Pito-Pito is something I was introduced to in the Philippines by my wife. It is a blend of seeds and leaves that are considered traditional herbal medicine. This blend is prepared as a decoction or a poultice and is available on-line or in Oriental stores. It is utilized as a folkloric application for: asthma, abdominal pains colds, cough, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pains. The significances of seven (pito) is thought to be "numerological essential (lucky) to the efficacy of the eventual formulation". The traditional combination consists of alagaw, banaba, bayabas, pandan and mangga complemented with a teaspoon of anis and cilantro and seeds (called coriander),

It is well know as a herbal tea blend, which I have tried on a number of occasions. It is easy to prepare, simply put all seven ingredients together, add water and boil for 30 minutes, strain and drained the ingredients to ensure all of the juice is out before disposing. It is also utilized as washing solution to aid in the healing of wounds and to rejuvenate your body while recovering from fever of after giving birth.

Here is some more specifics about these specific herbs and there health benefits:

ALAGAW: headache, cough, wounds, diabetes, colitis and skin dysentery

BANABA: high blood pressure, hemorrhage, kidney disorders

BAYABAS (Guava leaves):

PANDAN: blood vessels, headache, rheumatism, antispasmodic (suppresses spasms), urine, abortion, headache and earache.

MANGGA (Mango leaves): bumps, bruises, bronchial tubes, cough, hoarseness, intestinal worms, diarrhea and inflammation vaginal wash after giving birth

CILANTRO: blood sugar, lower cholesterol and fight against inflammation and freed radicals. It is though to have antimicrobial properties and documentation supports it can be a effective chelation therapy for individuals who have excess mercury in their systems (potentially from tooth filings).

ANIS: phytoestrogen, antiparasitic, digestive problems, relief of menstrual cramps.

White tea is made from young tea leaves which are harvested before the buds fully open. It gets its name form the fuzz that covers the buds, which turns white when dried.

It has been found to stimulate the immune system and boost your metabolism (burn calories). Its antioxidants may help lower the risk of certain forms of cancer. According to Pace University, studies show that an extract from white tea inactivated viruses and destroyed bacteria that cause streptococcus infections like strep throat, pneumonia, and cavities in teeth.

The Acai Berry has been referenced as one of the world’s top Super foods. It is a small berry native to tropical Central and South America that is full of anti-oxidants, nutrients, and minerals that cleanse your body and help remove excess waste and toxins from your body. These berries come from the Acai Palm tree.

According to the University of Florida, a Brazilian berry called Acai contains a antioxidants that destroy cultured human cancer cells, it also has many other heath benefits. Acai is perishable and spoils shortly after harvested, however you can easily order juice or capsules (dehydrated powder form) from a number of sources over the internet.

Cayenne pepper is a wonder herb with many health benefits. I use it in a powder form to help stimulate my circulatory system and control cholesterol levels. It works very well for constipation, it stimulates gastric secretions and activates your sluggish intestinal tract.

I would recommend that you use Cayenne in moderation as it may cause irritation to your mouth and stomach. Please check back for other uses in future updates.

One of my favorite treats from the garden is sweet potato leaves. They are a common dish in the Philippine cuisine, which was introduced to me y my lovely wife. The sweet potato leaves is a health vegetable rich in antioxidants and other nutrients useful in maintaining a healthy body.

Aside from its antioxidant properties, sweet potato leaves are used to treat diabetes and hookworm.

I like the leaves steamed then dipped into soy sauce or a vinegar and chili mixture. You can also sauté in butter or serve fresh in a mixed salad.