Power Herbs

Horseradish Tree

Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera

It is commonly known as the horseradish tree or “Malunggay” in the Philippines. It is a powerhouse of nutritional value—the leaves are rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron and copper. Vitamins like beta-carotene of vitamin A, vitamin B such as folic acid, pyridoxine and nicotinic acid, vitamin C, D and E are also present.

Moringa is planted throughout the Philippines in settled areas at low and medium altitudes. It is well known as the ‘Miracle Tree’ as it gives a lot of amazing health benefits to the body.

It contains more Vitamin A than carrots, more Vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, more potassium than bananas, and more iron than spinach.  

• It helps in detoxification.
• It is a diuretic that prevents fluid retention and reduces swelling.
• It helps in boosting one’s energy and immune system
• It improves breast milk production for lactating mothers.
• It assists in wound healing and may help as an antibiotic to prevent infection
• And its iron helps in preventing anemia.

Chilli Pepper Leaves

Scientific name: Capsicum frutescens

Chili pepper leaves or commonly known as “Dahon ng Sili” is used as a vegetable and is a popular condiment. It is found throughout the Philippines plated here and there about dwellings but also thoroughly established in open and waste places in settled areas.

• This vegetable is rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus, and Vitamins A and B.
• It contains anti-fatigue properties.
• It acts as a circulatory stimulant which helps boost immunity, improves metabolism, and helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar level.
• It also helps improve joint flexibility and helps prevent rheumatism and arthritis.
• It is considered as an aphrodisiac.

Jute Leaves

Scientific name: Corchorus olitorius

Jute leaves or commonly known as Saluyot in the Philippines is rich in Vitamin C, beta carotene, iron, calcium, and dietary fiber. It is ever-present on clearings, farms, and waste places in the aforementioned country.

This is known as a natural colon cleanser and an effective toxin remover—a potent purgative, diuretic, and carminative. The leaves are also very rich in phytochemicals that help prevent cancer. It may also be a remedy for aches, and pectoral pains.

Pigweed

Scientific name: Amaranthus spinosus

It is also known as pigweeds or Philippine local spinach which can be found throughout its lowlands and places in low altitudes.

• It serves as a diuretic.
• It helps stop Loose Bowel Movement.
• It is good as a natural expectorant.
• It helps improve skin problems such as acne, skin asthma, psoriasis, eczema, and many others.
• It is very rich in Vitamin K, that's why it is good as hemostatic, which means it helps stop excessive bleeding.

Sweet Potato Tops

Scientific name: Ipomoea batatas

Sweet Potato Leaves or usually called “Talbos ng Kamote” in Tagalog, is a warm season crop extensively cultivated in the Philippines. It can easily be planted any time of the year and is propagated from stem cuttings. The leafy tops are eaten as vegetables and when crushed are applied to boils and acne. s sss

• This is also rich in Complex Carbohydrates, Dietary Fiber, beta-Carotene, Protein, Niacin, Riboflavin, and Vitamin C and B6.
• It is also good in preventing constipation and stomach stress.
• It is the only plant found to be very rich in Iodine which improves brain development, memory enhancement and goiter prevention.
• And despite it being called sweet potato leaves, it can also help stabilize blood sugar levels.