1. IRON for anemia, memory and concentration
2. MAGNESIUM as bone builder, laxative, headache and stress, and relaxed muscles
3. MANGANESE for bone growth
4. GOOD FATS for energy
5. ANTIOXIDANTS (Epicatechin, Flavanols, Resveratrol) to  lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer
6. MOOD ENHANCING COMPOUNDS like

CNSEED.ORG

Global Britannica

I have often wondered why my Rosemary and Peppermint turned olive green last summer. Upon my research, I discovered that my Rosemary leaves turned olive green because the soil was too wet from watering daily while my Peppermint was burned because it was exposed to strong summer sun.

Philippine Oregano

Java Mint

This mid-October, I traveled by bus and ferryboat to Catanduanes, an island in the Bicol region,Philippines. I was with my first cousins, Angel and Cynthia, first cousin-in-law Elvie and nephew, Kit. Our other first cousins traveled by car while those with elderly parents took the plane.  It was a sad reunion because of the demise our dear uncle, retired Judge Pio Rodulfo. He comes from a family of 13 children including my late father, Godo.  Most of his siblings settled in Metro Manila and despite the distance, Tito Pio obliged himself to attend every occasion whether in joy or in sorrow. This time, it is our turn to go back to Bato, our hometown, to give him our final respect and be with his family in this hour of bereavement.

During our 11-hour bus ride, I offered my relatives my herb sandwiches but on condition that they taste it first then tell me if they are interested to take an entire sandwich. I remember them say, “Wow, it smells like pizza!” It was a concoction of cheese, garlic, pepper, a little olive oil plus herbs (cut into small pieces) from local Oregano, Basil, Dill and Pancit-pancitan (our indigenous vegetable), and a little anchovy (dilis).  They enjoyed the unique taste!  I also offered them  Tarragon leaves which they placed in their water bottle for aroma and fresh breath.





Our next ride was a ferryboat/RORO.  The sea was so smooth and I enjoyed the 3-hour travel. Finally, I was able to try the much publicized Roll On-Roll Off or RORO ride!

At our hometown, during the wake, I gave away Ashitaba/Tomorrow Leaf stems with flyers to explain its uses.  Cynthia, Elvie and I were assigned to stay at the beautiful home of our first cousin Era and her husband, Ben.  For my toiletries, I brought my homemade Gugo shampoo, Aloe Vera hair rinse, Citro-Mint deodorant, Citro-Mint massage oil and mosquito repellant, and Aloe Vera Alcohol.

At breakfast, Elvie who is a dentist by profession asked me for Tarragon leaves and tried it with coffee and she enjoyed the blend very much.  She also enjoyed putting the leaves in the water bottle.  Practically Elvie and Tarragon became inseparable for several days.



Preparing to go home, at our last breakfast in Catanduanes, Cynthia requested for Oregano.  Ben dutifully gathered big leaves.  To their surprise we ate them like crunchy potato chips! (It is usually steeped or boiled as medicinal tea for colds and cough).  Then, Cynthia got a king-sized pan de sal, applied cheese spread, and placed Oregano as if it was lettuce and topped it with shrimps for her snack for the trip back home.  It looked good so I imitated minus the shrimps because I am allergic to crustaceans.



Seeing the Oregano there, the herbal observer in me noticed that the leaves in the island are medium-sized and have sharp blade-like edges compared to what I have in Metro Manila . The physical difference is caused by the cross-breeding with other plants and the ecology of  the area. Despite these, the properties remain the same.

And if you check the picture gallery of this website, Oregano comes in different sizes.  The Philipine Oregano can grow in different sizes – small, medium and  large (leaves can grow as  big as a hand).  In contrast, the Italian Oregano plant comes in very small leaves. But the appearance if you look closely, even the taste, and aroma is the same.  It would be good to note, too, that Oregano originated in the Mediterranean and Western Asia.  It’s name originated from the Greek word ‘Origanum’ meaning joy of the mountain.  No wonder Oregano flavor is common in Mediterranean dishes.

On the way to Metro Manila, we stopped over at Lucena.  I missed a step and my ankles bulged with soreness though I didn’t feel any pain. I immediately crushed Kataka-taka leaves on both feet and wore socks upon getting home and the following day, it was back to normal!

It has become my lifestyle to be green when at home.  So that when I had to travel,  it was automatic for me to bring my homemade products.  I am happy to see the excitement of many, once re-oriented to the natural world.  Surely, Mother Nature welcomes all with open arms!

EM-EM,
Herbal Gardener, MBA

Source: 

Britannica Micropaedia 1992

As a gardener, I move to and fro in my herbal garden for my regular chores like –

1.    Lifting a pail of water with bended knees (to protect the back);
2.   Getting water from the pail with a dipper (tabo) then pouring water thoroughly in plants;
3.   Squatting and semi-squatting to remove aphids, pests, old leaves, or add organic fertilizer;
4.   Carrying pots with soil and plants, vegetable wastes, leaves, and soil for composting (Plant Care) and;
5.   Filling up pots with soil using a trowel then transplanting stems.

All these actions firm the arms, legs, hips and shape the waistline.  Studies have shown that a person weighing 150 lbs. would burn 272 calories in an hour. This automatically is an enjoyable workout!

And as I  remove old leaves or even just move leaves accidentally or purposely, the scent of peppermint, Java and Japanese mints, Rosemary, Kuchai Leek, Basil and other herbs exude all over my herbaland! Natural fragrance and a good supply of Oxygen for me!

Unlike other exercises where eating is preferred after the workout, for gardening it would be better to eat breakfast first. Plant lovers tend be carried away in the garden for more than two hours, oblivious to time! I’ve learned my lesson that’s why once I wake up, I eat  breakfast using my herbs.

Among of those I eat are Ashitaba leaves and Gotu Kola. For tea, I drink steeped Tarragon, Mint, Balbas Pusa, or Damong Maria for circulation and all the good things that they offer.  For breakfast I toast bread and top it with different kinds ofy herbs like Oregano, Basil, Dill, Kuchai, Basil etc. mixed with olive oil, cheese and garlic. I also make an all-herb pizza with tomato sauce and freshly-picked spinach with Tarragon vinaigrette! On some days, I eat boiled sweet potato (Camote), banana fries or boiled Cassava (Camoteng Kahoy) which are highly nutritious!  I also drink my homemade Aloe Vera Alkaline Syrup and Tablea. Tablea is from 100% cocoa or cacao beans which really gives energy and strengthens bones with its manganese and magnesium content. With all these, I am ready to get to work!

I notice that once I start doing my rounds, I start to perspire and though the morning sun aggravates the heat, it’s a blessing because sunshine provides Vitamin D which helps absorb calcium for strong bones, strengthen the immune system, and prevent diseases like colon cancer.  It also helps eliminates toxins and keep your skin healthy.

May all these healthy benefits inspire you more to care for your garden and enjoy the fruits of your workout!

Em-em,
Herbal Gardener, MBA

Once I started to experiment on quick ‘n easy ways to use herbals, more discoveries came into place.This blog offers many types of food and care. This is indeed a herbaland adventure where God’s gift of nature is waiting to unfold… and tickle your creativity!

Some organic customers at the organic market request me to make homemade oil, spray etc. for them instead, but I refuse. It will defeat the advocacy to SAVE THE EARTH …reuse, reduce,  recycle. Because the more useful the garden, the more it will be appreciated and cared for, especially, if beauty is one of them.

Actually, the first advantage is a green grocery store within your reach. And the benefit of self-sufficiency is… savings!

MAKE MONEY WORK FOR YOU!

Common attitude when there is extra cash is to buy more consumer products. There are many more places where you can invest your hard-earned cash to attain financial independence.

I am not an agent but let me help you know more about the financial market.

A. Stocks or equities – The stock market is where big corporations enlist themselves where they offer common shares for the public to invest in their operation or expansion.

1. You can find information through newspapers with business section or;
2. Through PSE's website where you will find all the information about Phil. Stock Exchange, updates and even a stock-trading game.They also have regular schedules on basic stock trading seminars.
3. Radio and television programs like ANC Business Channel.
4. Stockbrokers can be over-the-counter or electronic trading through commercial banks or their subsidiaries.

Also, It would be good to know the blue chip stocks.

B. Mutual Funds

You find NAVPS or net asset value per share through…

1. Business Mirror and Business Standard below the stock market report or through,
2. PSE Website click market and under it choose funds.
Asset management companies are managed by professional fund managers who invest shareholders’ money according to their choice depending on their risk appetite.

1. Stocks or equities through stock market or;
2. Bonds through peso, dollar, global, commercial bonds
3. Balanced fund is a mix of stocks and bonds

You will notice that asset management companies are subsidiaries of commercial banks and insurances. Investment is as low as P5,000.00.

C. Banks – Banks offer UITF (Unit Investment Trust Fund) which also give different choices for investors. They also have in-house insurance packages with investment products.

D. Insurance companies have many insurance packages with investment.
Your effort and discipline through savings aimed for financial independence is important to our economy. The Philippines is enjoying an “emerging market” status. It is your awareness that will empower you to make us finally reach that goal! Let’s e-m-e-r-g-e!!!!

Em-em, 
Herbal Gardener, MBA

Tablea is made of pure cacao or cocoa, our version of dark chocolate in Lipa City, Batangas.




It is called Tablea because they are molded into small coin tablets and packed by 10s.

The Tablea we sell are wrapped in ordinary brown paper. This must be the original way they were wrapped since groceries and supermarkets were then unheard of.

Historically speaking, this was the favourite drink of Rizal, Mabini and their hero friends.

This is also my favourite breakfast drink. I steep the hot drink with Peppermint, Java/Spear Mint, Tarragon or whatever herbal may be available.  Also, the pure cacao tastes good in Champorado (Rice boiled with cacao).

Herbal tea or juice can be taken 3 times a day maximum. They are to be sipped little by little to allow absorption. (Healthy Healing by Linda Page). When boiling tea, be sure to use stainless pot (not aluminum) or claypot (palayok). If tea is done by infusion or steeping in boiled water, use glass, ceramic or earthenware.

Aloe Vera 





I make alkaline syrup and juice. I take 1 tbsp. of Aloe Vera alkaline syrup once a day or mix it with juice or tea. This balances hyperacidity, promotes good health which manifests through shiny hair, and smooth, younger looking skin.

Procedure for Alkaline syrup:

a. Cut an Aloe Vera leaf into two, scrape the gel and cut into small pieces.
b. Make a concoction of gel and honey. 1:1
c. Keep in good covered container. Refrigerate.




Balbas Pusa or Cat Whiskers



The pistil of the flowers are like whiskers. It is also called as local Taheebo. I had a miraculous experience with this herbal. When I was single, I suffered back pains and found out that I had kidney damage. The doctor gave me antibiotics but I developed allergies. My mouth had rashes. I had to stop. My office mate, instead, gave me Balbas Pusa. And of course, with prayers as well, the doctor was surprised to find that my laboratory test was back to normal!

Procedure: Seven (7) leaves or more steeped in boiled water or boiled for 15 minutes.


Damong Maria




This is a Filipino term that means ‘Grass of Mary’. It is known internationally as ‘Wormwood’. I drink this for my stomach ache, flatulence. It is also good for diabetes.

Procedure: Steep a handful of leaves in hot water for 15 minutes and sip.




Java Mint




This can be mixed with hot tea or hot chocolate to add a mint flavor. This can also be placed in other beverages. This used as remedy for colic, digestion and food absorption. This is also a diuretic.

Procedure: Steep 1 tablespoon of dried or fresh leaves in a cup of boiled water for 15 minutes. For boiled tea, boil the same for 15 minutes.


Kuchai Leek




This is a diuretic which increase urination.

Procedure: Steep or boil the leaves into 1 cup of tea.




Lagundi




This herbal is a tree. A handful of boiled leaves can warm someone with colds. It cleanses the respiratory system, thus, heal from colds, cough, asthma, fever and flu. The tea is also a body cleanser.

Procedures:

Tea – Boil 4 cups of water then put a handful of Lagundi . Keep boiling for 15 minutes. Divide into 3 cups. Drink 1 cup times a day.

Herbal Bath – Add more water and boil more leaves. Drink a cup before bathing and, then, bathe with warm water. Then rinse with the rest of the Lagundi tea. The last rinse is cold water to close the pores. The process cleanses and absorbs coldness of the body and and immediately remove headaches.



Neem Tree




This is India’s town pharmacy. The tea is bitter and drank by diabetics. It is also used for colds asthma and flu.




Pandan




This herb is placed in rice for fragrance. But it has properties that strengthens blood vessels and heal headache and earache.

Procedure: Boil 4 cups of water, add Pandan leaves, boil for 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup or glass (add water with sugar) 3 times a day.

Optional: Tastes good when added with Tanglad for Pandan-Tanglad Juice.


Oregano





The Philippine Oregano has big green or green and white leaves and has more juice while the Italian Oregano has very small leaves. Both are good for colds, cough, headache, asthma and have antibiotic properties.

Procedure: Steep handful in a cup of hot water. Cover for 15 minutes.




Peppermint



In the Philippines, it is also known as Herba Buena or ‘good herb’. This is one of my favorite breakfast teas. It has a good aroma with mint. This herb, just like the other herbs, is called body balancer. This is effective for cough, colds, headache, arthritis and body pains.

Procedure:

Tea – Steep two (2) tbsp. of fresh or dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water. Cover for 15 minutes.
Cold Beverages – Chop and place in cold drinks.
Mouthwash – Chop 2 Tbsp. of fresh leaves in 1 glass of water



Serpentina




A very bitter herb. This is helpful for diabetics. I tried it for my throbbing stomachache caused by loose bowel movement, the next day I was good as new! The stem grows in a zigzag form as it matures. This must be the reason for its name.

Procedure: Steep 5 to 6 crushed leaves in 1 cup of boiled water. Cover for 15 minutes.



Stevia 




This is a sugar plant used to sweeten hot tea or chocolate. Those who try a leaf can’t believe it!


Tanglad 




This is also known as Lemon Grass. It is good for high blood, loose bowel movement and cancer. This makes a wonderful refreshment especially when added with Pandan leaves and sugar.

Procedure: Boil water 4 cups of water. Add the lemon grass and keep boiling for 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup or glass (add water with sugar) 3 times a day.



Tarragon





The ancients used to call this the Dragon Herb. This is helpful to calm nerves, fatigue, insomnia, hyperactivity, stomach cramps, high blood and heart. This aromatic herb can even be placed directly in water or beverages.

Procedure: 

Tea – Steep 1 tsp. tarragon in 1 boiled cup of water. Cover for 15 minutes.

Sources:

Healing Power of Water by Dr. Savitri Ramaiah c 2009. Sterling Publishers Pvt,Ltd, New Delhi
Healthy Healing An Alternative Healing Reference by Linda Rector-Page c 1992 by Linda Rector Page Published by Healthy Healing Publication 9th Edition
Herbal Plants and Remedies Philippine Copyright 2004 by Amos Books, Inc. 2007 Edition
The Juiceman’s Power of Juicing by Jay Kordick c 1992 by Jay Kordich
Encyclopedia Britannica 15th Edition

Internet:

http://www.tajagroproducts.com/Tea%20(Indian%20tea).html
http://www.infonet-biovision.org/res/res/files/494.hdra%20NeemTree.pdf
http://www.sallybernstein.com/food/columns/gilbert/tarragon.htm