MEDICINAL USES OP PLANTS 233 



G«nua HYPTIS 



HYPTIS SUAVEOLENS Poir. BANGBANGSfT. 



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

 kabdyo (Dumaran Island); litdlit (Union); suub-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 LAVANDULI FOLIA Sm. PANSI-iPANSf. 



Local names: Kaskasumba (Pangasinan); langa-langd (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. 



OCIMUM SANCTUML. 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 KABLfN. 



A description and figure of this species and its local names 

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



