Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L.)

Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) is an amazing medicinal plant. Coming from the family of Compositae, it goes by several names locally. It is known in the Visayas as bukadkad and as subsob in Ilocos. The plant is a strongly aromatic herb that grows tall and erect. Its height ranges from 1.5 to 3 meters, with stems that grow for up to 2.5 centimeters. It is an anti-urolithiasis and work as a diuretic. It is used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders. The Sambong leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, this herbal medicine helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body.

Sambong is a herbal medicine approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine.

This plant possesses a multitude of properties:
• It's functions as an astringent and as an expectorant, and has been found to be anti-diarrhea and anti-spasm.
• As an astringent, preparations made of sambong leaves may be used for wounds and cuts.
• It is also suggested to be incorporated to post-partum baths, as well as considerable immersion of particular body areas that are afflicted with pains caused by rheumatism.
• Its expectorant properties make it as a popular recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat colds.

Health Benefits of Sambong:
• It gives us Good as a diuretic agent
• It is effective in the dissolving kidney stones
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism
• It cures colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic properties
• Anti-gastralgic properties
• It Helps remove worms, boils
• It Relief of stomach pains
• It cures dysentery, sore throat

Procedure & Use:
• boil in water of Sambong leaves, as like tea and drink a glass 3 or 4 times a day.
• The leaves of sambong can also be crushed or pounded and mixed with coconut oil.
• For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples.
• Decoction of leaves is used for sponge bath.
• Decoction of the roots, on the other hand, is to be taken in as cure for fever.