Akapulko, Uses, Health Benefits, Side Effects, Warnings

Akapulko Scientific Name : Cassia alata

Also known as: bayabas-bayabasan,kapurko, katanda, katandang aso, pakagonkon, sonting (Tag.); andadasi, andadasi-a-dakdakel, andadasi-bugbugtong (Ilk.); adadisi (Ting.); ancharasi (Ig.); andalan (Sul.); bayabasin, bikas-bikas (Bik., Tag., Bis.,); kasitas (Bik., Bis.); sunting, palo china (Bis.); pakayomkom kastila (Pamp.); ringworm bush or shrub (Engl.), Acapulco (Engl)

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine. The akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.. Akapulko leaves are also known to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, usedto treat intestinal problems including intestinal parasites. Akapulko is also used as herbal medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has helped develop the technology for a akapulko herbal medicine lotion.

Akapulko is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko leaves have orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow flowers that has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers are enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time.

Akapulko, herbal medicine for skin disease

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following skin diseases

    Tinea infections,
    insect bites,
    ringworms,
    eczema,
    scabies and
    itchiness.

Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine

Pound Akapulko leaves, squeeze the juice and apply topically on affected area twice a day until cured. There are commercially available Akapulko herbal medicine lotions in the Philippine market for skin diseases treatment. If symptoms persist or irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.

Akapulko, herbal medicine for stomach problems
Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following stomach problems

    Laxative to expel intestinal parasites,
    diuretic
    purgative.
    Strong decoction of leaves are also known to cause abortion in pregnant women.

Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine for treatment of stomach problems

Pound or cut a cup of Akapulko seeds, Akapulko leaves and flowers into manageable sizes then let it seep in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to creat an Akapulko herbal tea. Let it cool and drink a cup three times a day. The potency of Akapulko herbal tea is good to last for one day. Make new Akapulko herbal tea as needed. When symptoms persist or irritation occurs stop the use and consult your doctor.


Akapulko, herbal medicine for lung and mouth problems

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following lung and mouth problems:

    Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea,
    mouthwash in stomatitis,
    alleviation of asthma symptoms

Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine for lung and mouth problems

As expectorant and for the alleviation of asthma attacks. Drink a cup of Akapulko herbal medicine tea (see above for the preparation) three times a day until symptoms improved.

For the treatment of mouth infections such as stomatitis, gargle the Akapulko herbal tea three times a day until symptoms improve.

If symptoms persist and irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.


Preparation of akapulko herbal ointment

To prepare an Akapulko herbal ointment prepare and follow these instructions.

    Wash fresh leaves of Akapulko thoroughly and cut in small pieces.
    Add one glass of cooking oil or coconut oil to one glass of cut fresh leaves.
    Fry until crispy.
    Remove from the heat; strain.
    Cut 2 white candles (Esperma No. 5) into small pieces
    In a cooking pot, pour the strained oil together with the candle pieces; stir until the candle has melted.
    Pour the mixture into a clean container; cover when cool.
    Apply the Akapulko herbal ointment to affected areas twice daily.

    (Source: http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/akapulko1.htm)