years 1 tbsp. 1½ tbsp.

After you have identified how much leaves to use, boil the leaves in 2 glasses of water for at least 15 minutes. This boiled mixture is called “decoction.”

 

Boiling the Mixture

There are important rules to follow when boiling the leaves in water. Observe strictly the following:

1. Use only enamelled container or claypot (“palayok”), never an aluminum pot.

2. A standard glass or cup should contain 240 ml. or 8 fluid ounces of water. This measurement is the same as the content of a bottle of regular size Pepsi or Coke.

3. Mix leaves in water before placing on fire.

4. As soon as the mixture boils, uncover the pot and let boil continuously for 15 minutes. Remember that the mixture should boil uncovered.

5. Strain and let cool. You now have what is called a “decoction.”

 

Storing the Decoction

For convenience, you may prepare enough decoction that you can use for several days. Simply adjust the amount of leaves to use according to the amount of water you will boil.

While kept in thermo pot (“termos”) the decoction will last for three days without losing its efficacy.

When kept in refrigerator the decoction will last up to four days without losing its efficacy.

Keep in mind, however, that whether kept in thermo pot or refrigerated, the decoction must not be taken anymore when its color has changed or when it has grown molds or fungus.

 

PRIMARY MEDICINAL USES OF LAGUNDI

DOSAGE AND AILMENTS

The amount of decoction to drink and how often depends on a person’s ailment, as described. The dosage is the same for children and adults.

COUGH

For cough, take one-half (½) glass of decoction three times a day (preferably at 6:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m.; or any other 8-hours interval most convenient to your schedules.)

Also, drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to further help loosen phlegm. If you cough does not improve in three days, consult a physician.

You should also consult a physician when you observe any of the following:

1. When your coughing and breathing become difficult.

2. When your phlegm smells bad, or has blood, or is yellowish or greenish in color.

3. When the hoarseness of your voice persists for more than two weeks.

 

ASTHMA

For asthma, take one-third (1/3) glass of decoction three times a day (preferably at 6:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; or any other 8-hours interval most convenient to your schedules).

If your asthma does not improve after one dose of the decoction or when the attack is severe, consult a physician.

When treating asthma, remember that it is sometimes an allergic reaction to certain materials or food items, or even environmental conditions. It may also be caused by fatigue and worrying. In these cases, it is wisest for you to identify those that trigger the asthma attack so you can avoid or protect yourself against them.

 

FEVER DUE TO FLU OR COLDS

For fever take one-half (½) glass of decoction every three hours, as needed.

Source: Tekno tulong