philippine flora
Renowl
The Philippines harbors about 8,000+species of flowering plants distributed in
about 1,600 genera and 191 families. There are more than 6,490 species of
non-flowering plants (i.e. algae, fungi, mosses, ferns, etc.) and combined with
vascular plants the total number of plants is about 14,490+species! Of this
number, between 30 to 40% are said to be endemic to the country and nowhere
else found. [TOP]
Acoro
Acorus calamus (Linn.)
Common Names: bueng (Pamp.); acoro (Sp.); daraw (Ilk.); lubigan (Tag., Vys.);
dengaw (Bon.); dalaw (Ilk.); sweet flag (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Epilepsy and apoplexy; rheumatoid arthritis; toothache;
indigestion, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Agas-moro
Verononia cinerea (L.)
Common Names: agas-moro (Ilk.); bulabod (Sub.); kolong-kugon (S.L. Bis.);
magmansi (Pang.); sagit (Bon.); tagulinaw (Tag.); tagulinay (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Cold, fever and cough; acute jaunditic hepatitis; neurasthenia,
insomnia, night urination in infants, infected sores, mastitis, snake bites,
sprains and furuncles.
Alikbangon
Commelina diffusa (Linn.)
Common Names: kabilaw (bis.); kulkul-lasi (ilk.); alikbangon (Tag.); sabilaw
(Bis.); kuhasi (Iv.); bias-bias (Pamp.)
Folkloric uses: Fever associated with infections; mumps; poisonous snake bites;
cold; difficult urination; acute gastroenteritis; tonsilitis; erysipelas;
external wound healing.
Alpasotis
Chenopodium ambrosioides (Linn.)
Common Names: adlabon (Ig.); alpasote, alpasotis, aposotis, pasotis (Tag.,
Bis., Ilk.); apazot (Mexican); bulbula (Bon.); libug (Ig.)
Folkloric uses: Hookworm infection.
Amarillo
Tagetes erecta (Linn.)
Common Names: Amarillo (Sp., Fil.); agito (Ilk.); Marigold (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Anemia; irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea; rheumatic
muscular and bone pain.
Atangen
Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam.
Common Names: atangen (Ig.); bugkaw (Ig.); dawag (Tag.); guyot (Ig.); kaboat
(Tagb.); palina (Bon.); subit (Ig.)
Folkloric uses: Rheumatic arthritis, sprains, contusions, intercostal
neuralgia; cough and malaria; dysentery, gastralgia; poisonous snake bites;
furuncles.
Bangka-bangkaan
Rhoeo discolor (L. Herit) Hance
Common Names: Bangka-bangkaan (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Cough, cold, whooping cough; nose bleeds; bacillary dysentery
and blood in the stools.
Bayabang
Nephrolepsis cordifolia (Linn.); Presl
Common Names: Bayabang (Iv.); olaluent (Ig.); bangduan (Ig.)
Folkloric uses: Fevers due to cold; chronic cough; enteritis-diarrhea;
infantile convulsions.
Botoncillo
Gomphrena globosa (Linn.)
Common Names: Bokingon (Tag.); botbotones (Ilk.); botoncillo (Sp.);
botones-botonesan (Tag.); bukingan (Tag.); bulah (Bag.); butingan (S.L.Bis.)
Folkloric uses: Bronchial asthma; acute and chronic bronchitis; whooping cough.
Buding
Polygonum hydropiper (Linn.)
Common Names: agagat (Bon.); buding (Ig.); tuba (Ig.)
Folkloric uses: Bacillary dysentery, enteritis, rheumatic arthritis, sprain
swellings; eczema and pruritus; poisonous snake bites.
Bunga-bunga
Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) R. Brown ex Schult
Common Names: bilanamanut (Mag.); bunga-bunga (Tag.); gogoat (Bon.); sakit
(Bon.); tagtagtu (Bon.); abisrana (Ilk.); angelica (Sp.); aritana (Ilk.);
halangbang (If.); inginga (Ig.); kapal-kapal (Sul.); karitana (Bis.); kokoong
(Bon.); lapak-lapak (Sul.); putputok (Bon.)
Folkloric uses: Sprains, eczema, burns; carbuncle, erysipelas; acute
conjunctivitis; burns.
Creeping fig
Ficus pumila L.
Common Names: creeping fig, fig ivy (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Bedwetting, impotency orchitis (fruit); lack of milk secretion;
irregular menstruation; rheumatism, arthritis, sprains (stems and leaves);
furuncles; prolapse of the anus from prolonged dysentery.
Dadayem
Bidens pilosa (Linn.)
Common names: anguad (Ig.); dadayem (Iv.); pisau-pisau (C. Bis.); puriket
(Bon.); beggar ticks, bur marigold, Spanish needles, black jack (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Preventive for flu or colds; poisonous insect and snake bites;
enteritis, diarrhea and appendicitis; sprains, contusions and chronic ulcers;
piles.
Dalupang
Urena lobata (Linn.)
Common names: afulut (Gad.); anonongot (Bik.); bagonan (If.) baranggot (Bik.);
batiki (If.); dalupang (P. Bis., Tag., Pamp.); daupang (Sul.); dopong (Sul.);
kolokot (Ting.); kollokollot (Ilk.); kulot (Pang.); kulit (Pang.); kulotan
(Tag., Bis.); kullukullut (Ilk.); kulut-kulutan (Tag.); mangkit (Ig.); molopolo
(Tag., Pamp.); palisin (Tag.); poot-si-nuang (Is.);pirikit (Neg.); saligut
(Bon.) supang (Sub.); tapanding (Mag.)
Folkloric uses: Enteritis and dysentery; poisonous snake bites; sprains and
bruises; acute tonsillitis; rheumatic pains; tetanus.
Daynon
Polygonum chinense L.
Common Names: bota-bota (Ig.); darnon (Ig.); kulang-kulang (Neg.); langingit
(If.); lutudan (Bon.); vono (Iv.)
Folkloric uses: Dysentery, gastroenteritis, bloody stool, indigestion,
tonsillopharyngitis; furuncles; eczema and pruritus; sprains and bruises;
poisonous snake bites.
Diluario
Acanthus ilicifolius (Linn.)
Common Names: diliwario, doloariu (Tag.); duluarin (Tag.); daluari, diluariu,
duduaria, galura, lagiu-lagiu, takislakis, tindoi, tinlui, tinglui, tinglog
(Tag.); dulauari (Pamp.); kasumba (Ilk.); laguiriu (P. Bis.); senting (Sul.)
Folkloric uses: Acute and chronic hepatitis, swelling and enlargement of the
liver, spleen and lymph nodes; gastralgia; asthma.
Gatas-gatas
Euphorbia hirta (Linn.)
Common Names: bambanilang (If.) botobotonis (Tag.); bolobotonis (Pamp.); bobi
(Bis., Ilk.); bugayau (S.L. bis.); butobutonisan (Tag.); gatas-gatas (Bis.;
Tag.); magatas (Pamp.); malis-malis (Pamp.); maragatas (Ilk.); pansi-pansi
(Bik.); patik-patik (Sul.); piliak (Sub.); saikan (Tag.); sisiohan (Pamp.);
soro-soro (Bik.); tababa (Bis.); tairas (Iv.); tawatawa (P. Bis.); teta (Bon.);
tababa (Bis.); Australian asthma weed, snake weed, cat's hair (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Enteritis, dysentery; dermatitis, eczema, pruritus; decreased
milk secretion after delivery.
Gloriosa lily
Liriope graminifolia (Linn.) Baker
Common Name: Gloriosa Lily (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Pulmonary tuberculosis and cough due to chronic bronchitis;
constipation; lack of milk secretion.
Gogo
Entada phaseoloides (Linn.) Merr.
Common Names: Balugo (Tag., Pamp.); barugo (S.L. Bis.); bayogo (C. Bis.);
balones (Bis.); dipai (Ig.); gogong-bakay (Pamp.); gogo (Tag., Bis., Tagb., P.
Bis.); gugo (Tag.); kezzing (Ibn.); lipay (Ilk.); tamayan (Bag.)
Common Names: creeping fig, fig ivy (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Rheumatic lumbar and leg pains, sprains and contusions (dried
vine material); jaundice, edema due to malnutrition (powdered seeds).
Gulasiman
Portulaca olearacea (Linn.)
Common names: alusiman, ausiman (Bik.); bakbakad (If.)' dupdupil (Bon.)
golasiman (Tag.); gulasiman (Bik.); kantataba (Pang.); kolasiman (Tag.); lungum
(If.); makabling (Tag.); ngalug (Ilk.); olasiman (Bik., Tag.); sahikan (Bik.,
Tag.); ulasiman (Bik., Tag.); purslane (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Diarrhea; poisonous boils and snake bites; eczema;
gastroenteritis and dysentery; orchitis; nephritis; beriberi edema; pulmonary
tuberculosis, whooping cough; furuncles.
Hangod
Achyranthes aspera
Common names: angud (Pamp.); deket-deket, garem, higad-higad, ragragadi (Ilk.);
dokot-dokot, hangod, hangor, hangot, libay (Tag.); guela (Neg.); lopo-lopo
(Bis.); niknikitan (Bon.); saramo (Bis.); prickly chaff flower (Engl.)
Folkloric use: Colds; malaria; dysentery; urinary tract lithiasis; joint pains.
Harangan
Centipeda minima (Linn.)
Common names: Harangan (Tag., Bis.); Pisik (Bis.); Sneeze weed, sneeze wort
(Engl.)
Folkloric use: Rhinitis, whooping cough, malaria, colds, infantile convulsions,
rheumatic pains, sprains, bone fractures, poisonous snake bites, furuncles.
Higus-manok
Eclipta alba (L.)
Common Names: higus-manok (Tag.); karimbuaya (Ilk.); pia (If.); tinta-tinta
(Ilk.); tultulisan (Ilk.); yayod (Iv.); verba de tajo (Sp.)
Folkloric uses: Weakness of the liver and kidney causing dizziness, blurring of
vision lumbar pains; respiratory and gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria and
bloody stools; athlete's foot; dysentery; sprains, furuncle and dermatitis
(decoction of dried material or poultice of pounded fresh material).
Ilang-ilang gubat
Desmos cochichinensis (Lour.)
Common Names: ilang-ilang gubat (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Gastrointestinal distention, indigestion; nephritic edema;
bronchitis; rheumatic muscular pains.
Kabling-parang
Anisomeles indica (Linn.) O. Ktze.
Common names: Kabilang lalake, kabling-parang, talingharap (Tag.); lilitan,
litalit, subusuba (Ilk.); sawang-sawang (Mbo.); Malabar catmint (Engl.)
Folkloric use: Rheumatism, bone pains, colds, fever, abdominal pains, eczema,
pruritic skin conditions.
Kalumbibit
Caesalpinia crista (Linn.)
Common Names: Bangbang (C. Bis.); bayag-kambing, dalagdag, kamot-kabag (Tag.);
bebit (Sub.); binit (Bik.); bugtong (Bis.); dalugdug (Tag., Bis.); kalumbibit
(Tag., Pang.); kamaunggi (Sul.); sabinit (Bik.); simbar (Bag.); siñgor (Ilk.);
dawer (Ilk.); physic nut, grey niker seed, erolucca bean, bonduc seed, fever
nut (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Acute and chronic gastritis; gastric ulcer; carbuncle and
furuncle.
Kamuning
Murraya paniculata (Linn.)
Common Names: Banasik (Ilk.); banaot (Sbl.); banasi (Bik., Ibn.); banati (C.
Bis., Buk., Mag., Mbo.); kamuning (Tag., Bik., Dis., Pamp.); vanaii (Iv.)
Folkloric uses: Stomach gas pains; swelling and pain due to sprains and
contusions; rheumatic bone pain and poisonous snake bites.
Kanapa
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (Lamk.)
Common Names: kanapa (Ig.); tomtomon (Bon.)
Folkloric uses: Infectious jaunditic hepatitis; fever, cold, cough and throat
pains.
Kangingit
Polygonum perfoliatum (Linn.)
Common Name: kangingit (Ig.)
Folkloric uses: Cold and fever; enteritis-diarrhea; wound infection with pus;
snake bites.
Katanda
Cassoa tora (Linn.)
Common Names: andadasi, andadasi-ñga-dadakkel (Ilk.); balatong-aso (Tag.);
baho-baho (Bis.); halu-halu (Sul.); monggo-monggohan (Tag.); balatong (Tag.);
foetic cassia (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Hepatitis, edema due to hepatic sclerosis; hypertension;
infantile convulsions, night blindness due to fever; habitual constipation.
Kawad-kawaran
Cassytha filiformis (Linn.)
Common Names: Barutbarut (Ilk.); kawad-kawaran (Tag.); kawat-kawat (Sul.);
malabohok (Bik., Bis., Tag.); wawaken-irang (Iv.)
Folkloric uses: Constipation and dysentery; hemoptysis and epistaxis; jaundice
and nephritic edema; urinary lithiasis and infections; acute conjunctivitis;
multiple furuncles; cold, fever and headache.
Kaya-kayapuan
Marsilea crenata (Presl.)
Common Names: kaya-kayapuan, banig-usa (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Neurasthenia and edema.
Kindayohan
Celosia argentea (Linn.)
Common Names: Kadayohan (Tag.); kindayohan (Tag.); kudiapa (Bis.); lofoi
(Ilk.); tagughug (P. Bis.); sansandok (Ilk.)
Folkloric uses: Overfunctioning of the liver leading to redness and swelling of
the eyes; photophobia and frequent lacrimation with headache; for high blood
pressure with dizziness.
Kolitis
Amaranthus viridis (Linn.)
Common Names: bauan (Bon.); halom (Tag., Bis.); halunapa (Sul.); kadiapa
(Mag.); kalunai (Ilk.); kilitis (Bik.); kulitis (Tag.); nasi (It.); siitan
(Ilk.); sitan (Ib.); amaranth (Engl.)
Koronitas
Lantana camara (Linn.)
Common Names: bahug-bahug, boho-boho (P. Bis.); coronitas (Sp., Tag.); kantutay
(Tag.); lantana (Tag., Engl.); cinco negritos (Sp.)
Folkloric uses: Influenza, cough, mumps, continuous high fever, malaria,
cervical lymph node tuberculosis; hemoptysis, pulmonary tuberculosis;
dermatitis, eczema, pruritus; sprains.
Kunti
Solanum nigrum (Linn.)
Common Names: amati (Bon., If.); anti (Bon., Tag.); bolagtab (Bis.);
gamagama-tisan (Tag.); hulablub (Bis.); kamkamatisan (Tag.); kamates-manuk
(S.L. Bis.); konti (Tag.); kunti (Tag.); kuti (Bik.); lagkakum (Bis.);
lubi-lubi (Tag., Bik., Bis.); malasili (S.L. Bis.); muti (Sul., Buk.);
natang-ni-aso (Ig.); nateng (Iv.); onti (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Difficulty in urination; lymphatic obstruction; leucorrhea;
eczema and furuncles; cold and fever, sore throat and cough.
Labanos
Raphanus sativus (Linn.)
Common Names: Labanos (Tag.); rabanos (Sp.); radish (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Diarrhea; ascites' edema; pale yellow face; oliguria.
Lamon-babae
Lycopodium cernuum (Linn.)
Common Names: lamon-babae, likopodiyo (Tag.); Polvo de Licopodio (Sp.-Fil.)
Folkloric uses: Acute hepatitis; redness and swelling in the eyes; chronic
cough; rheumatic costalgia (chest wall pains).
Lampakanay
Typha angustifolia (Rohrb.)
Common Names: Kaidked (Pamp.); balangot (Tag., S.L. Bis.); homay-homay (Bis.);
tubal-tubal (C. Bis.); lampakanay (C. Bis.)
Folkloric uses: Traumatic hematomoas; herpes labialis; swelling of the tongue;
dysmenorrhea; post-partum pains; cheilosis.
Lanting-haba
Plantago major (Linn.)
Common Names: ilantin (Sp.); lanting, latin, lanting-haba (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Boils, furuncles; anuria and dysuria; severe cough with plenty
of phlegm; insomina, bloody urine, urinary lithiasis, nephritic edema, beriberi
edema; cold, cough, bronchitis; hypertension; redness and swelling pain of the
eye.
Lindernia crustacea
(Linn.) F. Muell.
Common names: none
Folkloric uses: Bacillary dysentery; enteritis-diarrhea; indigestion; snake
bites.
Linga
Sesamum orientale (Linn.)
Common Names: ajonjoli (Sp.); langa (Bik., Tag., Ibn., Bis.); langis (Pamp.);
lenga (Ilk.); linga (Tag.); linga (Sbl.); lingo (Tag.); longis (Ifg.); lunga
(Bis., Sul.); sesame (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Disease of the kidney or liver associated with dizziness,
tinnitus and haziness of vision; constipation; alopecia; cough.
Mais
Zea mays (L.)
Common Names: mais (Sp., Tag.); mait (It.); mangi (Ibn.); tigi (Bon.); gahilang
(If.); igi (Bon.); corn maize (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Nephritic edema, urinary tract infections and lithiasis,
sclerosis of the liver; biliary tract lithiasis, cholecystitis, jaunditic
hepatitis; diabetes and hypertension.
Makikitot
Euphorbia thymifolia (Linn)
Common Names: makikitot (Ilk.)
Folkloric uses: Acute bacillary dysentery, enteritis, diarrhea; anaphylactic
dermatitis, eczema, skin pruritus.
Malaanis
Scoparia dulcis L.
Common names: isisa (Ilk.); kabug (C. Bis.); mala-anis (Pamp.); saang-kabayo
(Tag.); sampalokan (Tag.); tachin-karnero (Iv.); silhigop (Bis.); escobilla,
escobilla amarga (Sp.).
Folkloric uses: Cold and fever; enteritis and diarrhea; beriberi, edema and
difficulty in urination.
Mala-ulasiman-aso
Hedyotis corymbosa (Linn) Oldenlandia corymbosa (Linn)
Common Names: Mala-ulasiman-aso, ulasiman-aso (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Similar to Ulasiman-kalat.
Malayan Spurge
Euphorbia antiquorum (Linn.)
Common Names: Malayan spurge
Folkloric uses: Acute gastroenteritis; malignant furuncle and carbuncle
infection; scabies and various dermatoses.
Morera
Morus Alba Linn.
Common names: amingit (Ug.); amoras (Ilk.); mora (Ibn.); morora (Sp.); moral
(Sp.); moraya (Ibn.); tanud (Iv.); tanyud (Iv.); mulberry (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Headaches, fever, cough associated with influenza;
constipation; backaches; eye strain; rheumatic arthritis; fevers; skin edema.
Mutha
Cyperus rotundus (Linn.)
Common Names: balisanga (Ilk.); barsanga (Ilk.); boto-botones (Bik.);
galonalpas (Pamp.); kusung (Pamp.) mala-apulid (Pamp.); mota (Pamp.); mutha
(Tag.); omadiung (Pamp.); onoran (Pamp.); sur-sur (Pamp.); tarugug (Bik.)
Folkloric uses: Indigestion and constipation; skin diseases; chest pains caused
by deterred blood flow and energy circulation; neurogenic gastralgia; abdominal
distention; esophageal reflux; irregular menstruation; sprains and bruises;
furuncles.
Nami
Dioscorea hispada (Dennst.)
Common Names: bagay (Mbo.); gagos (Bis.); kalut (Tag., Pamp., Sbl.); karot
(Ilk.); karoti (Sul.); kayos (Tag.); kalot (Bis.); korot (S.L. Bis.); kulot
(Sbl.); mamo (Bik.); nami (Tag.); orkot (Bis.)
Folkloric uses: Carbuncles, furuncles, sprains and contusions.
Nitong-pula
Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Swartz
Common Names: nito (Tag.); nitong-pula (Tag.); nito-a-purao (Ig., Ilk.)
Folkloric uses: Urinary tract infection and lithiasis; nephritic edema; cough
and fever; reddish urine; enteritis-dysentery.
Oriental Arbor-vitae
Thuja orientalis (Linn.)
Common Names: Oriental Arbor-vitae (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Hemoptysis and epistaxis; gastrointestinal hemorrhage,
hematuria, urethral hemorrhage; sprains and bruises.
Pakong parang
Pteris mutilata (Linn.) (=Pteris ensiforfmis Burm.f.)
Common names: buntot-kapon (Tag.); pakong-parang (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Bacillary dysentery, enteritis, fever, malaria, sore throat;
urinary tract infections; leucorrhea.
Pakong tulog
Selaginella tamariscina (Beauv.) Spring
Common Names: kaim-kum (Ilk.); pakaunkung (Ilk.); pakong-sipres (Tag.); pakong
tulog (Tag.); resurrection fern (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Various hemorrhagic symptoms such as hemoptysis,
gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hematuria, excessive mentrual flow (dried material
in decoction); rectal prolapse; external bleeding.
Paraiso
Melia azedarach (Linn.)
Common Names: bagalñga (C. Bis.); bagaluñga (Bis.); balangañgo, gango, kintana,
malaiba, malunggaiain, sili-sili (Tagh.); bulilising (Ilk.); malabuaya (Chab.);
mangulingau (Lanao); paraiso (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Gastralgia, abdominal pains due to ascaris infestation;
ascariasis and other parasitic infestations caused by trichuris, hookworms,
etc.
Parol-parolan
Cardiospermum halicacabum (Linn.)
Common Names: alalayon (C. Bis.); bangkolan, lobolobohan, layaw, parolparolan
(Tag.); kana (Bis.); paltu-paltukan (Pamp.); paria-aso (Ilk.); paspalya (Ilk.);
heart pea, ballon vine, smooth leaved heart pea (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Cold, fever; nephritic edema, urinary tract infections; sprains
and external wounds; furuncle, carbuncle, eczema.
Pasaw na hapay
Ludwigia micrantha Hara (=Jussiasea linifolia Vahl)
Common names: barigana (Bik.); manakatud (Ilk.); pasaw-na-hapay (Tag.);
taklang-duron (Pamp.); tohod-tohod (Bik.)
Folkloric uses: Cold and fever; inflammation of the buccal cavity; enteritis;
eczema and furuncles.
Pugo-pugo
Cyperus brevifolius (Rottb.) Endl.
Common names: Bibi-inok (Bon.); kadkadot (Ig.); pugo-pugo (C. Bis).
Folkloric uses: Cold with fever; whooping cough; malaria; snake bites;
furuncles; sprains; skin pruritus.
Putod
Equisetum ramosissimum (Desf. ssp. debile [Vauch] Hauke)
Common Names: putod, sumbok (Buk.); puputod, pututud (Ig.)
Folkloric uses: Hypertension, redness and swelling in the eye, pterygium of the
cornea; enteritis-diarrhea, jaunditic hepatitis; urolithiasis.
Ramie
Boehmeria nivea (Linn.) Gaudich.
Common Names: amirai (Tag.); arimai (Ilk.); dami (If.); hasu (Iv.); lipang-aso
(Tag.); lapnis (Ilk.); ramie, China grass (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Regulates placental movement, hemostatic; cold and fever;
urinary tract infection, nephritic edema, edema in pregnant women; abnormal
placental movements, and excessive menstrual flow.
Rosal
Gardenia jasminioides (Ellis.) (=Gardenia augusta [Linn.] Merr.)
Common names: rosal (Sp., Tag.); gardenia (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Jaundice and hepatitis; cough and fever; bacillary dysentery;
nephritic edema; epistaxis; mastitis; furuncle; lymph node tuberculosis.
Saga
Abrus precatorius Linn.
Common names: saga (Tag.); bugayong, bugbugayong (Ilk.); agayon, aguyang-yang,
aroyang-yang, gikos-gikos, kaloo, laga, manggadolong, matangpune, cyangia
(Bis.); bugayong (Pamp.); bugayong, gumaing (Bon.); bangati (Tag.,Bik.,Bis.);
kansasaga (Pamp., Tag., Bik.); kasasaga (Pamp., Tag., Bik.); lamodiak (Bag.);
lasa (Iv.); sagasaga (Tag.); saga-namin (Tag.).
Folkloric uses: Swelling pains in the throat; scabies and carbuncles.
Sampaguita
Jasminum sambac (Linn.) Aiton
Common names: kampupot (Pamp., Tag.); kulatay (Pamp.); lumabi (Mag.), malur
(Sil.); manul (Bis.); pongso (Pamp.); sampaging (Pamp.); sampagita (Sp., Fil.);
malul (Mag.)
Folkloric uses: Fever, abdominal distention and diarrhea; redness and swelling
of the eyes; sprains and fractures.
Sandikit
Plumbago zeylanica (Linn.)
Common Names: bambang (Ilk.); sandikit (Tag.); talankaw (Ilk.)
Folkloric uses: Rheumatic bone pain, gouty arthritis, swelling and enlargement
of the liver; sprains, snake bites and malignant boils; conjunctivitis.
Sarsaparilyang-tsina
Smilax china L.
Common Names: buanal (Ig.); palitpit (Bon.); sarsaparilyang-tsina (Tag.); china
root, chinese sarsaparilla (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Lumbago, leg pains and rheumatic arthritis; enteritis and
diarrhea.
Sauko
Sambucus javanica (Reinw.)
Common Names: galamat (Ig.); lulamat (Ig.); balabo (Buk.); sauko (Tag.);
kalamat (Ig.); sauco (Sp.)
Folkloric uses: Rheumatic muscular and bone pains, sprains; nephritic edema,
beriberi edema; pruritus.
Sigang-dagat
Ludwigia adscendens (L.) Hara (=Jussiaea repens Linn.)
Common Names: gabi-gabi (Mag.); sigang-dagat (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Cold with fever and cough; inability to urinate; carbuncle,
sprain, snakebites.
Sila-sila
Derris trifoliata (Lour.)
Common Names: asi-asiman (Tag.); bugong (Bis.); hingasan (P. Bis.); hingasinan
(P. Bis.); mangasin (Tag.); sabuko (Bag.); sila-sila (Tag.); tuba-tuba (Yak.)
Folkloric uses: Swellings and pains due to sprains (powdered material heated
with alcohol applied as poultice); roots and stems may be used to kill maggots.
Solasi
Ocimum basilicum Linn.
Common names: Albahaka (Ibn., Tag.) balanoy (Tag.) bawIng (Sul,); biday (ILK.);
biuak (Bis.); kalu-ui (C. Bis.); kamangi (P. Bis.); ruku-ruku (Sul.); samilig
(Bik.); samirig (Bik.) solasi (Tag., Pamp.); valanoi (Iv.); sweet basil (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Snake bites; eczema; external contusions; rheumatic pains;
flatulence; colds and headaches; delayed menstruation.
Spiral ginger
Costus speciosus (Koenig) J. Smith
Common Names: Tabubungiaw (Bis.); setawar (Malay); Spiral ginger (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Nephritis, beriberi edema due to sclerosis of the liver;
difficulty urination; pricking pain in the urinary tract.
Suob-kabayo
Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poir.
Common names: amotan (Bik.); bangbangsit (Ilk.); bawing (Sul.); kabling-kabayo
(Tag.); kolongkogong (Bik.); litalit (Ilk.); loko-loko (Bis.); pansi-pansian
(Tag.); pilodo (P. Bis.); suag-kabayo (Tag.); bush-teabush (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Fever with cold and headache; flatulence.
Tagulinaw
Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.) DC.
Common names: kipot-kipot (Bik.); lamlampaka (Ilk.); libun (Bik.); marsilanana
(Tag.); tagulinaw (Tag.); yagodno-kangkang (Iv.)
Folkloric uses: Cold-fever; enteritis; urinary tract infection; snake bites.
Taingang daga
Oxalis corniculata (Linn.) (= Oxalis repens Thunb.)
Common Names: daraisig (Bik.); yayo (Pamp.); kango (Pamp.); kanapa (Ig.);
malabalugbug-dagis (Pamp.); marasiksik (Ilk.); piknik (Iv.); salamagi (Bon.);
susokoyili (Tag.); taingang-dage (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Cold and fever; enteritis-diarrhea; urinary tract infection;
neurasthenia; sprains, bruises, poisonous snake bites; burns, dermatoses of the
lower limb, eczema.
Takip-kohol
Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urb.
Common Names: hahanghalo (C. Bis.); panggaga (Sub.); pispising (Bon.);
tagaditak (Iv.); takip-kohol, takip-suso, taingan-daga (Tag.); yahong-yahong
(S-L. Bis.); Indian Hydrocotyle (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Infectious hepatitis, measles, cold, tonsillitis, bronchitis
and other upper respiratory tract infections.
Taloangi
Curculigo orchioides (Gaertn.)
Common Names: sulsulitik (Bon.); taloangi (Bag.); tataluangi (Buk.)
Folkloric uses: Lumbago, weak kidneys, neurasthenia, urinary retention, chronic
nephritis, impotency, bedwetting; hypertension; chronic arthritis; weakening of
the knees and lumbar regions; numbness of the four limbs; rheumatic arthritis.
Talong punay
Datura metel (Linn.)
Common Names: kamkamawlaw (Ilk.); katsibong (Bis.); katsubung (Sul.); salanpune
(Pamp.); talong-punay (Tag., Bik.); katsobong (P. Bis.); katsubong (Sul.);
katiabon (S.L. Bis.); siva (Iv.); susupan (Ibn.); talumpunay (Pamp., Tag.);
tanompunay (Tag.); tatchubong (Bis.); taubibong (Bis.); trampunay (Tag.); thorn
apple (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Asthma; rheumatic muscle pains and cramps; gastric pains;
sprains, contusions, snakebites; rheumatism; psoriasis
Tandang-aso
Solanum torvum (Sw.)
Common Names: tandang-aso, talampay, talimbolo, talongon, talong-talongan
(Tag.); dagutung, talungkia (Sul.); balbalusa (Bon.); gambol (Sub.); taogotan
(P. Bis.)
Folkloric uses: Stomach aches; pain caused by contusion; indigestion; numbness
associated with rheumatism, sprain, contusion, lumbar muscular pains;
amenorrhea.
Tangan-tangan
Ricinus communis (L.)
Common Names: katana (Iv., bon.); gatlawa (If.); lansina (Tag.); liñgang-sina
(Tag.); tangan-tangan (Bik., Tag.); tangan-jawa (Sul.); taoa-taoa or taua-taua
(Ilk.); taua-taua-sina (Ilk.); castor oil plant (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Rheumatic arthritis, paralysis, epilepsy, distention of the
uterus, prolapsus ani (root decoction or poultice); lymph node tuberculosis,
facial paralysis (poultice with pounded seeds); wound caused by piercing
pointed objects (pounded fresh seeds applied as poultice).
Tantanduk
Solidago virgo-aurea (Linn.)
Common Names: Tantanduk (Ug.); goldenrod (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Poisonous snake bites; throat swelling and pain, tonsillitis,
cough and cold; sprains and furuncle infections, burns.
Tikas
Canna indica (Linn.)
Common Names: balunsaying (Bis.); bangali (Bik.); kakuentasa (Tag.); kiuingam
(If.); kolintasan (Bis.) kuentas-kuentasan (Tag.); lasa (Iv.); saging-saging
(Tag.); tapuranga (Bis.); tikas (Tag.); tikas-tikas (Tag., Bis.); tikis-tikis
(Tag.); tukas-tukas (Tag.); plantanillo (Sp.); Indian bread shot (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Acute hepatitis with jaundice; external wound bleeding
Trompang elepante
Heliotropium indicum (Linn.)
Common Names: hinlalayon (Tag.); buntot-leon (Tag., bik.); higad-higaran
(Tag.); hinlalayon, kuting-kutinga, malakudkuran (Tag.); ikog-ikog-sang-kuti,
kabra-kabra, kambra-kambra (Bis.); ikoi-pusa (Sbl.); makabra, punta elefante
(P. Bis.); pengnga-pengnga (Ilk.); trompang elepante (Sp-Fil.)
Folkloric uses: Skin pruritus, scabies (pounded fresh material combined with
kerosene and applied over the affected area).
Tuba
Croton tiglium (Linn.)
Common Names: Gasi (Sul.); kamagsa (Bik.); kamaisa (Tag.); kamandag (Bis.);
kamausa (Tag.); kasla (Sul.); lutung-sira (Bik.); makaisa (Tag.); makasla (P.
Bis.); malapay (Sul.); saligaw (Ilk., Ibn.); tuba (Ilk., Bik., Tag., S.L. Bis.,
P. Bis., Sul.); tuba-tuba (Bik., P.Bis.); tubang-kamaisa (Tag.); tubang makaisa
(Bik., Tag.); tubang-pasiti (Bik.); tubli (C. Bis.); tukbu (If.); croton oil
plant, croton, purging croton (Engl.)
Folkloric uses: Rheumatic pains of the legs and waist (decoction of dried
material); snake bites and as insecticide (pounded fresh leaves as poultice).
Tubang bakod
Jatropha curcas (Linn.)
Common Names: Galumbang (Pamp.); kasla (Bis.); kirisol (Tag.); taba-taba,
tangan-tangan-tuba, tubang-bakod (Tag.); tagumbaw, tagumbaw-na-puraw, tanua
(Ilk.); takumbaw (Sbl.); taba (Ig., Bik., Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Acute gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, cholera, vomiting;
pruritus.
Tukod-langit
Helminthostachys zeylanica (Linn.) Hook.
Common Name: tukod-langit (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Coughing due to tuberculosis; asthma; poisonous snake bites.
Tungkod-pare
Cordyline fruticosa (Linn.) A. Cheval
Common Names: Baston de San Jose (Sp.); danga (Ilk.); dang-nga (Bon.); dongla
(If.); kilaa (Bis.); kilala (Bik.); sagilala (Tag.); tokorpari (Pamp.);
tungkod-obispo (Tag.); tungkod-pare (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis; excessive
menstruation; hematuria; enteritis and bacillary dysentery; rheumatic bone
pains and sprains.
Ulasiman-kalat
Hedyotis diffusa (Willd.) (=Oldenlandia diffusa [Willd.] Roxb.)
Common Names: daniri (Bis.); ulasiman-kalat (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: For any kind of inflammation, e.g., tonsillitis, laryngitis and
appendicitis; jaundice and hepatitis; malignant tumors and control of cancerous
cell proliferation; external bruises, abscesses.
Unti-untihan
Physalis minima (Linn.)
Common Names: Amansit (Ilk.); amanti-ti-ugsa (Bon.); itlog-gagamba (Tag.);
lapak-lapak (Sul.); pantug-pantugan (Tag.); takla (Sub.); tultullaki (Ilk.);
unti-untihan (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: Cold and fever; throat pain and swelling; acute bronchitis.
Uray
Amaranthus spinosus (Linn.)
Common names: Akum (Mag.); alayon (If.); ayantoto (Pamp.); bawan (Bon.);
bayambang (Tag.); giting-giting (Aul.); harum (Bis.); kalunay (ilk.);kilitis
(Tag., Bik.); kuantung (Ilk.); kulitis (P. Bis.); tadtad (Bon.); tilitis
(Bis.); uray (Tag.); thorny amarath (Engl.) kalitis (Hlg., S.B.)
Folkloric uses: Bacillary dysentery, diarrhea, acute and chronic
gastroenteritis; urinary tract infection; eczema; snake bites; bleeding in
piles.
Verbena
Verbena officinalis (Linn.)
Common Names: Verbena (Engl., Tag,)
Folkloric uses: Amenorrhea or difficult menstruation; high fever during
influenza; malaria; hepatitis; nephritis and edema; urinary tract infection and
urinary lithiasis; sprains, eczema and dermatitis.
Wampi
Clausena lansium (lour.) Skeels.
Common names: Galumpi, huampit, wampi (Tag.); Wampit (Tag.)
Folkloric uses: influenza; colds; malaria; abdominal colic pains.
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This list is from the Manual on Some Philippine Medicinal Plants, published in
1977 by the U.P. Botanical Society. The book is primarily a translation of the
"Handbook of Commonly Used Medicinal Plants" published in 1972 by Commercial
Press.
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For further inquiries on specific medicinal plants, email: