Sambong – a very efficient dissolver of kidney stones
• A good diuretic and
anti-edema; can be used as an anti- hypertensive
• Encouraging results from
double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies
• Promoted by the National Kidney
and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and DOH
• Registered with the BFAD as a
medicine
What is Sambong
Also knows as: Blumea balsamifera L. DC, Alibum,Lakad-bulan, Alimon,
Lalakdan. Sambong (Tag.), Dalapot, Sob-sob, Gabuen. Subusub, Blumea camphor
(Engl.), Kambibon, Ngai camphor (Engl.).
Sambong is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in
the tropical climate countries such as Philippines, India, Africa and found
even in eastern Himalayas. Sambong is widely used in the Philippines as herbal
medicine. Sambong leaves are known for its ngai or Blumea camphor that is used
as herbal medicine to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism,
anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension. The Philippine
Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has develop the technology
for a sambong herbal medicine tablet.
Sambong is an aromatic shrub, that grows from 1 to 4 meters in height.
It is considered as a weed in some countries and is difficult to eradicate.
Sambong has yellow flowering heads that is 6 mm long. Sambong leaves are green
obloid that spreads in a pyramidial pattern. Sambong bears fruits that are ribbed
and hairy on top. Sambong fruit has 1 seed.
Sambong, traditional herbal medicine - Health Benefits
Sambong roots and leaves are used as herbal treatment for fevers,
sambong leaves and roots are pounded then dissolved in cold water. Applied with
a soft cloth over the nape, forehead, underarms and other body parts to bring
down the body temperature.
Sambong roots and leaves are also used as herbal medicine treatment for
rheumatism. Sambong roots and leaves are pounded and applied as poultice on the
affected body part. Sambong roots and leaves may also be boiled and are applied
as warm compress onto affected area
Sambong is also used to treat headache, sambong leaves are pounded and
applied as a poultice over the forehead.
Sambong tea are also used as herbal medicine for colds and coughs.
Sambong tea are also used for herbal treatment of diarrhea and stomach
spasms.
Sambong juice are also used for treatment of cuts and wounds.
Sambong, herbal medicine preparation
Sambong tea preparation:
-gather fresh sambong leaves, cut in small pieces
-wash with fresh water
-boil 50 grams of sambong leaves to a liter of water
-let it seep for 10 minutes
-remove from heat
-drink while warm 4 glasses a day for best results.
Sambong poultice
-gather fresh leaves and roots
-wash with fresh clean water
-pound in a mortar
-grounded leaves may be applied or a juice extract may be used
Sambong, Scientific Studies - Medical Uses
Sambong as diuretic for hypertension and fluid retention. Sambong
herbal tea is used as a diuretic for fluid retention and hypertension
conditions. Sambong herbal tea incites the body to urinate thereby removing
excess body fluids and sodium. Clinical studies have shown that high levels of
sodium in the blood is a major cause of hypertension.
Sambong delay or averts renal failure . The Philippine National Kidney
and Transplant Institute recommends taking sambong herbal medicine for patients
with renal problems. Favorable results were noted that sambong may help to
delay or avert dialysis or even kidney transplant.
Sambong for the Dissolution of Kidney Stones. The Philippine Department
of Health (DOH) has been promoting Sambong herbal tea and tablets as a diuretic
and for the dissolution of kidney stones. Sambong has been recently registered
in the Bureau of Foods and Drugs as medicine.
Sambong as Anticancer: Sambong contains methanolic extract that has
been found to have therapeutic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
A study of sambong (balsamifera) extract inhibits the activity in rat and human
hepatocellular carcinoma cells without cytotoxicity. This study suggest a
possible therapeutic effect of sambong extracts (balsamifera) in the treatment
of hepatoma cancer patients.
Sambong as Antibacterial and Antifungi: A Phytochemical study indicates
that sambong leaves contains the chemicals icthyothereol acetate,
cyptomeridiol, lutein and ?-carotene that has been found to have positive
activity against microbes such as A niger, T mentagrophytes and C albicans.
Results also showed activity against P aeruginosa, S aureus, B subtilis and E
coli.
Sambong Side Effects, cautions and warnings Sambong use is generally
considered safe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of
sambong during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid
use.
Sambong can cause allergic reaction for people sensitive to ragweed
plants and its relatives. Side effects may include itching and skin irritation.