Sambong (Blumea Balsamifera) native Philippine herbal plant prescribe by doctors to treat health concerns including kidney stones, hypertension, congestive heart failure and known as a diuretic ("a diuretic is any drug that elevates the rate of urination". 1). 2 The herbal plant is an aromatic shrub with yellow flowers that bloom from February to April. Sambong grows in open grasslands, fields and water areas. 6 In the Philippine mountain Banahaw location of a previous volcano, enriched soil of minerals and nutrients provide the essential ingredients to grow highest quality of Sambong in the world. Herbal plant is enriched with oils especially camphor oil (Used in medicine as local anesthetic, anti-itch gel and active ingredient in vapor steam products such as 'Vicks VaporRub'. 5). 2 Herbal plant grows healthy without any pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals and pollution. 11
Leaves of the Sambong grow as high as four meters and divide at the base: Extend seven to twenty centimeters and harvested for medicinal usage. Propagation enhanced by cutting and layering herb plant. The roots and leaves of the Sambong undergo decoction (Method to extract the medicinal properties from the plant includes mashing and boiling in water. 3) to treat fevers and cystitis ("Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder." 4). 6
Sambong leaves fresh or dried ("Air-dry until they crumble when crushed with the fingers.") provide medicinal treatments treat wounds and cuts. Heated leaves placed on the forehead for headaches. Drinking a warm cup of water with chopped Sambong leaves treats upset stomach, and provides comforting affect for mother's taking a bath after childbirth. 6 The department of Science and Technology after conducting clinical studies confirms Sambong is safe and effective to treat kidney stones and hypertension. 2 Recommend drinking one - third glass three times a day of strained Sambong leaves in water to treat kidney stones (excretion of urinary stones 8) but not intended to treat kidney or bladder infection. 7 Sambong is a treatment for high cholesterol and painkiller after postoperative dental procedure. 6 Also, herb is beneficial to remove worms, boils, treat dysentery and sore throat. 9
Sambong herbal medicine is promoted by the National Kidney and Transplant institute for renal patient's usage, delaying or averting the need for dialysis or organ transplant. 6 The Philippines Department of Health approves Sambong as one of ten herbs effective in treating certain disorders. The Bureau of Food and Drugs in the Philippines approved Sambong products for sale. The herb is prescribed by doctors. 2
Sambong is available for sale in package tablets and droppers (11). The herbal extract has not been established for safe usage among pregnant and lactating women. 10
References:
1.) Diuretic - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diuretic
2.) Sambong - Blumea Balsamifera - http://philippineherbs.com/sambong/
3.) Decoction - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decoction
4.) Cystitis - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cystitis
5.) Camphor - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphor
6.) Sambong - http://www.stuartxchange.com/Sambong.html
7.) Inquirer.net - 10 medicinal plants on DOH list - http://archive.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&story_id=55510
8.) Ten (10) Herbal Medicines in the Philippines Approved by the Department of Health (DOH) - http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/doh_herbs.ht m
9.) What is the description of sambong plants? - http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=10060427 24968
10.) DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAMBONG - http://www.doh.gov.ph/pitahc/index.php?option=com_co ntent&task=view&id=22&Itemid=30
11.) Sambong (Blumea Balsamifera) by Tropical Taditions - 4 oz. - http://www.911healthshop.com/sambong4.html