We call it "alimhon" in our place.
Popularly known as Sambong or Blumea balsamifera, it is used to aid in the treatment of kidney disorders or kidney stones. Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, this herbal medicine helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body. Its expectorant properties make it as a popular recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat colds. Sambong is also a natural cleansing herb. I take a glass of sambong tea to cleanse my lungs of phlegm until it is gone.
Sambong is a native flowering or weed that is endemic in the Philippines and other tropical countries. It is a popular herb especially for its multitude of healing properties including anti-diarrhetic, anti-gastralgic, expectorant, stomachic, and antispasmodic, among others. Leaves can also be used for wounds and cuts.
Aside from these, sambong is also popular for stimulating the blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. Sambong helps in relieving menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea by stimulating blood flow thereby helping women in releasing the molecular compounds called prostaglandins, which causes the uterus to contract and constrict the blood supply that causes the menstrual cramps.
Since the plant is emmenagogues, drinking the sambong tea is not advisable to pregnant women as well as women who wanted to be pregnant. Moreover, drinking sambong should also be regulated because it also has hallucinogenic effects when excessively consumed.
Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders.
Preaparation or use:
• A decoction (boil in water) of Sambong leaves as like tea and drink a glass 3 or 4 times a day.
• The leaves can also be crushed or pounded and mixed with coconut oil.• A decoction (boil in water) of Sambong leaves as like tea and drink a glass 3 or 4 times a day.
• For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples.
• Decoction of leaves is used as sponge bath.
• Decoction of the roots, on the other hand, is to be taken in as cure for fever.
Other Benefits of Sambong
• Good as a diuretic agent
• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism
• Treatment of colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic properties
• Anti-gastralgic properties
• Helps remove worms, boils
• Relief of stomach pains
• Treats dysentery, sore throat
Related liks:
http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/sambong.htm
BANABA, LEMONGRASS, BASIL, GYNURA PROCUMBENS, GUYABANO, MALUNGGAY,
BANABA, LEMONGRASS, BASIL, GYNURA PROCUMBENS, GUYABANO, MALUNGGAY,
