Lagundi –excellent for
asthma, cough, upper and lower respiratory tract infections
• Being Considered replacement of the synthetic drug dextrometorphan, an anti-tussive in the public system
• Being promoted by the Dept of Health
• Registered under BFAD as
medicine
• There are 7 brands of Lagundi in the market today.
What is Lagundi
Also knows as: Scientific Name : Vitex Negundo, Dabtan (If.) Dangla
(Ilk.) Kamalan (Tag.) Lagundi (Ibn., Tag., Bik., P. Bis.) Li?gei (Bon.)
Limo-limo (Ilk.) Sagarai (Bag.) Turagay (Bis.) Five-leaved chaste tree (Engl.)
Huang Ching (Chin.) Agno-casto (Spanish)
Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a large native shrub that
grows in the Philippines and has been traditionally used as herbal medicine.
The Philippine Department of Health has conducted research and study for
Lagundi and has suggested that the lagundi plant has a number verifiable
therapeutic value
Lagundi is an erect, branched tree or shrub, that grows to as much as 5
m high. Lagundi has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk and is usually seen
in swamps of the Philippines. Lagundi leaves appear palmately, in the form of
five pointed leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. Lagundi leaves
are 5-foliate, rarely with 3 leaflets only. Lagundi leaves are 4-10 cm long,
slightly hairy beneath. The lagundi flowers are blue to lavender, 6-7 mm long
bearing fruit globose of about 4mm in diameter that turns black when ripe,
Lagundi, herbal medicine -
Health Benefits
Lagundi has been traditionally used as herbal medicine by Philippine
folks. The efficacy of Lagundi has also been verified by the Philippine
Department of Health and other Philippine based scientists which concentrated
on its use to ease respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally used for the
treatment of coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems,
Lagundi is also known for its analgesic effect that helps alleviate
pain and discomfort. Other traditional benefits that are derived from the use
of Lagundi are as follows:
•Relief of asthma & pharyngitis
•Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea
•Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary
disorders
•Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox
•Removal of worms, and boils
Lagundi Herbal Medicine Preparation
Lagundi leaves, root, flowers, and seeds are believed to have medicinal
value. Lagundi concoction is prepared by boiling, steeping, and then straining
various parts such as lagundi leaves, roots, flowers and seeds.
-wash fresh or dried Lagundi leaves
-chop then add in 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of lagundi parts
-let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes
-Let it steep then strain the various parts.
-Drink half cup of Lagundi three times a day.
-Lagundi concoction can be stored in suitable glass container for later
consumption.
Lagundi Availability
Commercially, lagundi can be purchased in the form of syrup or capsules
to make it easier to handle. It is also blended in with cough medicines and
other herbal remedies.
Lagundi syrup is now commonly formulated as cough medicine which can
also be bought in leading drugstores and supermarkets. For outside of the
Philippines, an alternative herbal capsule is Ricola Cough Drops, a naturally
extracted cough and sore throat tablet with high and favorable review.
Warning and Side Effects of lagundi
Lagundi use is widely acceptable as safe for use for children and
adults and no adverse reaction has been reported. However, moderate use is
recommended for pregnant women, and treatment should not exceed one week. If
symptoms persist and irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.