CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

Although carnivorous plants do include predatory species that trap, kill and digest animal victims, none
of them are "man-eating." Contrary to some sci-fi movies, there are no carnivorous plants capable of trapping
people. Some tropical pitcher plants may be large enough to trap small amphibians, but generally their diet is
chiefly insects. The huge Malaysian arum called "devil's tongue" or krubi (Amorphophallus titanum) may
produce an erect flower stalk or spadix over 8 feet (2.4 m) tall from a huge vase-shaped, pleated spathe over
four feet (1.2 m) tall and 12 feet (4 m) in circumference. This floral giant develops from a tuber measuring 6
feet (2 m) in circumference and weighing over 100 pounds (46 kg). Although it may appear like a giant
carnivorous plant, it is completely harmless to people--unless you take a deep breath of its foul, carrion-like
stench. The enormous blossom generates such an overwhelming smell that people have been known to pass out
from taking too close a whiff.

Carnivorous plants may be subdivided into 2 major groups; those with passive traps and those with
active traps. For some of these traps the actual method of insect decomposition involves digestive enzymes
produced by the plant and bacterial decay within the trap. A classic passive trap is the "pitfall trap" of pitcher
plants, including Darlingtonia and Sarracenia of the Sarraceniaceae, and Nepenthes of the Nepenthaceae,
where an insect falls into a vase-like modified leaf. Downward-pointing hairs on the slippery walls prevent the
insect from crawling out, and the hapless victim ultimately drowns in a pool of digestive enzymes at the bottom.
Other well-known passive traps are the "flypaper" or adhesive traps of sundews (Drosera, Droseraceae) and
butterworts (Pinguicula, Lentibulariaceae). In both of these unrelated genera, the leaves are covered with
sticky, gland-tipped hairs (Drosera) or a sticky (viscid) layer of mucilage (Pinguicula) which entangle the
hopeless, struggling victim.

CONTENT:

I. PITCHER PLANT

II. SUNDEWS

III. VENUS FLY TRAP

IV BLADDERWORTHS

V. PREDATORY FUNGI

VI. A PROTOZOA-TRAPPING FLOWERING PLANT

VII. RAPID MOVEMENT OF THE SENSITIVE PLANT

1. Pitcher Plants

Pitcher plants (Darlingtonia californica) growing in a boggy meadow in northern California. Some of the plants
have flowers on long stalks.

Illustration of the passive trap of a pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica). The

sign was photographed at a roadside "Darlingtonia Bog" along the Oregon coast.
 North American pitcher plants of the genus Sarracenia. Left: S. purpurea, a variable species widely
distributed in the Eastern United States. Right: Close-up view of a Sarracenia flower showing the
enlarged, umbrella-like style, with five branches terminating in a stigma.

Climbing, epiphytic pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes, mostly native to tropical Asia and
northern Australia. Left: N. ventricosa native to the Philippine Islands. Right: A climbing Nepenthes
showing the elongate tendrils bearing "pitcher" traps at their tips. Each "pitcher" has a thickened rim
and a lid at the apex. The lid presumably serves as a barrier to prevent the prey from climbing out of
the pitcher. According to James and Patricia Pietropaolo (Carnivorous Plants of the World, Timber
Press, Inc. 1986), the fluid from unopened pitchers has been used as a laxative, a remedy for burns,
coughs, inflamed eyes, and for various skin disorders. Open pitchers are used to carry water and as
pots for cooking food, while the strong vines are used for cordage.

2. Sundews
 The elongate leaf of a sundew plant (Drosera capensis) is covered with dense, gland-tipped
hairs. Several tiny midge flies are stuck to the sticky hairs. They will be slowly,
enzymatically digested and absorbed by the plant.

3. Venus' Fly Trap

In active traps a rapid plant movement takes place as an integral part of the trapping process. Probably the best
known active trap is the Venus' flytrap (Dionaea muscipula, Droseraceae), one of the most astonishing plants
in the world. A relative of the sundews (Drosera), this remarkable species belongs to the Sundew Family
(Droseraceae). Its native habitat in all the world is a narrow strip of coastal land approximately 10 miles (16
km) wide and 100 miles (160 km) long in North Carolina and adjacent South Carolina. Its generic name is a
modification of Dione, the Greek name for Venus. When triggered by an insect, the leaf blade folds closed
along its midrib bringing the two halves together. Three bristle-like hairs near the middle of the upper side of
the leaf blade are sensitive to touch and cause the blade to snap shut. Touching one hair will not trigger the
closing mechanism. Only when one hair is touched twice or two hairs are touched in succession will the leaf
blade fold closed. This strategy generally prevents an inanimate object (such as pebbles or small sticks) from
activating the trap. A fringe of stiff hairs around the edge of the blade become interlocked (intermeshed) when
the blade folds closed, thus trapping the insect like bars in a jail cell. The action of this remarkable mechanism
involves a rapid loss of turgor pressure within the leaf cells on the upper side of the leaf. Digestive enzymes
from glands on the leaf surface break down the proteins of the imprisoned victim, and the plant gets a
supplemental source of nitrogen.

A Venus' flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) in full bloom. Active traps are formed by hinged
leaves fringed with stiff hairs. When the leaf blade folds closed, it traps a hapless insect
behind the intermeshed hairs.

But why would some insectivorous plants need an additional supply of nitrogen, particularly when
they are living in organically-rich bogs? The answer to this question may involve the pH of the water and soil
which is too acidic for nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia from protein decay into nitrite and nitrate ions.
This important bacterial process is called nitrification. The nitrite and nitrate ions made available by the bacteria
are readily absorbed by the roots of plants. If the nitrification process is impaired, there could actually be a
shortage of these nitrite and nitrate ions; hence, the carnivorous plants have evolved a mechanism to obtain a
supplemental supply of nitrogen.

A Venus' flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Active traps are formed by hinged, 2-lobed leaf blades fringed
with stiff hairs. When the leaf blade folds closed, it traps an insect within a jail of interlocking hairs.
Three bristle-like hairs near the middle of the upper side of the leaf blade are sensitive to touch and
cause the blade to snap shut. Touching one hair will not trigger the closing mechanism. Only when one
hair is touched twice or two hairs are touched in succession will the leaf blade fold closed.

The mechanism responsible for the rapid closure of the leaf (within 1/2 second) has generally been
explained as being due to rapid loss of turgor pressure in the upper epidermal cells. Recent studies indicate that
the pressure loss may be in the layer of mesophyll cells underlying the upper epidermis. When these cells
suddenly become flaccid, the leaf folds upward along the midrib. A decrease in ATP (adenosine triphoshate) is
associated with each closure, suggesting that biochemical energy is also involved. Repeated stimulation of the
trap by touching the trigger hairs too frequently will noticeably fatigue the trap. Apparently the ATP supply is
exhausted, and not enough time has elapsed for sufficient ATP regeneration.

This fly is trapped between the folded halves of a Venus' fly trap leaf blade. The fly is imprisoned
within a jail of interlocking hairs along the leaf margin. This fly later escaped, only to be caught and
digested by another leaf.

4. Bladderworts

The only carnivorous plant with a true "trapdoor" is the remarkable bladderwort (Utricularia). This
little submersed aquatic plant has one of nature's most precise and delicate traps, and certainly the most rapid.
Thousands of minute bladders are attached to feathery submersed branchlets by tiny stalks. Some authorities
consider these finely divided branchlets to be modified leaves. The flattened, pear-shaped bladders range in
diameter from 2 millimeters (the size of a pinhead) to about 4 millimeters (the size of a BB). At one end is an
opening and a flap of tissue which forms the door. The door hangs down from the top of the entrance like a
garage door, except it opens inward. Support tissue and a mucilage coating around the door frame helps to seal
the door and prevent water from entering the bladder. The door opening is surrounded by several bristly hairs
that resemble the antennae of a tiny crustacean or insect. Numerous, tiny glands inside the bladder absorb most
of the internal water and expel it on the outside. As a result, a partial vacuum is produced inside the bladder and
the pressure on the outside becomes greater than inside. This causes the walls to squeeze inward and explains
their slightly concave appearance.

Left: A flowering bladderwort plant (Utricularia vulgaris) raised out of the water. The
dense, intricately-branched, submersed branchlets contain hundreds of minute pear-shaped
bladder traps. Right: Flower stalk and blossoms of a bladderwort plant (Utricularia
vulgaris). Hundreds of minute bladder traps are attached to a feathery mass of branchlets
below the water surface.
 Underwater view of the slender branchlets of a bladderwort plant (Utricularia vulgaris)
bearing tiny, pear-shaped bladders. Note the bristly hairs at the entrance to the bladder traps.

The airtight door is hinged to allow easy entry; but like a door, it cannot be forced open from within.
Special trigger hairs near the lower free edge of the door cause it to open. When a minute aquatic organism
touches or hits one of these extremely sensitive hairs, the hair acts as a lever, multiplying the force of impact
and bending or distorting the very pliable door. This breaks the watertight seal and, since the bladder contains a
partial vacuum, the hapless victim is sucked in. The whole trapping process occurs within 15 to 20 milliseconds
(about 1/60 of a second), roughly the speed of a daylight camera shutter setting. Bladder extracts from some
species of bladderworts indicate that enzymes secreted by the plant may be involved in the digestion process.
 View of the slender branchlets of a bladderwort plant (Utricularia vulgaris) bearing tiny,
pear-shaped bladders. Note the bristly hairs at the entrance to the bladder traps. One
bladder trap has been enlarged to show a trapped copepod, a minute crustacean related to
shrimp and crayfish. The tail, legs, and antennae of the copepod are clearly visible. The
entire bladder is about 2 mm across, slightly larger than the head of an ordinary straight
pin.

5. Predatory Fungi
 Any discussion of carnivorous plants would be incomplete without mentioning the amazing predatory
fungi that actually capture and devour they prey. These organisms are technically not plants since they belong to
the Kingdom Fungi, but they are nonetheless quite remarkable. The predatory fungi belong to the Phylum
(Division) Zygomycota. In some mycology books they are placed in the Class Zygomycetes. The zygomycetes
include a number of microscopic fungi that attack bread, dead flies and moving animals. You have probably
seen the web-like filaments and black sporangia of black bread mold, especially if you allow freshly-baked
bread (without preservatives) to get moldy. Other references place these fungi in the Class Deuteromycetes
(Imperfect Fungi) because their sexual cycle is not fully understood; therefore, it is difficult to place them in a
definite fungal class. The visible body of these fungi consists of a mass of intricately branched filaments,
collectively referred to as a mycelium. Several predatory species in the genus Dactylaria attack minute
nematodes called eelworms, and another fascinating species (Dactylella tylopaga) attacks microscopic
amoebas in the soil.

It is hard to imagine a filamentous fungus that actually lassos its prey, but this is the case in certain
species of Dactylaria. Some of the filamentous strands of this fungus form a loop which serves as an animal
trap. Minute nematodes (called eelworms) slither into the loop, hoping to eat the fungus. As the eelworm
touches the fungus, the loop tightens and captures the struggling eelworm. When the victim finally dies, the
fungus penetrates the eelworm body and proceeds to digest and absorb it. Exactly what triggers this lassoing
mechanism has been the subject of considerable scientific speculation. It undoubtedly involves a chemical
reaction between the eelworm body and the fungus. Just as researchers made attempts to fool Venus' flytraps
with probes made of glass, wood or metal, they have also tried to trick the fungus. But to no avail, the fungal
noose refused to tighten up. Other species of these unusual fungi catch their prey with hundreds of sticky,
adhesive pads, similar to the glue-like, gland-tipped hairs and sticky leaves of sundews and butterworts.

6. A Protozoa-Trapping Flowering Plant

A fascinating
article about a rare
and little-known
member of the
carnivorous
Bladderwort Family
(Lentibulariaceae)
called Genlisea
appeared in Nature
Volume 392 (2
April 1998) by
Wilhelm Barthlott,
Stefan Porembski,
Eberhard Fischer
and Bjorn Gemmel.
Since the time of
Darwin it has been
postulated that the
specialized leaves
of this unusual plant
are traps for
catching small prey,
and finally after
more than a century
it was proven.
Genlisea species
are rare in the wild
and occur mainly in
nutrient-poor white
sands and moist
rock outcrops in
South America and
tropical Africa.
They form a small
rosette about 3
centimeters in
diameter, with
linear or spatulate
leaves. The yellow
or violet flowers,
similar to those of
the closely-related
bladderwort, are
borne on an
inflorescence up to
20 centimeters tall.

W hen a rosette of leaves and rhizome are dug up, pale bundles of slender, root-like organs up to 15
centimeters long are revealed. Since the plant is rootless, these organs are actually subterranean modified
leaves lacking chlorophyll. Each leaf consists of a long hollow strand that divides into 2 spirally twisted
arms or branches (like a long inverted Y). The whole structure (called a trapping leaf) hangs downward in
the water or wet soil. Just above the fork (toward the rhizome) of each trapping leaf is a widened portion
called the bulb or bladder. The arms are also hollow with an average inside diameter of 200 micrometers.
At each twist along the spiral arms is a slit-like opening about 400 micrometers wide and 180 micrometers
high. Protozoans (including at least 9 documented species of ciliates) are attracted to the arms by
chemicals secreted by the plant. The hapless protozoans swim into the slit-like openings where they
become trapped and digested by the plant. Their escape is blocked by rows of special inwardly-pointing
hairs which line the slits. Glands between the rows of hairs presumably secrete digestive enzymes, and the
inviting entrances are definitely a one-way trip for the protozoans.

T his is the first documented case of a flowering plant that actually captures and digests
microscopic protozoans. It is also the first example of a carnivorous plant secreting a chemical
as a lure. Thus, 125 years after Charles Darwin's initial postulations, the puzzle of Genlisea's
feeding behavior is finally solved.
7. Rapid Movement Of The Sensitive Plant

The sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) is a pantropical weedy herb in the legume family (Fabaceae).
The pinnately compound leaves are composed of numerous tiny leaflets. When touched, the leaflets
begin to fold up very rapidly and the leaf stalk (petiole) suddenly bends downward. [Sleep
movements also occur in the sensitive plant and in many other species of leguminous trees and
shrubs in which the leaflets slowly fold up at night.] These plant movements in response to a
stimulus (called nastic movements) are associated with loss of tugor pressure in the leaves. The
sensitive plant is especially interesting because of the rapidity of the wilting process, an entire leaf
suddenly drooping after it has been touched. As one leaflet folds up, the stimulus moves to other
parts of the leaf until all the leaflets and adjacent leaves have folded up. Two distinct mechanisms,
one electrical and the other chemical, appear to be involved in the rapid spread of the stimulus in
sensitive plants. At the bases of the leaflets are jointlike thickenings called pulvini, with a large
pulvinus at the base of each petiole. When a leaf is stimulated by touch, heat or wind, there is a chain
reaction in which potassium ions migrate from one side of each pulvinus to the other side. This is
followed by a rapid shuttling of water molecules from parenchyma cells in one half of the pulvinus to
cells in the other half. This action results in loss of turgor pressure that causes folding of the leaflets
and eventually the entire leaf. The entire process may take only a few seconds. When the leaflets fold
up and instantaneously become wilted, it is often difficult to see where the leaf was in its original
turgid state. It has been suggested that this rapid wilting process may be an adaptation to grazing
mammals or ravenous insects.

A sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) before and after being touched. The left photo shows fully turgid
leaves (pinnae) with all the leaflets (pinnules) fully extended for maximum light absorption. In the right
photo the leaflets have folded up and the leaves are barely discernable. Can you spot the five main
compound leaf divisions (pinnae) that have closed up in the right photo?
A sensitive plant (Mimosa) growing in the Palomar College Arboretum. The flowers resemble Mimosa
pudica); however, this is a woody shrub two meters tall. In addition, the stems have very long stipular
spines at the bases of the compound leaves. It may be M. pigra, a widespread tropical shrub
appropriately called "giant mimosa" or "catclaw mimosa."

A sensitive plant before and after being touched. The left photo shows fully turgid leaves
(pinnae) with all the leaflets (pinnules) fully extended for maximum light absorption. In the
right photo the leaflets have folded up.
CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
AND MEDICINAL PLANTS
 Ten (10) Herbal Medicines in the Philippines
Approved by the Department of Health (DOH)

These is the list of the ten (10) medicinal plants that the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its
"Traditional Health Program" have endorsed. All ten (10) herbs have been thoroughly tested and have been
clinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and treatment of various aliments:

1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) - also known as "bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm bush" in English, this herbal
medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections.

2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) - known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in English, it most known as a
treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin dependent patients.

3. Bawang (Allium sativum) - popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and
hence, helps control blood pressure.

4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "guava" in English. It is primarily used as an antiseptic, to disinfect wounds.
Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth decay and gum infection.

5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known in English as the "5-leaved chaste tree". It's main use is for the relief of
coughs and asthma.

6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". It is effective in the
elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina. Only the dried matured seeds are
medicinal -crack and ingest the dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds for
adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.

7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic that helps in the excretion of
urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema.

8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - Prepared like tea, this herbal medicine is effective in treating
intestinal motility and also used as a mouth wash since the leaves of this shrub has high fluoride content.

9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) - It is effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The
leaves can be eaten fresh (about a cupful) as salad or like tea. For the decoction, boil a cup of clean chopped
leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup after meals (3 times day).

10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, this vine is used as an analgesic
to relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally as a decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and
applied directly on the afflicted area.
Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:

• If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.

• Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during
and after heavy rainfall.

• Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on
young parts.

• After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on
screens above ground and never on concrete floors.

• Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a
moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried
and stored can be used up to six months.

Tips on Preparation for Intake of Herbal Medicines:

• Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.

• Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike
utensils.

• As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.

• Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day,
keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.

• Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.
 OTHER LISTS OF MEDICINAL PLANTS COMMONLY FOUND
IN THE PHILIPPINES

Akapulko (scientific name: Cassia alata) - a shrub known to be a diuretic, sudorific and purgative. The
medicinal uses of akapulko are to treat fungal infection of the skin and for the treatment of ringworms. English
name: ringworm bush.

Ampalaya (scientific name: Momordica charantia) - a vegetable used to treat diabetes (diabetes mellitus) it is
now commercially produced in tablet form and tea bags. English name: bitter melon and bitter gourd.

Atis (scientific name: Anona squamosa L.) - a small tree used as a medicinal herb. The leaves, fruit and seeds
are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and fainting. English name: Sugar apple and Sweet sop.

Banaba (scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciosa) - a tree found throughout the Philippines. The leaves, roots,
fruit and flowers all have medicinal uses. It is used in the treatment of diabetes and other ailments. It is a
purgative and a diuretic.

Bawang (scientific name: Allium sativum) - a specie of the onion family. English name: Garlic. It is used to
reduce cholesterol in the blood and thus helps lower blood pressure.

Bayabas (scientific name: Psidium guajava) - more popularly known as guava, bayabas is a small tree whose
boiled leaves are used as an disinfectant to treat wounds. The decoction is also used as a mouth wash to treat
gum infection and tooth decay. The bark is also used in children with chronic diarrhea.

Gumamela (scientific name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn) - called China rose or Hibiscus in the West, it is a
common ornamental plant in the Philippines. As a medicinal herb, it is used as an expectorant for coughs, cold,
sore throat, fever and bronchitis.

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) - one of the better known of the medicinal plants in the Philippines,
lagundi (five-leaved chaste tree) is a shrub with many medicinal uses. It is used for the relief and treatment of
coughs, asthma, dyspepsia, worms, colic, rheumatism and boils. The root is known to be an expectorant, tonic
and febrifuge.

Luya (scientific name: Zingiber officinale) or Ginger. It is botanically not a root but a rhizome of the
monocotyledonous perennial plant. It has many uses as a medicinal herb with antifungal, anti-inflammatory,
antibiotic, antiviral, diuretic and antiseptic properties.

Niyog-niyogan (scientific name: Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine that is an effective in the elimination of
intestinal worms, particularly the Trichina and Ascaris by ingesting its matured dried seeds. Chew (5 to 7 dried
seeds for children or 8 to 10 seeds for adults) two hours after eating. Repeat treatment after a week if necessary.
Roasted leaves are also used for fever and diarrhea while pounded leaves are used for skin diseases. English
name: Chinese honey suckle.

Oregano (scientific name: Origanum vulgare) - a perennial herb with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Commonly used for cooking in the West, it is used as a medicinal plant in the Philippines. A decoction of
oregano leaves is taken internally for the prevention of degenerative arthritis, relief of cough, osteoarthritis,
asthma and upset stomach.
Pansit-Pansitan (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida Linn.) - an herb used to treat arthritis, gout, skin
disorders, abdominal pains and kidney problems. It is applied to the skin as poultice or as a decoction when
taken internally.

Sabila (Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) - one of the most common medicinal plants in the Philippines that can
be found in many Filipino homes. It is a succulent plant used to treat burns, cuts, eczema and other disorders.
Aloe vera has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, antioxidant and antiparasitic properties.

Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) - a Philippine medicinal plant used to treat kidney disorders,
colds, fever, rheumatism, hypertension and other ailments. As a diuretic, it helps in the excretion of urinary
stones. A decoction of leaves is taken internally for treatment. It can also be used as an edema. English name:
Blumea Camphora.

Tsaang Gubat (scientific name: Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - a shrub prepared like tea, it is now commercially
available in tablets, capsules and tea bags. This medicinal herb is effective in treating diarrhea, dysentery,
gastroenteritis and other stomach ailments. It has high fluoride concentration making it a good mouth wash for
the prevention of tooth decay. English name: Wild Tea.

Ulasimang Bato (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida) - an annual herb also known as "pansit-pansitan". It is
a medicinal herb that is effective in treating gout, arthritis and prevents uric acid build up. A decoction of the
plant is taken internally or the leaves and stem can be eaten fresh as salad. To make a decoction, boil a cup of
washed chopped leaves in 2 cups of water, simmer for about 15 minutes, strain, let cool. Drink a cup 2 times a
day after meals.

Yerba Buena (scientific name: Clinopodium douglasii) - a vine of the mint family, popularly known as
Peppermint. Its analgesic properties make it an ideal pain reliever to alleviate the body's aches and pains. A
decoction of clean leaves is taken internally or externally as a poultice by pounding the leaves mixed with a
little water then applied directly on the afflicted area.

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) - Although not a medicinal plant, VCO is a product of the coconut tree. VCO is
one of the more popular alternative medicine widely used in the Philippines today. It is taken internally for
various aliments like diabetes to high blood pressure. Topically, VCO is also applied to the skin and scalp to
nourish and heal.