Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) is also known as Wild Tea, Forest Tea, Alibungog, Putputai, Maragued, and Fukien tea tree. This small plant is wild in the tropical climate of the Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka.
Tsaang Gubat grows to about 1 to 4 meters high. It has green compound leaves, bears small white flowers and fruits which are fleshy and yellow when ripe.
Widely consumed as a tea, Tsaang Gubat is famously known for its medicinal properties. Some of its claimed benefits are the treatment for diarrhea, diabetes, dysentery, wounds, allergy, canker sores, colic, cough, eczema, gastroenteritis, itching, inflammation, stomach problems, teething problems, scabies, and skin diseases.
Health Benefits Of Tsaang Gubat Tea
Helps Boost Mental Health
Tsaang Gubat tea can help you lower your stress hormone levels, makes you alert, eases irritability, lowers your chance for possible cognitive impairment, helps you get a good night sleep, and gets rid of headaches and nervous tension.
Helps Treat and Prevent Acne Breakouts
The antioxidants present in the tea can help prevent and treat acne. Moreover, consumption of the tea, without sugar or milk, is calorie-free and can help fight dehydration.
Helps Protect The Body Against Diseases
According to studies, tea plays a huge role in strengthening the body’s immune system thereby preventing or reducing the risk for various diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and Parkinson’s diseases. It can also help certain health condition like diabetes, nasal congestion, food poisoning, and high blood pressure.
Helps Protect The Heart And Other Organs
Regularly drinking Tsaang Gubat tea can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, thus reducing your risk for stroke and heart attack and maintaining good heart health. Aside from this, the tea also aids in digestion leading to lower chances for intestinal inflammation.
Has Antibacterial Properties
In an experimental study, Tsaang Gubat was found to have antibacterial properties which can help fight against Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella flexneri, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Contains Effective Anti-inflammatory Agents
Due to the presence of various phytochemicals, Tsaang Gubat was found to possess anti-inflammatory activities which can be helpful in treating several conditions like arthritis and pain.
Anti-allergy
Studies have found that Tsaang Gubat contains microphyllone and rosmarinic acid which can help control allergy.
Helps Prevent Cancer Development
Tsaang Gubat contains quercetin, which studies have shown to have potential chemo-preventive activity and might have a unique antiproliferative effect on cancerous cells, thereby can possibly be added to any natural cancer treatment methods.
Preparation of Tsaang Gubat Tea
Here’s how to make a refreshing and health Tsaang Gubat Tea:
In running water, clean and thoroughly wash Tsaang Gubat leaves. Chop them to a desirable size. Boil 1 cup of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and drink the tea.
Gargle for stronger teeth and prevent cavities. Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea, gastroenteritis and stomach pains. Regularly drink the tea for good health.
