I start propagating Mulberry Tree only this April 2020 during the Enhance Community Quarantine because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, I made stem cutting from our only tree (that i got from my Tita Edith in Cupang, Muntinlupa) and soak it to water until it grow roots.
Rooting of Mulberry Stem Cutting
When i got success from growing its root i transfer it to our garden. And this month when i checked on it, i am so happy to see that it already bears fruit.
Here we see that when a stem has been cut to its main tree, it remembers it stage when it was cut. This stem cutting was bearing fruit, so when it was cut off from the main tree it stop growing. But when we replant it again, it continue its work in bearing fruit even for a short period of time being replanted. It remembers its work when it was still part of the main tree. The situation that happened to the stem made me think of the same process that happens to reincarnation. When a person die, its soul may chose to be reborn again or reincarnated in order to continue the work s/he is doing in the previous live. We can see this through the behavior a person expresses as s/he grow.
For us who are living right now in the present world, we have our memories of the past that we will pass through the obstacles and challenge of today’s world. Our real selves have already experienced numerous calamities, epedemics and pandemics through out time. And this Time at 2020, we will all overcome this Pandemic and relive our life to the best as we can.
I start to cultivate Makabuhay Vine way back 2013 as i need it to make a charm to improve health and long life. Though this herb was commonly known to have an abortive properties, I still hold on to the meaning of it’s name which is makabuhay or the one that promotes life. As Manghihilot or Traditional Healer, we do not just work on manipulating the Physical Body of the person to treat them but we also make medicine that could restore and maintain good health. A person Health for us as we see it does not limit to the Physical Movement of the person but we see also his/her emotional, mental, social and spiritual health as a basis for Holistic Wellness. And the medicine we provide is not also limited on Physical Manipulation of the Body but also we do preparation of Medicine for internal consumption, topical application or to carry it in their person such as in the use of Amulets, Talismans or Charms.
On my personal practice and use of Makabuhay, i mix the dried herbs and vines to alcoholic drink such as rum in a tincture and add few drops to a glass of water before i sleep. The vines can also be added to make a docoction of coconut oil to be applied on the part of the body that is affected by rheumatism and arthritis.
Studies suggest that Makabuhay has cardiotonic, antioxidant, antidiarheal, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, hypolipidemic, antimalarial, and antinociceptive properties. According to Medical Health Guide, the list are the Traditional Medicinal Uses of Makabuhay vine:
Makabuhay roots, stems and leaves are used as herbal treatment for fevers, malaria. Makabuhay 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.
Makabuhay poultice is used to treat gout, arthritis, and rheumatism by reducing pain and edema.
Makabuhay is used to treat skin diseases (athlete’s foot, scabies, etc.), promotes wound healing and alleviate skin itching. Makabuhay tonic is believed to promote overall good health and longevity, improves memory, improves skin tone and texture, and provides energy.
Makabuhay tonic is also used to treat fever and malaria. Makabuhay tonic is used to treat gastrointestinal and digestive problems, which includes diarrhea, hyperacidity, abdominal pains, gas pains (kabag), vomiting, dyspepsia, dysentery, colitis, constipation, loss of appetite and even worm infestation.
Makabuhay is also used in the treatment of diabetes, heart problems, hepatitis, anemia, impotence, tuberculosis, jaundice,
I remember as a kid when we have cough and fever, my mother will pick up some lagundi leaves, oregano and ginger. She will pound it together and extract the juice of the combined herbs and make us drink the juice. She will add little amount of sugar so that it may taste good.
Lagundi aka Vitex Negudo
Lagundi or Vitex Negudo was known in English as the 5 leaves chaste tree. It is one of the 10 Herbs that the Philippine Department of Health approved to be known as Herbal Medicine. Though there are lot herbs can be found in the Philippines that shows potency as medicine but only 10 were approved to be classified as medicine and one of it is Lagundi.
Lagundi has been tested clinically to be effective in treatments of cold, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and pharyngitis. With the rise of Coronavirus Disease we have seen Caloocan City is distributing Paracetamol and Lagundi as part of their help to the citizen in battling Covid 19. Though there is no record that it has been used to treat the disease but it plays role in the prevention of the spread of the virus. As a herbal medicine that been recognized to treat respiratory problem, this might be a promising herb that also has a potential relief or even cure to the Coronavirus Disease.
Though at this moment, the role of Hilot in the Philippines works on preventive and promotive health care, taking lagundi as tea will protect an individual from having the symptoms of the disease as long as the guidelines on social distancing, hand washing and physical fitness is observed. Healthcare professionals can also consider administering this herbs to treat the symptoms as it is used to treat colds, fever, flu, chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea and certain skin and digestive complaints.
Below are the list of traditional use of Lagundi:
Expectorant/Cough Remedy
Sore throat relief
Anti-asthma/Bronchodilator
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Diuretic
Antinociceptive/Analgesic
Anti-allergy
Antihyperglycemic
Antimicrobial
Anthelmintic /Antiparasitic
Promotes wound healing
Hepatoprotective
Improves digestion
Carminative
Relieves anxiety
Promotes relaxation
Insecticidal
Reduces risk of cancer
As Traditional Medicine Practitioner, we recommend you to see your healthcare professional or Certified Manghihilot before taking any herbal remedy. It is good to identify the symptoms first in order to have a proper treatment that will result to a successful cure of any ailments. Self Medication is discouraged and right procedure of herbal administration is required.
For more information on Philippine Traditional Hilot and Healthcare, you may contact me at +639952467040 or connect with me at Facebook at Rolando Gomez Comon.
Aloe Vera or Sabila is my very first herb that i like most. It actually is my favorite and for me i called this as my personal sacred Plant. I grew it as a child and even filled the wall of our fence with it. I thought it was just an ornamental plant but when i grow up I learn it has a powerful medicine within it. I also have seen its flower. Yes! Through time it gives flower and it smells sweet. Though i rarely see it blooming in pots and i don’t know when it will give flower once again. I’m so sad that i was not able to capture it flowers through film because that time i don’t have camera nor mobile phone that has camera. Yeah! I’m very old school that only knows soil and its healing herbs.
Aloe Vera or Aloe Barbadensis Miller has been known for its medicinal and cosmetic purposes. I have read that this plant was used to embalm ancient Pharaohs of Egypt as well as Jesus Christ. The word Aloe has an arabic origin which means Shinning Bitter substance while Vera is a Latin word meaning True. In my old notes on healing herbs, i found that this herb can endure extreme stress such as i test it hanging on the air without soil and water for about a year but still it is alive and didn’t dried up. It taught me spiritually to become patient, tolerant and humble. As i work on it, i found its power to be amazing. I apply it to open wounds, burns and even on skin infection. Our Elders have taught that this plant is a good hair grower and can heal all kinds of skin disease. And later on i found out that we can scrape of the white gel on it and eat it directly.
In making Herbal Healing Oil i add 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel in distilling coconut oil with mix herbs and when i put my finger in it while boiling i didn’t get burn.
It is found out that Aloe Vera has many active potential constituents such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugar, lignin, saponins, salicylic acid and amino acids.
Vitamins: It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. It also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.
Enzymes: It contains 8 enzymes: aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Bradykinase helps to reduce excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the breakdown of sugars and fats.
Minerals: It provides calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. They are essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways and few are antioxidants.
Sugars: It provides monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides: (glucomannans/polymannose). These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant and are known as mucopolysaccharides. The most prominent monosaccharide is mannose-6-phosphate, and the most common polysaccharides are called glucomannans [beta-(1,4)-acetylated mannan]. Acemannan, a prominent glucomannan has also been found. Recently, a glycoprotein with antiallergic properties, called alprogen and novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel.
Anthraquinones: It provides 12 anthraquinones, which are phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.
Fatty acids: It provides 4 plant steroids; cholesterol, campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol. All these have anti-inflammatory action and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic properties.
Hormones: Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory action.
Others: It provides 20 of the 22 human required amino acids and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lignin, an inert substance, when included in topical preparations, enhances penetrative effect of the other ingredients into the skin. Saponins that are the soapy substances form about 3% of the gel and have cleansing and antiseptic properties.
On basic uses of Aloe Vera, it is effective on wound or burn healing. I remember my nephew when he was 3 years old playing around my kitchen on our Canteen and he accidentally placed his whole hands on a boiling pot of soup. It was too hot because we boil it continually in low fire using fire wood for our Mami Soup and thankfully i have my aloe vera around and apply it directly, and amazingly no trace of burn can be found on my nephew.
Another testimony on the effectiveness of Aloe Vera is when my younger sister accidentally hammered her little finger. We brought her to the hospital and the doctor said she need to undergo surgery removal of her finger or stem cell treatment. We do not have enough money for the surgery so we just went back home and apply aloe vera on her finger. With patience and faith in God her finger was cured and no trace of being hammered can be seen.
Aloe Vera Gel can also be taken internally to treat stomach ulcer. It is also used to clean up our intestine and give us good bowel movement. It is said that Aloe Vera can also use to lower blood sugar and it has antioxidant to boost our immunity.
Plant aloe vera in your home it may be handy and helpful for you someday as it will heal you from your illness or it may be your living companion in your house that will listen to your prayers.
My Tita call this as Tahebo but when i conduct close study to this tree i learn that it is a Mulberry. I get this when it was still young at Cupang, Muntinlupa to the old place where Tita Edith lives. And now i see it bearing many berries.
I have utilized the leaves to make tea and have administered it to nanay to lower down her blood pressure as well as to relieve her constipation. Tatay made a joke that when nanay poop it will be like silk because Mulberry Leaf are used to feed the silk worm.
I use also the dried powdered leave of mulberry in making herbal tablet which i call as Amulaser.
Mulberry leaves are highly nutritious as it contains polyphenol anti oxidants, vitamins c, zinc, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
There are study that says that Mulberry leaves can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol and inflammation. These attributes are useful in fighting heart disease and diabetes.
I believe that this leaf can do more when it comes to our health. As member of Luntiang Aghama that advocates Philippine Traditional Medicine through Hilot Academy, Mulberry Leaf can help improve our healthcare delivery by making it affordable and within easy reach.
When i learn the amazing benefits of this plant years ago i walked around our subdivision to see if there are wild Gotu Kola that grew along the sidewalk and i did found. I ask the spirit of the place to get some and be replanted in our house. When i have able to multiply it, i taught to my mother its wonderful benefit to her health. And she was amazed by its powers and how it help her that she recommend it also to our neighbors and friends. As she continue to recommend it to our neighbors our Gotu Kola get exhausted. I tried to save some but it did not become successful.
Years passed by i try to look again along the street if there are wild gotu kola growing. But it seems people learned the importance of this plant that they kept it inside their yard. So i ended up looking for it on a Garden Shop. But this plant where i now grow is i bought beside Quiapo Church in Manila. It cost me Php 100.00 for this plant. And gladly i am growing it that we can make medicine out of it.
Gotu Kola or Takip Kuhol leaves can be eaten as a Salad. So every morning as we woke up, we pick 7 to 9 leaves of Gotu Kola and wash it over tap water and eat it. According to researcher, Gotu Kola has amazing healing properties such as:
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Neuroprotective
Cognitive enhancer/Nootropic
Supports cardiovascular & respiratory health
Improves circulation
Promotes wound healing
Adaptogenic
Boosts immunity
Anti-rheumatic
Antimicrobial
Anti-psoriatic
Anxiolytic
Anticonvulsant
Gastroprotective
Improves digestion
Antihypertensive
Antihyperlgycemic
Good for the skin and hair
Increases libido
Reduces cancer risk
In Ayurveda, Gotu Kola is known to be as Blood Purifier and also as Memory Enhancer. Taking tea from the leaves of Gotu Kola could relieve Anxiety, Depression and Stress.
Remember our August 8, 2019 post about Guava Leaves? Here we got result. I received a private message thanking us for our post and testifying how the Guava Leaf tea help her in her problem.
“Thank you for posting information about the use of Guava Leaves Tea. It is Effective! I thought I will be sent to the Hospital as I suspect that I got Dengue as I don’t like to see doctors and Hospital. So I boil guava leaves. I drink 4 mug of tea and on the following day I was able to get up from bed. Thanks God for all his blessings and Guidance.”
This testimony encourage us in doing well. Through the information we share we can save lives. It is much better than earning money because all Lives Matter.
Years passed by i try to look again along the street if there are wild gotu kola growing. But it seems people learned the importance of this plant that they kept it inside their yard. So i ended up looking for it on a Garden Shop. But this plant where i now grow is i bought beside Quiapo Church in Manila. It cost me Php 100.00 for this plant. And gladly i am growing it that we can make medicine out of it.
Remember our August 8, 2019 post about Guava Leaves? Here we got result. I received a private message thanking us for our post and testifying how the Guava Leaf tea help her in her problem.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 
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