Lagundi - The other miracle herbal medicine the rest of the world doesn't know about.

in #philippines7 years ago (edited)

Written by: Ely S.

The miracle healer

Firstly let me start by saying that I am not a medical practitioner or health expert. This is not intended to be substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am simply writing about my personal experience with using Lagundi.

Almost two weeks ago, I was suffering from severe coughing symptoms. No fever, just a dry cough that eventually turned into a chesty cough with phlegm. At random times during the day I would experience sudden attacks of itchiness in my throat that wouldn't go away. I would cough continuously until my throat started to hurt.

The cough didn't go away and I had already taken Carbocisteine (solmux) and numerous lozenges to relieve the symptoms. I had trouble sleeping because it usually got worse at night. But I was fine with it because I knew it was just a matter of time before my body's immune system fight off the bacteria. Although almost 10 days had past and I saw no improvements.

Then I remembered Lagundi. I remembered it because I knew this was the only thing that almost instantly eliminated my seemingly persistent flu about a year ago. I don't get sick often. Maybe once every year or two. And when I do, I usually let my body heal naturally without medication.

I was fortunate enough to have access to the plant as it was grown in my mother's yard. So I quickly went there, had some leaves pulled out and prepared myself some fresh Lagundi tea. It's definitely not the tastiest concoction. In fact, it's disgustingly bitter but well worth the brief discomfort.

And as expected, just like a miracle... my cough completely disappeared within a day. I don't know if it was just good timing or simply a placebo effect. I am convinced that it actually works, as I feel the improvements almost instantly. Whatever it was, it was consistent and it did what is supposed to do and to me that was good enough.

Lagundi

Lagundi is a shrub that grows in the Philippines and parts of India. It's been used as a herbal medicine in the Philippines for as long as anyone can remember. Applied topically or orally, its been known to contain therapeutic and healing properties and used mainly for the treatment of colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pharyngitis. 

Unless you are from here or are deeply involved within the herbal medicine space, it's unlikely that you've heard of it. I won't bore you with details about its clinically proven tests and scientific research. There are plenty on the internet for that.

Most parts of the Lagundi plant is edible. The seeds can actually be used as a condiment as substitute for pepper while the leaves and roots are often used in making tea or applied topically on the skin. It contains antioxidants and is packed with vitamins and minerals for effective health benefits that range from treatment of Colds, flu and asthma to relief of allergies with its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Preparing Lagundi Tea

Everybody will have their own way of preparing Lagundi Tea but this is how I made mine.

I collected a bunch of leaves

I then placed them in a small pot filled with water about half way. There's no scientific formula or dosage recommendations here. It's purely personal preference. The more water, the more diluted; therefore less bitter. I prefer it more concentrated so its more potent and less to drink.

I then let it boil for 15 to 20 minutes.

I remove the leaves and this is what I end up with. A yellow/greenish liquid with a strong herbal smell thats hard to describe.

I usually drink it hot to try and hide the bitterness. There will be an aftertaste but you can follow it up with water or something sweet to wash it down.

It fascinates me how something so simple can have such powerful healing capabilities. I encourage you to do some research on this and find out how it can benefit you. You sure you will find some use for it one way or another.

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