This is Blumea balsamifera. In the Philippines, we call it is commonly called Sambong or Sagbong. This is a traditional herbal medicine for the common cold. This is also good to be added to your DIY body home steaming. Just simply boil the leaves of Sambong in a large pot, grab some long blankets and cover your whole body while the steam is going in 15 minutes. It is also being used for infected wounds, respiratory infections, and stomach pains in some countries in Asia.
So what are the uses of Sambong?
In one study, Sambong extract was found to decrease the size of calcium oxalate crystals. Calcium oxalate is a type of stone that is commonly found in our kidneys. Not only did Sambong reduce the size of the crystals, but it also inhibited its aggregation. Which only means that its use is not only meant for kidney stone treatment but also preventing kidney stones to form.
Sambong extract can also lower your blood pressure and can alleviate hypertension because it acts as a diuretic. It also contains powerful antioxidants that help to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer. Plus Sambong helps to prevent and repair DNA damage caused by free radicals.
Sambong contains cyptomeridiol and icthyothereol acetate which have the ability in laboratory conditions to kill bacteria and fungi such as E. coli, P aeruginosa, B subtilis, S aureus, and C albicans and A niger.
You may take Sambong by making it as a tea. Take a heaping teaspoon of the dried leaves and steep in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes and then let cool and drink. Drinking 3 to 4 cups of Sambong tea daily.
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