Lagundi, also known as five-leaved chaste tree, is an herbal medicine with proven therapeutic value. The extracts from its leaves and roots are mostly considered to provide the most health benefits as they have been found to be effective in treating colds, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, flu, and pharyngitis.
According to studies, lagundi contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine and muscle relaxant properties. Aside from this, is also to function as a tonic and possesses properties that make it an expectorant. Furthermore, lagundi is even able to prevent the body’s production of leukotrienes, which are released during an asthma attack.
At present, this five-fingered leaf is being used as a popular remedy against cough. It can help loosen and release phlegm and relieve symptoms that commonly occur with a cough like runny nose, sore throat, wheezing and others.
For this purpose, we simply need to boil half a cup of lagundi leaves in two cups of water. Drink half a cup of the decoction 3 times a day. We can preserve more of the leaves’ potency by just pouring boiling water on them and allowing the leaves steep in the water.
Aside from this, we can also make our own lagundi syrup. Simply follow the steps below.
Homemade Lagundi Syrup
Things Needed:
- lagundi leaves
- honey
- vinegar
- water
- cooking pot
- ladle
- cup strainer
- medicine bottles
- labels
Proportion: 1 cup chopped lagundi leaves to 1 cup water
Procedure:
In an uncovered pot, prepare a decoction of the lagundi leaves. Let it cool and strain.
Measure the amount of decoction produced. One-third of this volume will be the amount of honey to be used. Add the honey and vinegar (this will serve as a preservative) while stirring gently. Put the mixture back on the stove with low heat. When boiled, remove the pot from the stove. This is your syrup. Transfer the syrup into the sterilized medicine bottles and seal and label properly.
