MEDICINAL USES OF PLANTS 233 



Genus HYPTIS 



HYPTIS SUAVEOLENS Poir. Bangbangsi't. 



Local names: Bangbangsit (Bontoc, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan) ; kaling- 

 kabdyo (Dumaran Island); litdlit (Union); suilb-kabdyo (Polillo). 



A decoction of the roots is valued as an appetizer. This 



plant is also used for affections of the uterus. The root in 



decoction is said to be emmenagogic, and a stimulant if 

 employed in rheumatism. 



Distribution: In waste places throughout the Philippines. 



Genus LEUCAS 



LEUCAS LAVANDULIFOLIA Sm. PANSI-PANSf. 



Local names: Kaskasiimba (Pangasinan); langa-Iangd (Camarines) ; 

 pansi-pansi (Laguna) ; salita (Polillo); sampdran (Bulacan). 



The leaves are crushed and used externally in dermatosis. 

 Distribution: Very abundant throughout Luzon, and col- 

 lected also from Mindoro, Polillo, and Surigao. 



Genus MENTHA 

 MENTHA ARVENSIS L. MINT or Yerba buena. 



Local name: Yerba buena (Spanish). 



The tops and leaves are carminative and when bruised are 

 used as an antidote for the stings of poisonous insects. 



Distribution: Reported from Pangasinan, Manila, Batangas, 

 Tayabas, but known to be commonly cultivated. 



Genus OCIMUM 

 OCIMUM BASILICUM L. Balan6i or Sweet Basil. 



A description of this species and its local names are given 

 in the section on resins, gums, and oils. 



The leaves are used in infusion or decoction as a carminative 

 and stimulant medicine. 



OCIMUMSANCTUML. SulAsi or HoLY BASIL. 



A description of this species and its local names are given 

 in the section on resins, gums, and oils. 



The leaves in decoction are used for aromatic baths. A decoc- 

 tion brewed from the roots and leaves is said to be a specific 

 for gonorrhea. Externally it is used in baths to cure rheumatic 

 pains and paralysis. A decoction obtained from the seeds is 

 said to be demulcent. 



Genus POGOSTEMON 

 POGOSTEMON CABLIN (Blanco) Benth. Patchouli or Kabli'n. 



A description and figure of this species and its local names 

 are given in the section on resins, gums, and oils. 



