Scientific Name
Mentha cordifolia
Where it is commonly available
Distributed throughout the Philippines
Pre-clinical
Analgesic, antimicrobial and antiparasitic, antineoplastic
Clinical
Analgesic (Philippine setting)
How to use them
For toothaches
> Boil the grinded and freshly picked yerbabuwena leaves in a pot filled with 2 glasses of water until the pot is only left with half filled of water. Keep the lid off the pot after bringing it to a boil.
> Let it cool completely and then strain it.
> Divide it into 2 portions. Drink 1 portion, and drink another 1 portion after 3-4 hours if the pain still persist.
> Dosage of minced sambong leaves based on patient’s age: 3 tablespoons (7-12 years old); 6 tablespoons (13 years old and above)
> Visit a health center and consult about your illness if the toothache still persists.
Headache
> Compress or crush freshly picked leaves and use the extract in massaging the forehead and top of head.
> Consult with a health center if the headache still persists.
References
ASEAN 2014; BFAD 2005, Cortes-Maramba 1981; Dayrit 2014; Galvez Tan 2014, Quisimbing 1978; TKDL 2015; who 2002