Philippine Medicinal Plants

Definition:
The application of turpentine and oil to the abdomen or joint, combined with moist heat.

Effects:

1. Relieves abdominal distention or gas pain.
2. Relaxes bowel or intestinal spasms.
3. Stimulates the peristaltic movements of the intestines.
4. Relieves pain and congestion in the adjoining parts of the sprained ankle.
5. Relieves pain due to intestinal colic.
6. Promotes the absorption of serious effusions and exudates.

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Definition:
Inhalation of warm, moist air into the mucous membranes and respiratory tract.

Effects:

1. Relieves inflammation and congestions of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
2. Relieves irritation (throat tickle) by moistening the air.
3. Loosens secretions and stimulates expectoration.
4. Relieves spasmodic breathing.
5. Relaxes muscles and thus relieves coughing.
6. Prevents excessive dryness of the mucous membranes.

Things Needed:

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Definition:
An immersion bath in starchy water for a soothing effect.

Effects:

1. Relieves skin irritation.
2. Soothes burning and itching sensations.
3. Tendency to dry skin.

Things Needed:

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Definition:
Letting hot salt solution roll in the throat for a few seconds.

Effects:

1. Relieves throat congestions.
2. Relaxes throat muscles.
3. Reduces inflammation.
4. Relieves throat itchiness.
5. Relieves sore throat.

Things Needed:

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Definition:
A local application of ice over a body segment.

Effects:

1. Relieves pain.
2. Prevents or lessens black and blue discoloration due to capillary bleeding.
3. Stops bleeding specially if applied with pressure.
4. Prevents and reduces swelling.
5. Decreases blood flow to the area.
6. Constricts blood vessels, therefore decreases tendency to bleeding.

Things Needed:

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Definition:
A partial immersion bath covering the pelvic and the anal areas.

Effects:

1. Relieves pain after rectal operation.
2. Hastens healing and cleaning of the operated area.
3. Relieves cramps and spasms in pelvic region and urinary bladder.
4. Stimulates pelvic circulation.
5. Relaxes urinary bladder.

Things Needed:

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Definition:
A local immersion bath covering the feet, ankles and legs.

Effects:

1. Relieves head, chest-and pelvic congestions by the drawing of blood from those areas to the legs and feet.
2. Stops nosebleed.
3. Relieves pain and spasms of the feet and legs.
4. Induces sweating in case of fever—lowers body temperature.
5. Relieves menstrual cramps by relaxing the uterine spasm.
6. Relieves headache.
7. Relaxes the whole day.

Things Needed:

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Definition:
The application of heat to a small area with hot gauze or hot compress cloth.

Effects:

1. Increases circulation locally.
2. Relieves pain.
3. Relieves congestion.

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Definition:
A mild, prolonged application of moist heat of several hours duration.

Effects:

1. Relaxes muscles.
2. Relieves pain of throat or rheumatic joints.
3. Relieves abdominal discomfort (use moist abdominal bandage).
4. Reduces joint inflammation.
5. A mild heating effect.

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Definition:
A local application of moist heat by means of cloth wrung from boiling water or from steam tank.

Effects:

1. Increases blood flow to the area.
2. Relaxes muscles.
3. Sedative effect, if applied on the spine.
4. Relieves pain.
5. Relaxes spasm or cramps.
6. Relieves congestions.
7. Produces sweating.

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