Akapulko Plant in Herbal Medicine

This article discusses the Akapulko uses, health Benefits, side effects, warnings.

Akapulko is a tradional herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in tropical climates such as the Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in herbal medicine to treat skin conditions, lung and mouth diseases and stomach problems.

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)

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 Medicinal Uses

Akapulko, Herbal Medicine For Skin Disease

Akapulko is commonly used as herbal medicine to treat the following skin diseases

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

Read our holistic article for eczema in here

How to prepareand use an Akapulko herbal medicine as home remedy?

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 commonly used as herbal medicine to treat the following stomach problems

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

How to prepare and use Akapulko medicine for 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

How to prepare and use Akapulko herbal medine for lung and mouth problems as home remedy?

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.