Most vaccines and pills used to fight or prevent acquiring the Covid-19 virus contain synthetic ingredients. The Philippines is eyeing a more natural form of treatment in the lagundi plant.
What is Lagundi Plant?
The lagundi plant (Vitex negundo) is a native shrub that grows in Asia, particularly in the Philippines and India. Traditionally used as herbal medicine for treating cough, it is also a significant medicinal plant in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine.
The extracted substance from the roots and leaves of the lagundi plant offers the most health benefits. It is active against B. subtilis and E. coli with better results than ciprofloxacin. Mainly used to soothe respiratory problems, it also has analgesic properties. It can relieve pain and discomfort.
The lagundi plant also has anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used as a complementary therapy to standard anti-inflammatory drugs. The study induced inflammation in lab mice and treated them with anti-inflammatory drugs together with lagundi extracts. It showed a positive effect on the rodent just like ibuprofen and phenlbutazone.
To use a decoction, boil a cup of lagundi plant leaves in two cups of water for 10 minutes. Drink half a cup of tea three times a day until the condition improves.
Supplementary Treatment for Covid-19
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) claimed that the lagundi plant presented “positive results.” It is also said that the medicinal plant can help Covid-19 patients to recover faster from the symptoms. Additionally, lagundi speeds up the return of their sense of smell.
The study ended in mid-September and involved 278 patients with mild Covid-19 symptoms. The public can expect the publishing of the result soon.
“We’re looking at whether it can help alleviate or prevent progression to moderate or severe cases or allow early resolution of symptoms. The study has already been finished, and the data has been presented to us. We are just finalizing results before the data release so that experts can review the results,” Jaime Montoya said in a forum.
He added that the lagundi plant contains anti-viral properties for cough treatment. The study looks promising and could be a supplement treatment for Covid-19 patients. Montoya is the director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.
Nasal Spray Made from VCO and Lagundi Plant
Aside from the lagundi plant, virgin coconut oil is another potential natural weapon to fight the Covid-19 virus.
In San Pablo City Laguna, Dr. Sterling Liu developed a nasal, mouth, and throat spray from VCO and lagundi plant. He is the company doctor of the family-owned Tropicana Food Products. According to him, it will be the brand of the VCO, lagundi, and menthol spray. They are now printing the package and already applying for the certificates.
He added that VCO, lagundi, and menthol would have the exact composition as mouth and nasal spray. The development of the mixture is because of the studies of the VCO’s capability in giving symptomatic comfort to COVID-19 patients. Additionally, it averts the succession from mild to moderate to severe Covid-19. Used as a nasal spray, it can help relieve itchy, congested, or runny nose symptoms.
The doctor emphasized that as of the moment, they cannot claim that their formulation will cure the disease. However, based on separate studies done on VCO and lagundi plants, both showed promising results.
