Historically, alingatong is used for alternative herbal medicinal purposes. In some countries, it is a common household plant that is used as vegetable dishes and herbal remedies.
The plant boasts pretty, heart-shaped leaves and yellow or pink flowers. Its stem and leaves have sharp hairs that contain chemicals (formic acid and histamine) that can cause itching and redness on the skin. The leaves, stem, or root from alingatong plant can be crushed and made into powders, tinctures, creams, teas, and more.
According to studies, alingatong has antimicrobial, antioxidant, pain-relieving, and anti-ulcer properties as well as the ability to disrupt the allergy process, and control blood sugar levels. Its polyphenols play an important role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases including obesity, heart disease, and even cancer.
Alingatong And Men’s Health
Alingatong is a natural medicine that is commonly used in treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis or an enlarged prostate (as it is popularly known).
Symptoms of BPH may include increased urges to urinate, painful urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and reduced urinary flow. According to studies, alingatong extract can provide relief from all these symptoms.
Researchers from the University of Maryland Medical Center have found that the roots of the herb can help decrease the volume of urine and post-urination dripping as well as lower one’s urge to urinate frequently. Some clinical studies showed that these effects are mainly due to alingatong’s chemical content (phenolic compounds) as they can affect the hormone that causes BPH or interact with cells in the prostate.
In a separate study conducted by experts, results demonstrated that participants who took alingatong extract for 8 weeks experienced a significant reduction in the symptoms of BPH as compared to those taking the placebo.
According to a study published in Iran’s Red Crescent Medical Journal, alingatong roots can significantly treat enlarged prostate symptoms in men. Additionally, the oil-based extract solution of alingatong plant also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower down levels of inflammation particularly in individuals suffering from muscle and joint pains.
Moreover, it was also found that alingatong extract can help slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer cells, especially if it is combined with saw palmetto and other herbs.
How To Make Alingatong Tea
Add water to alingatong roots and bring to boil. Turn off the stove and let sit for five minutes. Pour the mixture through a small strainer and add some honey and cinnamon to taste.
