Monday, December 8, 2008

MANGOSTEEN AS HERBAL

About Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a fruit bearing tree and also referred as the evergreen mangosteen tree. The tree grows (6-24 meters high) and is indigenous to Southeast Asia. The mangosteen fruit is round in shape, dark-purple, 2 to 3 inches in diameter and contains 4 to 8 segments of snow-white, delicious soft flesh. The fruit may or may not contain seeds. Encasing the flesh is a purple skin 5 to 10 cm thick. Because of the taste and medicinal properties, the mangosteen is often called "The Queen of Fruits".

Herbal Medicine uses of Mangosteen

A lot of studies shows that mangosteens rind (skin) has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-tumor properties. Initial results also reveals that mangosteen have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory medicinal properties. The active therapeutic compound found in mangosteen is called "Xanthones".Xanthones provides many times more anti-oxidants than Vitamin C & E. Xanthones have been receiving much attention lately from researchers and scientist for its medicinal value, more particularly in cancer prevention and cure. It appears to benefit every organ of the body. The whole mangosteen fruit is the single, best source of Xanthones.The strong anti-oxidant properties of the mangosteen fruit fights free radicals in the body. This helps strengthen the immune system, promote joint and cartilage function, helps support a strong respiratory system and helps maintain good health.

Medicinal Properties and Benefits of Mangosteen

1.)Serves as Anti-tumor & anti-cancer due to the presence of xanthones.
2.)Anti-inflammatory properties that prevents & treats body infections.
3.)Treatment of diarrhoea, cystitis, eczema, gleet and gonorrhoea.
4.)Anti-proliferative activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line.
5.)Anti-micro bacterial activity.
6.)Inhibitory activity against histamine release.
How to prepare Mangosteen for Herbal Uses

1.)Dried and powdered mangosteen rind (skin) is given to cure dysentery. The powder can be made into a cream and applied to skin to treat eczema and other skin disorders.
2.)A decoction of the rind (boil in water) is cure for gonorrhoea, cystitis, diarrhea and gleet.
3.)A decoction of the whole fruit, bark and leaves of the mangosteen tree can also be used.
4.)Mangosteen fruit is also good for the body

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Herbal Plants in the Philippines


An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicine is defined as the use of natural herbs and plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders and the promotion of good health.

Medicinal plants and herbs has been used by Filipino for many centuries. This knowledge was passed on from generation to generation. In the past few years, a renewed interest on this natural method of treatment arose not only in the Philippines but worldwide. This popularity will continue as medical science validates the effectivity of many herbs as alternative medicine. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits. In some cases, herbal medicines offer an inexpensive and safe alternative to pharmaceuticals.