Lagundi

Lagundi, scientifically called ‘Vitex negundo’, or the five-leaved Chinese chastetree is a well recognized traditional herbal medicine for sore throat, fever, cough, sinusitis, ulcers, snake bites, and rheumatism. This shrub thrives in tropical areas around Asia and Africa and is a popular ingredient made on the go, by turning them into tablets or syrups, sold in drug stores. 

Lagundi uses in the Philippines

Lagundi, scientifically called ‘Vitex negundo’, Lagundi in English the ‘five-leaved Chinese chastetree’, ‘horseshoe vitex’, ‘nisinda’, and many more names depending on the region such as; ‘dangla’ in Ilocos. Is a local shrub used as a traditional herbal medicine, used for the therapeutic value, asthma, and is very much endorsed and supported by the Philippine department of Health. It’s even gotten popular around the world, with Japan recently recognizing it as an effective relaxant and tonic.

The shrub can grow to a height of 5 meters, with thick stems like a trunk, 5 pointed leaves that are displayed like a human hand, though you can find rare 3 leaved version of this plant, each slightly hairy leaf can grow to 4 to 10 centimeters long, it also bears blue or lavender flowers ( lagundi flower ) that turns black when ripe. All parts of the plant can be used, the roots are boiled and turned into topical medication. 

This plant has an analgesic effect, meaning that it can relieve the pain without turning off the nerves like anesthesia. You can still function well without altering your consciousness. A pain reliever that nowadays you can find these as Lagundi capsules or Lagundi syrup for adults, over the drug store. An established traditional and modernized herbal medicine. It got its start as a medicated drug once it was licensed in 1995 by Pascual Laboratories, Natrapharm, and Gruppo Medica. Fully commercialized in 1997 under the name ‘Ascof Lagundi’, with other companies licensing and releasing similar Lagundi medicine under different names, some examples are; Lagundez, Lagundi Plemex, Astrol, RiteMed, and many more.

Lagundi preparation

For Drinking :

Benefits of Lagundi tea

1. Wash 1 cup of dried or freshly chopped lagundi leaves.
2. In a pot, boil 2 cups of water, add in the leaves and give it a little stir.
3. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink hot or cool at room temperature to drink it warm.
4. If it feels too strong, you can dilute it with more water.
5. Drink this half a cup 1 to 3 times a day.

As a Topical ointment :

1. Boil the roots and leaves instead of just the leaves, as prepared for drinking.
2. Cool down the drink, and apply it over the skin. This is great for boils (hair follicle infection), dyspepsia (indigestion), colic, rheumatism (arthritis), or worms.

Lagundi Uses and Benefits

A popular lagundi tree / shrub in the Philippines, this plant is well-used by many, traditionally or bought over the counter of a drug store. Easily available to many who need a helping hand for the body’s health, especially for respiratory symptoms. Here are some Lagundi benefits and Side Effects ( lagundi leaves uses ) :

• These are very effective for sore throat, asthma, coughs and other respiratory problems. This is because it has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Has similar to anesthesia effects that eases muscle pain, inflammation on the joints, and rheumatism.
• This also means it assists with relaxing anxiety and keeps the body relaxed.
• Great for stomach problems such as worms, anorexia, indigestion, colic, and spasms.
• Promotes wound healing and eczema.

Disadvantage of Ascof Lagundi (or over consuming lagundi products)

• While very effective in treating those stated above, one should not try to consume too much than required. Do read the note for children and adult servings and listen on the box, bottle or paper. Reported aftereffects of overdose are frequent urination, vomiting, nausea, headaches, tremors or palpitations, and cold sweats.

Try out other Healthy Yummy Dishes :

Regardless of how you use the roots and leaves of this plant, the benefits of lagundi are not just traditional medicine our grandparents or the elderly look for to soothe pains and aches. This is a great worldwide medicine that is studied and modernized to be used by everyone all around the world. You can find this medicine over the counter especially popular in Filipino pharmaceuticals and drugstores. Use the Lagundi for dry cough and other respiratory-related illnesses.