Bayabas (Guava) Herbal Products

Carica Bayabas Tea
Product of the Philippines
30 teabags (2 grams/teabag)

Tea processed from Bayabas or Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves is an effective antiseptic used for washing wounds and for infection of the mouth and gums.

All Organics Guava Healing Bath Soap
Product of the Philippines

Facilitates healing of wounds, has strong anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Improves skin texture and lightens skin tone.

An organic natural soap handcrafted using slow cold process method. Especially formulated to deliver the very best in skin care while using only safe, truly natural ingredients. Each handmade organic natural soap contains skin-loving cold pressed coconut oil, wild-crafted and organic botanicals and vegetable butters for their exceptional skin care benefits, leaving your skin squeaky clean and healthy after every bath.

All Organics soaps do not contain parabens, mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum, phenol carbolic acid, propylene glycol, acrylamide, toluene, dioxane, sulfates, triclosan, triclocarban, EDTA, TEA, DEA, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS/SLES).

What is Bayabas?
(Guava - Engl.)

Botany
Somewhat hairy young branches are 4-angled with opposite leaves. Flowers with in-curved petals, cottony white, coming out in two's or three's in the leaf axils. Numerous stamens form the attractive part of the flower. Inferior ovaries develop into roundish green fruits that turn yellow on ripening and have edible, aromatic, seedy pulp.

Scientific Names
Psidium cujavus Linn.
Psidium aromaticum Blanco
Psidium pyriferum Linn.
Psidium pomiferum Linn.

Distribution
Widely distributed in the Philippines. Common in backyards. Well-known because of its edible fruit. Propagation by seeds, budding, grafting, and marcotting. Root cuttings have been tried with success.

Parts Utilized
Leaves, fruit

Constituents
Fixed oil, 6%; volatile (essential) oil, 0.365%; eugenol; tannin 8-15%; saponins; amydalin; phenolic acids; malic acid; ash, aldehydes.

Uses

Folkloric
Astringent, antispasmodic, anthelminthic and antiseptic properties.
Leaves used for wounds and toothache must always be fresh. Decoction or infusion of fresh leaves used for wound cleaning to prevent infection and to facilitate healing.

Aromatic bath: Use warm decoction of leaves.

Diarrhea: Boil for 15 minutes 4 to 6 tablespoons of chopped leaves in 18 ounces of water. Strain and cool. Drink 1/4 of the decoction every 3 - 4 hours.

Toothache: Chew 2-3 young leaves and put into the tooth cavity;
Gum swelling: Chewed leaves; or use the leaf decoction as mouthwash 3 times daily; chewed leaves. Toothache: Chew but do not swallow fresh leaves.

Skin ulcers, wounds, pruritic or infected: Apply decoction of leaves or unripe fruit as wash or the leaf poultice on the wound or use the decoction for wound cleansing. It is also popularly used for the wound healing of circumcision wounds.

Nosebleeds: Densely roll the bayabas leaves and place into the nostril cavity.

Vaginal wash: Because of antiseptic properties, warm decoction of leaves as vaginal wash (after childbirth) or douche.

Cosmetic
Leaf extract used in skin whitening products.

Dental
Toothbrush au-natural: Bayabas twigs, chewed at the ends until frayed, used as alternative for toothbrushing with whitening effect.

Availability
Wild-crafted.

Source: www.stuartxchange.org

Banaba Herbal Teas

Carica Banaba Tea
Product of the Philippines
30 teabags (2 grams/teabag)

Prepared from dried mature leaves of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa). Regular use of the tea may help regulate blood sugar.



Gourmet's Banaba Tea
Product of the Philippines

Made from fresh Banaba leaves, dried, ground, then packed into tea bags so that all teas retain all their health benefits. Long since used in herbal weigh-loss products, Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) has been known for its effects on controlling glucose in the blood making it ideal for diabetes, hypertension, and kidney problems. Its purgative properties also help in expelling abdominal toxins.

Tizane Banaba Tea
Product of the Philippines
The product is a unique, green herbal tea blend that contains essential plant nutrients which promote and maintain healthy and sound body. These herbs are nurtured in prime farms and plucked at the precise time. It uses no less than the pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing process which means it is carefully processed to keep the freshness and nutrients of the leaves.

Banaba Tea is a good tasting, refreshing, natural and caffeine-free beverage that is perfect for health conscious individuals. It has been used for lowering blood sugar levels, lowering blood pressure and relieving edema in Asian countries.

Regular Flavor ) Ing: Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba) and Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass)
(Calamansi Flavor Ing: Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba),Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon Grass) and Calamansi Extract (Native Lemon)
(Mango Flavor) Ing: Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba), Mangifera Indica (Mango Leaves) and Mango Extract

What is Banaba?
(Lagerstroemia speciosa)

A decidious tropical flowering tree, 5 to 10 meters high, sometimes growing to a height of 20 meters. Leaves, large, spatulate, oblong to elliptic-ovate, 2-4 inches in width, 5-8 inches in length; shedding its leaves the first months of the year. Before shedding, the leaves are bright orange or red during which time it is thought to contain higher levels of corosolic acid). Flowers are racemes, pink to lavender; flowering from March to June. After flowering, the tree bears large clumps of oval nutlike fruits.

Scientific Names
Lagerstroemia speciosa Linn.
Munchausia speciosa Linn.
Lagestroemia reginae Roxb.
Lagerstroemia flos-reginae Retz.

Distribution
Grows wild; widely distributed in the Philippines, in the secondary forests at low and medium altitudes. Cultivated for its beautiful flowers. Propagation by seeds.

Chemical Constituents
Rich in tannin: fruit, 14 to 17 %; leaves 13 %; bark, 10%. Corrosolic acid is being studied for its glucose lowering effect.

Parts Utilized
Leaves, fruits, flowers and bark.

Uses

Folkloric

• Roots have been used for a variety of stomach ailments. Leaf decoction for diabetes; also use as a diuretic and purgative.
  
• Decoction of old leaves and dried fruit (dried from one to two weeks), 50 gms to a pint of boiling water, 4 to 6 cups daily has been used for diabetes. Old leaves and ripe fruit are preferred, believed to have greater glucose lowering effect. Young leaves and flowers have a similar effect, though only 70% that of matures leaves and fruits. The wood has no known glucose lowering effect; the bark, a very small amount. A decoction of 20 gms of old leaves or dried fruit in 100 cc of water was found to have the equivalent effect to that of 6 to 7.7 units of insulin.
  
• The bark decoction has been used for the treatment of diarrhea.
  
• The bark, flowers and leaves used to facilitate bowel movements.
  
• Decoction of fruits or roots gargled for aphthous stomatitis.


• Decoction of leaves and flowers used for fevers and as diuretic.


• Leaf decoction or infusion used for bladder and kidney inflammation, dysuria, and other urinary dysfunctions.
  

Recent Studies

• Diabetes: Banaba is being studied for its application in the treatment of diabetes. Its ability to lower blood sugar is attributed to its corosolic acid, a triterpenoid glycoside, belived to facilitate glucose-transport into cells.
  
• Weight loss: Studies in mice suggest an anti-obesity effect. It is becoming a common ingredient in weight-loss supplements / products as a metabolic enhancer.


• Others: It is also being studied for its use in the treatment of blood pressure, renal and immune system benefits. Studies in mice suggest a lipid lowering effect - decreasing triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. To date, no toxicity has been identified.
  
  Availability
  
• Wildcrafted.


• Cultivated for flowers.


• Commercial: tablets, extracts, capsules, powder and tea
  
  Source: http://www.stuartxchange.org/

Salabat (Ginger Brew)

What is Ginger?
Ginger is the common name for the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale. The term is also used to describe the edible part of the plant which is commonly used as an ingredient in cooking throughout the world. Often referred to as ginger "root", the edible section is actually a rhizome.

Ginger contains up to 3% of an essential oil that causes the fragrance of the spice. The main constituents are sesquiterpenoids with(-)-zingiberene as the main component. Lesser amounts of other sesquiterpenoids (β-sesquiphellandrene, bisabolene and farnesene) and a small monoterpenoid fraction (β-phelladrene, cineol, and citral)have also been identified.

The pungent taste of ginger is due to nonvolatile phenylpropanoid-derived compounds, particularly gingerols and shogaols. The latter are formed from the former when ginger is dried or cooked. Zingerone is also produced from gingerols during this process, and it is less pungent and has a spicy-sweet aroma. Ginger has a sialagogue action, stimulating the production of saliva.

Ludy's Ginger Brew (Salabat) is in the form of granules and is packed in jars or foil packs. This drink is made from carefully chosen ginger roots. Since olden times, ginger has been used to help cure colds, fever, stomach ache, and is a soothing remedy for rheumatism on cold nights and rainy days. A healthy breakfast beverage for the whole family too.

LUDY'S GINGER BREW SALABAT 12.7 oz
Ingredients: Ginger and Sugar




LUDY'S GINGER JUICE SALABAT W/ CALAMANSI 12.7 oz
Ingredients: Ginger, Sugar, Calamansi (Philippine Lemon)




GINGER PUNCH SALABAT W/ LEMON 12.7 oz
Ingredients: Ginger, Sugar, Lemon


Culinary Uses of Ginger
Young ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often pickled in sherry as a snack or just cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can also be stewed in boiling water to make ginger tea, to which honey is often added as a sweetener; sliced orange or lemon fruit may also be added. Mature ginger roots are fibrous and nearly dry. The juice from old ginger roots is extremely potent and is often used as a spice in Asian cuisine to flavor dishes such as seafood or mutton. Powdered dry ginger root (ginger powder) is typically used to add spiciness to gingerbread and other recipes. Fresh ginger can be successfully substituted for ground ginger and should be done at a ratio of 6 parts fresh for 1 part ground. Ginger is also made into candy and used as a flavoring for cookies, crackers and and is the main flavor in ginger ale - a sweet, carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage.

Medical Uses
The medical form of ginger historically was called "Jamaica ginger"; it was classified as a stimulant and carminative, and used frequently for dyspepsia and colic. It was also frequently employed to disguise the taste of medicines. Ginger is on the FDA's 'generally recognized as safe' list, though it does interact with some medications, including warfarin. Ginger is contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones as the herb promotes the release of bile from the gallbladder. Ginger may also decrease joint pain from arthritis, though studies on this have been inconsistent, and may have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties that may make it useful for treating heart disease.

Ginger has been found effective by multiple studies for treating nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy,though ginger was not found superior over a placebo for post-operative nausea. However, consuming too much ginger can create a feeling of nausea in an individual.

Modern research on nausea and motion sickness used approximately 1 gram of ginger powder daily. Though there are claims for efficacy in all causes of nausea, the Physicians Desk Reference recommends against taking ginger rhizomes for morning sickness commonly associated with pregnancy due to possible mutagenic effects,though Chinese women have traditionally used ginger rhizomes during pregnancy to combat morning sickness and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that it is likely safe for use in pregnancy when consumed in food-amounts.

Folk Medicinal Uses
There are a variety of uses suggested for ginger. A tea brewed from the is a folk remedy for colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer have been recommended as "stomach settlers" for generations in countries where the beverages are made and ginger water was commonly used to avoid heat cramps in the US. Ginger has also been historically used to treat inflammation, which some scientific studies support while others show ginger to be no better than a placebo or ibuprofen. Research on rats suggests that ginger may be useful for treating diabetes.

Local Uses
In the Philippines a traditional health drink called "salabat" is made for consumption with breakfast by boiling chopped ginger and adding sugar.

In the West, powdered dried ginger root is made into capsules and sold in pharmacies for medicinal use.

In the United States, ginger is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, though it is not approved for the treatment or cure of any disease and is sold as an unregulated dietary supplement.

In India, ginger is applied as a paste to the temples to relieve headache and consumed when suffering from a cold.

In Myanmar, ginger and a local sweetener made from palm tree juice (Htan nyat) are boiled together and taken to prevent the flu.

In China, a drink made with sliced ginger cooked in sweetened water or a cola is used as a folk medicine for common cold.

In Indonesia, a type of ginger known as Jahe is used as a herbal preparation to reduce fatigue, reducing "winds" in the blood, prevent and cure rheumatism and controlling poor dietary habits.

In Democratic Republic of the Congo, ginger is crushed and mixed with mango-tree sap to make Tangawisi juice, which is considered a universal panacea.

Allergic reactions to ginger generally result in a rash and though generally recognized as safe, ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, particularly if taken in powdered form. Unchewed fresh ginger may result in intestinal blockage, and individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines may react badly to large quantities of fresh ginger. Ginger can also adversely affect individuals with gallstones. There are also suggestions that ginger may affect blood pressure, clotting, and heart rhythms.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

About the Philippines

PHILIPPINES

The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas), officially the Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas; RP), is an archipelagic nation located in Southeast Asia, with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine Archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The Philippines is the world's 12th most populous country, with a population of 88 million.

GEOGRAPHY

The Philippines constitutes an archipelago of 7,107 islands with a total land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers (116,000 sq mi). It lies between 116° 40' and 126° 34' E. longitude, and 4° 40' and 21° 10' N. latitude, and borders the Philippine Sea on the east, on the South China Sea the west, and the Celebes Sea on the south. The island of Borneo lies a few hundred kilometers southwest and Taiwan directly north. The Moluccas and Sulawesi are to the south, and Palau is to the east beyond the Philippine Sea

The islands are commonly divided into three island groups: Luzon , Visayas , and Mindanao . The busy port of Manila, on Luzon, is the national capital and second largest city after its suburb Quezon City.

CLIMATE

The local climate is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5 °CF). There are three recognized seasons: Tag-init or Tag-araw (the hot season or summer from March to May), Tag-ulan (the rainy season from June to November), and Taglamig (the cold season from December to February). The southwest monsoon (79.7 ° (May-October) is known as the "habagat" and the dry winds of the northeast monsoon (November-April) as the "amihan".

LANGUAGES

More than 180 languages and dialects are spoken in the archipelago. According to the 1987 Constitution, Filipino and English are both the official languages. Many Filipinos understand, write and speak English, Filipino and their respective regional languages. Filipino is the de facto standardized version of Tagalog and one of the nation's official languages. English, the other official language, is widely used as a lingua franca throughout the country. English was imposed by Americans during the U.S. intervention and colonization of the archipelago. English is used in education, churches, religious affairs, print and broadcast media, and business, though the number of people who use it as a second language far outnumber those who speak it as a first language. Still, English is the preferred medium for textbooks and instruction for secondary and tertiary levels. Movies and TV programs in English are not subtitled but many films and TV programs are produced in Tagalog. English is the sole language of the law courts.

Twelve major regional languages are the auxiliary official languages of their respective regions, each with over one million speakers: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray-Waray, Kapampangan, Bikol, Pangasinan. Kinaray-a, Maranao, Maguindanao and Tausug.

RELIGION

The Philippines is one of only two majority Roman Catholic countries in Asia (the other being East Timor). About 94% of Filipinos are Christians, where 81% belong to the Roman Catholic Church, 2% composed of Protestant denominations and 11% either to the Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan), Iglesia ni Cristo and others. While Christianity is a major force in the culture of the Filipinos, indigenous traditions and rituals still influence religious practice.

Approximately 5% of Filipinos are Muslims, and are locally known as "Moros", having been dubbed this by the Spanish due to their sharing Islam with the Moors of North Africa. They primarily settle in parts of Mindanao, Palawan and the Sulu archipelago, but are now found in most urban areas of the country.

CULTURE

Filipino culture is a fusion of pre-Hispanic indigenous Austronesian civilizations of the Philippines mixed with Hispanic and American cultures. It has also been influenced by Chinese and Islamiccultures.

The Hispanic influences in Filipino culture are largely derived from the culture of Spain and Mexico as a result of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule through Mexico City. These Hispanic influences are most evident in literature, folk music, folk dance, language, food, art and religion, such as Roman Catholic Church religious festivals. Filipinos hold major festivities known as barrio fiestas to commemorate their patron saints. One of the most visible Hispanic legacy, is the prevalence of Spanish surnames among Filipinos. This peculiarity, unique among the people of Asia, came as a result of a colonial decree for the systematic distribution of family names and implementation of the Spanish naming system on the inhabitants of the Philippines. A Spanish name and surname among the majority of Filipinos does not always denote of Spanish ancestry. Only about 1% to 2% of the population (mostly Filipinos of Spanish and Mexican origin) would qualify as Hispanic by ancestry.

There are also significant amounts of Spanish influence in the country, such as names of countless streets, towns and provinces, which are named in Spanish. Spanish architecture also made a major imprint in the Philippines. This can be seen especially in the country's churches, government buildings and universities. Many Hispanic style houses and buildings are being preserved, like the Spanish colonial town in Vigan City, for protection and conservation. Kalesa is a horse-driven carriage introduced by the Spaniards and was a major mode of transportation during the colonial times. It is still being used today. Filipino cuisine is also heavily influenced by Mexican and Spanish cuisine.

The Chinese influences in Filipino culture are most evident in Filipino cuisine. The prevalence of noodles, known locally as mami, is a testament to Chinese cuisine.

The use of English language in the Philippines is contemporaneous and is America's visible legacy. The most commonly played sports in the Philippines are basketball and billiards. There is also a wide influence of American Pop cultural trends, such as the love of fast-food and movies; many street corners boast fast-food outlets. Modern day Filipinos also listen to contemporary American music and watch American movies. However, Original Pilipino Music (also known as OPM) and Philippine movies are also widely appreciated.

Filipinos honor national heroes whose works and deeds contributed to the shaping of the Filipino nation. José Rizal is the most celebrated ilustrado, a Spanish-speaking reformist visionary whose writings contributed greatly in nurturing a sense of national identity and awareness. His novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo originally written in Spanish, are required readings for Filipino students, and provide vignettes of colonial life under the Spanish rule.

As with many cultures, music (which includes traditional music) and leisure activities are an important aspect of the Filipino society. Various sports are also enjoyed, including boxing, basketball, badminton, billiards, football (soccer) and ten-pin bowling being popular games in the country.

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia