One of many ancient remedies comes from the lagundi tree – for cough and colds! A simple lagundi tea can be made with fresh leaves cooked in boiled water, or a smaller portion of dry leaves steeped in hot water.
Known in science as Vitex negundo, lagundi is a leafy shrub that has been used by Filipinos for generations to ease coughs, colds, and asthma. It’s so effective it has been studied often, and the Department of Health lists it as an approved herbal medicine for cough relief.
Lagundi makes for a simple, comforting tea you can prepare right at home.
How to make lagundi tea
What you’ll need: fresh or dried lagundi leaves, hot water, a mug or teapot.
- Find a lagundi tree! Find a friend, family member, or your neighborhood tree lover who has or knows of a lagundi tree. If you cannot find one, try your local market for lagundi tea bags for a fast and sure option!
- Pick and clean the leaves. Choose mature, healthy green leaves and rinse them thoroughly.
- Fresh or dried? Both work. If you want to store them for longer, air-dry the leaves in the shade. This helps preserve their useful plant compounds.
- Steep the tea.
- Use about 5 to 7 fresh leaves (or a small pinch of dried ones).
- Pour 1 cup of just-boiled water over the leaves.
- Cover and let it steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain before drinking.
- Optional – Add a squeeze of calamansi, a spoon or two of honey, or a slice of ginger for both additional flavor and immunity.
Note: While lagundi tea is safe for most people, be sure to identify the correct tree!
Other healing plants of the Philippines
Lagundi isn’t the only local plant that’s been studied for its healing powers. Here are a few more you might recognize:
- Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) – A strongly scented herb often boiled as tea. Studies in the Philippines show it can help in managing kidney stones and mild hypertension.
- Tsaang-gubat (Ehretia microphylla) – A shrub used for upset stomach and diarrhea. It’s also recognized by the Department of Health as an approved medicinal plant.
- Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis) – A tree that’s actually endemic (found only in the Philippines). Its sour fruit is used in cooking, but local remedies include decoctions of the fruit to treat colds.
Filipinos have always turned to plants for both food and healing. What’s exciting is that modern science is catching up with tradition – showing us that remedies like lagundi tea have actual benefits.
Next time you feel a tickle in your throat, try steeping a few lagundi leaves for a warm, comforting cup. You’ll be drinking not just tea, but a little piece of Philippine natural history and science combined.
Free coloring page of lagundi
- Get a free coloring page of lagundi in the Gumroad shop.
- Or support my art by ordering an artprint on Inprnt.
- Or download a printable in the Gumroad shop here.