Much has been said and written about the medicinal value of various plants in the Philippines. In 1997,the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act which promoted and advocated the use of traditional and alternative health care modalities through scientific research and product development was signed by then President Fidel Ramos and Since then, the Department of Health has endorsed 10 medicinal plants which can be used as herbal medicines in the Philippines because of its proven health benefits. .
These are , lagundi (Vitex negundo), yerba buena (Mentha cordifolia Opiz), sambong (Blumea balsamifera), tsaang gubat (Carmona retusa), ampalaya (Momordica charantia), niyug-niyogan (Quisqualis indica), bayabas (Psidium guajava), akapulko (Cassia alata), ulasimang bato (Peperomia pellucida), and bawang (Allium sativum). Many of them are already available in commercial preparations.
One of the more popular traditional medicines is the guava, scientific name is psidium guajava, “bayabas” in Pilipino. . This plant has been used for many generations and recognized by arbolaryos (herbalists) and those who practice natural medicine.
Boiled, chopped or pounded guava leaves have been used and accepted as an antiseptic for wound disinfection.It helps clean off bacteria and germs found in the wound in order to prevent complications and infections.
To prevent oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum infection, boiled guava leaves can also be used as a mouthwash.
As a skin wash to clean skin and help accelerate healing and prevent infection one has to boil leaves for 15-20 minutes, cool and use as a soak, a wash or a bath rinse for wounds or prickly heat or fungal infections such as athlete’s foot But the leaves are not readily available. With the urbanization of more areas, less guava trees
Now there is Guavawash.. Guavawash takes away the hassle of looking for guava trees to get their leaves. One has to just mix a Guavawash sachet in warm water. Made from guava leaf extracts, Guavawash also contains other natural extracts recognized for its skin care benefits eucalyptus for its cooling effect, lavender, known as antiseptic and for aromatherapy. lemon grass as an anti-microbial, fungicidal, mint to soothe itchy skin, ;rose root as an anti-oxidant and to prevent premature wrinkles
The effectiveness of all these herbal ingredients go as far back as the heydays of the albularyo. Now, they are all found in Guavawash - a natural and convenient skin wash. Guavawash is available at major Mercury Drugstore and Watsons branches.
