Pansit-pansitan Medicinal Native Philippine Herb

Pansit-pansitan (Piperaceae/ peperomia) is a native medicinal (annual 2) herbal plant of the Philippines. Leaves and stem stalk of the herbal plant digested (as a vegetable 2) or prepared for medicinal applications including skin disorders and abdominal pains. 1 Pansit-pansitan leaves are heart shaped and small flowers bloom on a spike. Herbal plant grows to maximum height of one and half feet. "It can be found wild on lightly shaded and damp areas such as nooks, walls, yards and even roofs." 1 Also, herbal plant is located in rocky parts of canals. 2 "When matured, the small fruits bear one seed which fall off the ground and propagate (In clumps and damp areas 2)." 1

The leaves of the Pansit-pansitan are harvested, washed and eaten as a salad help treat rheumatic pains and gout. Two cups of water can be boiled (15 minutes 4) with one cup of leaves, made into decoction taken orally: One cup in the morning and one cup in the evening. The decoction of leaves and stalks treat abdominal pains and kidney problems. Also, boiled leaves are pounded and applied to treat skin disorders (boils, pustules, pimples and rejuvenate complexion problems 2). Heated leaves are applied to the forehead alleviate headaches. 1

Among the ten herbal plants the Philippine Department of Health endorses through its "Traditional Health Program" clinically tested and proven to treat various ailments includes Pansit-pansitan. 3

Pansit-pansitan is not recommended when taking prescribed medication unless approved by a medical practitioner, otherwise adverse side effects could occur. 5

References:

1.) Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida Linn.) Ulasiman-Bato - http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/pansit-pansitan.htm

2.) Pansit - Pansitan - http://www.filipinoherbshealingwonders.filipinovegetarianrecipe.com/herbs_pics/pansit_pansitan.php

3.) Philippine Herbal Plant and the Island of Fire - http://www.cebu-philippines.net/philippine-herbal-plant.html

4.) Edible Plants That Cure Common Diseases - http://www.healthmad.com/Alternative/Edible-Plants-That-Cure-Common-Diseases.159851

5.) PANSIT-PANSITAN - http://www.practicalway.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=36