Lemon Grass- The green cure for cancer and the pesky mosquito bite

English Name: Lemon Grass
Local Name: Tanglad / Tangad

 Commonly valuable and grown in households across the countryside, Lemon grass (Cybopogon nardus /Citronella winterianus) or Tanglad (is it is commonly called in the country) is not just a great spice and aromatic for the traditional roasted chicken (lechon manok) and other stews but has more to offer aside from just pleasing our appetite. 

Recent studies conducted by Israeli scientists on this humble grass revealed its cancer fighting qualities where its extract known as Citral (which gives the plant its citrus smell) causes cancer cells to kill themselves without damaging healthy cells.

Locally, Lemon grass is also gaining popularity as the plant of choice for households that want to deter mosquitoes. One may simply plant a handful of stalks in the ground or a potting medium near the home and enjoy its repelling benefits. There are also commercially available mosquito sprays and lotion which contain Lemon grass extract as base.

How to make Lemon Grass Tea

 To enjoy its cancer fighting benefits, simply make fresh Lemon Grass tea. 

1.    Get a handful of Lemon Grass leaves (clove included) and peel out the outer layer of the leaves and discard them.

2.    Let the leaves boil in water for about 20-30 minutes until the color changes to brown.

3.    Add sugar or your preferred sweetener and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

4.    Remove the mixture from the fire and using a strainer, strain the mixture in a cup and drink it hot. 

Cebuano Herbsman  

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Mangagaw: The cheap cure for Dengue

 

Mangagaw- Euphorbia Hirta 

English Name: Euphorbia plant, Asthma weed

Local Name: Mangagaw, Tawa-tawa, Taua taua

Largely known for centuries in the country as the poor man’s cure for the dreaded Dengue disease, Mangagaw in bisaya or Tawa-tawa in tagalog  (Sci name: Euphorbia Hirta) comes into view whenever the onset of the rainy season is felt in the countryside. (Usually in the months of June to December) where Dengue outbreaks also frequently occur.  

The Mangagaw plant/ weed is commonly found growing among mountainsides and backyards across the Philippines and possesses anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties along with the unique ability to increase blood platelets among Dengue patients.

Using Mangagaw/ Tawa-tawa as medicine

1.    Harvest a handful of these plants (mature ones are much preferred) 
2.    Boil them until the water turns to brown or dark green.
3.    Pour the mixture in a glass or mug 
4.    Let the patient drink the concoction

If the patient dislikes the usually pungent and tangy taste of the brew, you can opt to add it in a glass of juice until all the contents have been consumed. 
 

Should you happened to be in a community where this plant is scarce, one can also avail of ready to drink juices and herbal products containing this wonderful herb in major grocery and drug stores nationwide.

Cebuano Herbsman  

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