It's common to see now-a-days anti-histamine prescription for both kids and adults with colds and coughs and other bronchial ailments. This is because air pollution has tripled in the last 10 years, experts say.
Well, thank God for Lagundi, or Dangla in Ilocos dialect. It's a clinically proven anti-histamine Philippine herb, and it's even endorsed by the Philippine government. For starters, it can effectively colds and cough, flu, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and even throat problems like pharyngitis. Among the key here is Lagundi's power to stop the production of leukotrienes which is responsible for asthma attacks.
Aside from this, Lagundi has Chrysoplenol D which is said to have muscle relaxant properties, aside from being anti-histamine. Thus, making Lagundi (Vitex Negundo L) a good remedy for flu. Flu often has muscle pain symptoms.
Other Parts of the Plant
Lagundi roots can be used to treat dyspepsia, sprains, rheumatism, rheumatic arthritis, leprosy, and boils. The flowers and seeds are also used for other herbal medicine purposes. It used to be that Lagundi is manually prepared by crushing the boiling the leaves or crushing other parts of the plant by using a mortar and pestle. But not anymore. It's available in capsule or syrup form from leading drugstores. However, there are still some folks who prefer the manual preparation.
Crushed and juiced Lagundi leaves are good for clearing fetid discharges because of its Isoorientin, Luteolin, Casticin, D-Fructose, and P-Hydroxybenzoic acid content, aside from the Chrysoplenol D. It also has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties good for treating sores and other skin infections.
This Philippine plant and herb grows wild as a shrub and is commonly seen in forested areas like Mt. Banahaw in southern Tagalog.