This twilight comes when I see the convict emerge from the forest into the clearing. They look weary as they trudge single file to their barracks, backs bent not so much by the weight of the heavy spades, picks, baskets, that they carry as by the unseen burned that they have piled on their shoulders. They have just finished the day’s work of opening new farms or keeping those already open from being swallowed again by the wilderness. Some of the men are caked with mad up to their waists; they have spent the morning clearing the streams of fallen logs and boulders, deepening them so that the water will not stagnate and breed malaria-bearing mosquito. Others are covered with soot, their faces and arm cress-crossed with black lines in crazy patterns, as if they had been playing with charcoal and painted each other’s faces. But they looked tired and dirty, even their eyebrows are matted with black dust, their uniforms are in tatters; they have not been playing. They are the men who first entered a kaingin after it had burned out. The soot on their faces they got when they brushed against the charred and matted branches, as they worked in a cloud of ashes rooting out the smoldering stumps. For me, night begins when I see these men returning home, though it may be long before darkness comes and the air turns cold.

The forest, always silent, now assumes that calm is more breathless and awesome than silence. The breeze dies down, the leaves cease to rustle, the animals of the wood slink away to their lairs. One sees only an occasional crow. Its obstreperous caw-caw-caw echoing and re-echoing for miles around. No angelus rings here, for the nearest church is a day’s journey away, down the river and along the coast. But one does not need to hear the tolling of distant bells to be reminded of the hour for prayer. One must pray here, if only to relieve the terrifying solitude, to stay the gathering darkness. Here one must kneel down, make the sign of the cross, join the twilight host that like a solemn invocation rises above the heads of the tallest to heaven.

The darkness comes like a sluggish, ever deepening stream Imperceptibly it crawls, inch by inch, and as it crawls, it swallows everything that stands in its way, first the towering trees, from their buttressed roots to the highest quivering leaf, then the shrubs and the undergrowth. One knows that it has reached a certain point by sound and movement cease, the creaking of the stiff branches, the scampering of the small animals under the trees, even the wind as it hurries through the lattice of leaves and vines seems arrested in its flight. Over the deep holes left by decaying logs, the deep puddle made by the wild boar, this stream swirls, eddies, and forms little unplumbed pools. Arriving at the edge of the woods and at the beginning of the cleared area of corn and bananas, its progress is faster, because here there are no trees and vines to obstruct its way. Here it broadens cut without shallow, and finally inundates the whole valley.

Once, while gravely ill, I lost consciousness and, since then, light leaving the world has always reminded me of consciousness leaving a sick body. I do not recall any struggling to retain it, the outward flow was so smooth, so placid, so gradual. I desired to prolong it, not because I wanted to retain a clear perception of objective, but because, losing it, I knew that I would also loss an ineffable peace. I wanted to keep indefinitely that twilight interval between awareness and insensibility. Twilight here in the convict’s camps is like that. It is different from any other twilight. For the sake of the convict, it comes early so that he may work early. It stays so that after his toiling he does not have to go to sleep right away; it delays the coming of night and the command to sleep. For it is the only hour that the convict has for playing. All morning he works in the fields and the shops, and at night he sleeps like a log with a hundred out hers in long barn-like quarters; but between these two states, between a fretful existence and a brief lethargy. He has this hour of crepuscule. It is the only hour he can really forget he is a convict. It is an hour of forgetfulness of the sin and its atonement; an hour to play at being free. During this short time he is like you and me; afterwards he is again the unfortunate, taciturn. Self-conscious and servile, the man who marches with heavy feet and a heavier heart.

As soon as the men are gathered, the roll is called, and the presence of everyone is checked. After they have dispersed to return the tools and implements to the tool house, they receive the evening ration. Then comes the hour for play. Their pleasures are simple, their games few. The indoor baseball team goes out to the field and spirited battle is played between two camps. Or it may be volleyball or foot race. Group became bigger or break up, the men wander from barrack to barrack, loiter by the water pump, join other groups nears the general store and exchange bits of news and opinions. Soon everybody is playing or watching others plays and enjoying the games as much as if were active participants, from the embezzler, who teaches his dog to retrieve a stick, to the murderer with his guitar who hurries to join the colony’s string band composed of men like him who are serving sentence of from twenty years of life imprisonment.

The air resounds with their cheers and laughter. These people could not have been happier if they were little children playing patintero in some remote barrio. Thieves, rustlers, smugglers, hardened recidivists, as well as bewildered, boyish killers, all take part in one big game. The game of forgetting, a game with no rules to be followed. Strenuous and difficult as any exhilarating and rough a game which only these men understand fully, a game in which all with except those who are too weak to play it or those who do not see it as a game, or those who have been tired of playing it, twilight after twilight, year in and year out.

Once the colony had a radio and is provided the most exciting game of all. In the midst of their chess or do mine, when a certain hour, some of the men would drop everything they held and rush to the place where the radio was; a room above the general store. And there first was too small to contain all of them, only those who get there first went up, the rest sat down on the benches and stools around the store. When I was new there, I did not understand what drew them like that. At first I thought it was the dance music they liked so much. Later on I learned that this was not the case. For one day when I joined the group below at that hour, the radio was playing a well-known dance piece, but nobody seemed to be listening, and they were making enough noise to drown the music

but when it stopped and a voice announced, “the English Information Period” all noise cease and the place became as silent as a church. Benches were move over so carefully, shuffling legs became still. The men talked to each other and only in whispers, and then only ask about some word they did not catch. I doubt if they understood what they heard, for the voice spoke of a battle in Africa, the political situation in Europe, a strike in America, the problems of the Commonwealth. I do not think knew English. But apparently that were hearing a strange voice telling them of strange happenings in far countries. Very easily one could make believe that he was seeing these events himself, taking an active part in them. That was the most exhilarating game of all, more satisfying than baseball or ping-pong, more than baseball or ping-pong it brought sweat readily and that delicious sense of tiredness which comes from hard putting all your heart into the game.

And then twilight ends, and the voice from, and all the games. Tomorrow is another day and another night and between the two another hour for play. But the men do not look forward to it. Only the new arrivals do that, with their calendars where each day that passes is carefully crossed out in colored pencil. Those who have been here five or ten years often smile at these fellows, knowing full well that after a few months they will not keep track of the days anymore, nor of the hours, nor whether it is morning or night or twilight.

I was surprised to see Cornelio at the hospital that morning. “Why, I thought you were in Iwahig” “I was transferred here sir,” he answered, “I arrived about a week ago.”

The man looked healthier and less reticent than when I had seen him last. I guessed at the reason. “Parole”

“Not yet, sir, but soon maybe.”

“And your wife?”

“She came with me, with my son. I have a son now sir, who was born in the Colony. They went to Tayabas to see my mother soon after we came here but I am expecting them this afternoon. I have been expecting them for the last three days. I shall tell her you are here sir.”

It was like seeing an old friend to see Cornelio here. The joy on his face when he saw me was unmistakable. He had never forgotten the time he pulled through a bad attack of black water fever and he thought that just because I had prescribed a few injections he owed his life to me. His wife thought so too. He wrote to her as soon as he was able to and when I got back to Manila she was waiting for me. She wept soon as she began to thank me, but I do not think it was so much for you that her husband was saved from death as for her helplessness to reward me, her realization that any reward would always be inadequate. Cynically I thought at the time, must we got to convicts to find honest acknowledgement of a debt. The men who are free, have they no such simple qualities as sincerity and gratefulness?

I know Cornelio well. I recall clearly the first time I saw him. It was here in Bilibid, in a cell, where he had been placed in solitary confinement. His quietness that was not resignation. There was no trace of sullenness in him, nor of that grim hiding of time that convicts who have been severely disciplined often show for weeks after their sentence. I had attempted to find out why he was there, what offense he had committed and although he answered me politely enough, soon I began to feel that I was despicable interloper praying officiously into his private affairs. It was something in his impeccably courteous manner. That in itself was surprising enough for here in Bilibid, every inmate seems only to glad to get anybody to listen to his life history. You ask a patient for his symptoms and he sill start with his childhood, his family troubles, his accomplishments, the story of the crime for which he was unjustly condemned. Later on if you are still listening, he will tell you where he buried the money before he was captured. Not so with Cornelio. He answers my questions and nothing more, and when I realized my mistake, I almost felt like apologizing to him.

A few years afterwards I found him in the convict camps of Davao when that Colony was just being carved out of a dark and matted wilderness. I saw him strip red to the waist, swinging an axe as expertly as if he had been used to the work all his life. I watched him as he scampered away with the others when the signal came that the great trees were toppling over. Except that he was tanned by the sun and scarred all over with scratches from rattan vines, he was unchanged. He was still the reserved, soft-spoken somewhat self assured prisoner. It seemed that he had quietly worked out his problem, found its solution and settling his eyes on the road ahead, had resolved that for no reason at all would be linger by the wayside. Somehow he did not seem to be a convict, he did not belong to the place, he was merely visiting these men and would leave shortly. If there was ever anybody who deserved to regain his freedom, it was Cornelio. He had expiated his crime fully, further incarceration served no useful purpose.

Seeing him that day brought Davao and Iwahig back to me. I talked with dozens of convicts and saw hundreds of them, morning and afternoon. Again the question came to me about which I had thought of hundred times before. Which made imprisonment more complete and absolute, the massive walls and iron gates of Bilibid, or the unfenced forest of Davao? Here in Manila freedom and liberty were just on the other side of the wall. In Davao, the nearest settled town was a day’s journey away. If I were a convict would I prefer to be in Manila where I could bear the rumble of a great city, where I could catch occasional glimpses of tall buildings, of the multitude hurrying by? Being so near life, feeling its strong pulsating rhythm, would my own pulse quicken? Would the day of my isolation pass sooner if an every hour of the day was made aware of the sounds that augment the sense of my isolation?

Probable not, probably I would prefer to be in Davao. There, tramping the field, following a river down stream and exploring its muddy banks for catfish, sitting down that flat stone near the spring one could better hold to the delusion that one is free. All you have to do to be free, to throw away chains and shackles, to discard a numbered uniform, so to discredit your sense. You will find many who are only too willing to help you in the face of contrary facts; your companions, the officials, will do all they can to make you feel that you are not really a convict. They will talk kindly to you and give wise and advice, food and clothes, take care of you when you are sick, and there in Davao, the place provides a fitting setting. There are no walls here except the impenetrable wall of forest, the only sentries you see are hoary trees, row upon row, unbending, unrelaxing in their vigilance, keeping a century old watch day and night. Here in Manila so near freedom and yet never any nearer, one can easily forget to laugh.

Going back to the hospital that afternoon, I noticed that the observation tower and platform was full of visitors. I thought there might be something new going on and so I ascended the ladder. This tower, reached by three flights, is built in the center of the compound. Up there an armed guard is posted day and night; he commands clear view of every corner of the yard. Around this tower a sort of sort a platform is built, which would server as a grandstand where visitors are sometimes allowed during parades, reviews or games.

Here, one gets a general view of the construction of the whole reservation. The general building are grouped along a large circle whose center is this tower. The outermost circumference is the wall, so high and forbidding from below, here looking like only a few a low fence. Inside this are the long stone-walled barrack all convening toward the center. Outside wall is another world, the aspect and extent of which those inside see only dimly, in memory or more vividly in imagination. Sometimes they hear various sounds that rise above the wall and are carried inside, but they do not seem to have any meaning. In some corners of the yard, one may hear more and see more an airplane passing by, an electric sign apparently suspended in mid-air, the spire of the nearest church pointed, towards the sky like a finger of exhortation.

I found the usual motley collection of Sunday visitors, mostly relatives of the prisoners came from neighboring towns for the monthly visit, a group of tourist in white duck or shorts, sun helmets askew, cameras slung over their shoulder. There was really nothing new. I had seen this routine review and callisthenic exercise innumerable times. First the prison bond came out, with a great blare of trumpets and roughly roll of drums. The prisoners then followed coming out of their where saluted, and on to their appointed places. There were a few exercises with dummy guns, and calisthenics and gymnastics, briskly and mechanically done. It was the weekly picture of order and obedience and discipline.

The drill was almost half through when, chancing to turn my head slightly, I espied a figure to my left and somewhat behind me. It was a woman, her back turned toward me, and towards the whole crowd. She alone faced that was, for the rest of us were looking the opposite direction where the exercises were going on. Half squat tin, half-kneeling, she held a baby clasped in her arms. She seemed strangely familiar. I looked more closely and recognized Cornelio’s wife.

She was dress in blacked, in the cheap fashion of the poor, a thin old shawl around her shoulders, the hem of her skirt frayed and grey with dust. I stepped forward to a have word with her, but stopped short when I saw how intent she was on something. I followed her graze, followed it to the prisoner’s barracks, saw it fixed on the one directly in front of us. I was somewhat perplexed for I knew the buildings were empty except for the trustees who stood, one to each building, just at the entrance. And then I saw that the men in front of that building, standing against the iron-barred door, was looking up at her. I could not at first make out his features, because the light was failing already, but before I finally did so, I knew it was, that it must be, Cornelio,; it could not have been any other person.

She must have been there from the beginning, the must have been looking at each other like that for that for the last hour. Although she was almost at the edge of the platform, about a hundred yards still lay between them; they were too far away to talk to each other, to even see each other’s eyes clearly. But by the way he looked down. I knew they had been speaking to each other all this time. She must have just arrived from Tayabas, too late to catch the visitor’s hour and meet her husband, but not too late to got a glimpse of him from here. From her cramped position she hardly moved, except when the baby became restless and then she patted his head and murmured something. Once in a while she held him up in her arm, for the father to see him or perhaps in an excess of naïve expectation that at this age and from this distance the baby would recognize his father. And in his place the man did not move, not even shift his weight from leg to leg.

Every now and then one of the spectators regarded her dubiously thinking it queer that this woman would be alone like that in one corner of the platform, not paying any attention to what was going on. But he did not see what she saw, Cornelio was too far away. And nobody came near and spoke to her. Perhaps if anyone had she would not have seen him, nor hear his voice.

Gradually I found myself looking at the two of them and like them forgetting all the others first at the man, then at the woman, wondering if after all they were not really talking audible to one another in a language not only beyond my sense of hearing, but also utterly beyond my pitiful comprehension. I strove hard to see her lips move, I desired intensely to see her even wave her hand at the figure opposite. If she had so much as whispered his name, I am sure I would have heard it above the din of that band, above the sound of marching feet.

But I could not make out anything and after a while the roll of the drums and the sound of men’s feet keeping time mechanically became less and less distinct. The silence recalled the forest, a great forest at twilight, the afterglow tinting the tallest trees a dull red, the animals slinking to their lairs, the wind being arrested in its flight as it passed through the lactase of leaves. The night falling was consciousness leaving a sick body, restlessness and strife and pain being replaced by a profound peace. I seemed to hear the sound of a distant bell tolling and that silhouette of the woman kneeling naturally brought the thought of angelus; the woman was praying, the silence itself was a prayer, the darkening world’s daily invocation at twilight.

It was somebody touching my shoulder and starting me unduly that made me look around. I saw a guard by my side and seeing him, I also saw that there were no more people here, that the review had ended and the visitors gone home. I nodded and the guard left me and approached the woman. She rose. Took the shawl from her shoulder and wrapped it around the baby, holding him close, laying him check against hers. As she stepped down the ladder she looked back once, but she did not wave her hand. Following a few paces behind her and picking my steps carefully because it was almost dark, I stopped for a moment and looked back also. But I saw nothing. Night had fallen.

I. INTRODUCTION

Lagundi or Vitex negundo is a large shrub native to the Philippines which has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for centuries. It is commonly found in tropical, subtropical and also warm temperate regions throughout the world, especially in the Philippines.

Research on lagundi conducted by the Philippine Department of Health has suggested that the plant has a number of practical uses, and the use of lagundi is actively promoted by the government as a result. Outside of the Philippines, preparations of lagundi are sometimes available at stores which supply herbal medicines, or through practitioners of herbal and alternative medicine.

This plant is native to the swamps of the Philippines, where it can sometimes grow quite tall. It has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk, and the leaves appear palmately, in the form of five pointed leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. The leaves, root, flowers, and seeds of lagundi all appear to have medicinal values.

The use of five-leaved chaste tree for medicinal purposes has been known for a long time in China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines and other Asian countries. Today, pharmaceutical companies in Japan are importing wild vitex negundo from Philippines. The root is reported to be tonic, febrifuge, and expectorant. The root is also used in a great variety of diseases: dyspepsia, colic, rheumatism, worms, boils, and leprosy. The flowers are used in diarrhea, cholera, fever, and diseases of the liver, and are also recommended as a cardiac tonic. The seeds make a cooling medicine for skin diseases and leprosy, and for inflammation of the mouth. The leaves are used as a tea for conditions like coughs and asthma.

Preparations of lagundi have been used for a wide variety of complaints traditionally, although scientific research has concentrated on its use for respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally accepted in the Philippines to be useful for coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems, and the Philippine government actively promotes it as an alternative to Western cough medicines. Some doctors also prescribe lagundi to assist in the treatment of asthma, as regular doses appear to reduce the strength of asthma attacks.

As an analgesic, lagundi also appears to have some efficacy. It has been compared to drugs like aspirin in trials which show that lagundi may be useful in the treatment of things like pain after dental extractions. Some people like to take lagundi before going in for extractions, in an attempt to pre-empt the associated pain and discomfort.

Lagundi is prepared by boiling it, steeping it, and then straining it. At home, people make lagundi teas from the leaves, often producing a large amount and bottling the excess to use later. Commercially, lagundi can be purchased in the form of syrup or capsules to make it easier to handle. It is also blended in with cough medicines and other herbal remedies.

As with other herbal medicines, lagundi should not be taken without consulting a doctor, as it may potentially conflict with other medications or it may be contraindicated for a particular condition. If your doctor is resistant to herbal treatments, you may want to seek out a practitioner who supports complementary medicine so that you can get sound advice about whether or not lagundi is safe for you.

Indications/Uses:

Asthma

Cough

Fever

dysentery

Colds & pain in any part of the body

Skin diseases & wounds- dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema

Headache

Rheumatism

Sprain

Confusions

Insect bites

Aromatic bath for sick patients

Put one glass of dried leaves or as desired in the pot or frying pan.

Fry the dried leaves until crisp. Frying prevents molds formation.

Crush the fried leaves using mortar and pestle.

The remaining fried leaves will be use for the tea.

Put one tbsp. of fried crushed leaves in the teabags.

Secure the teabags by sewing or staple and put a string.

Collection Guidelines:

Collect the healthy leaves or plants 500 m away from polluted area.

Collect on three consecutive sunny days from 7:00AM to 10:00AM.

Temperature, humidity, light and manner of handling during harvests affect the active constituent of plants.

Leaves are best collected when the plant is about to bloom or before the flowers open; and spare some leaves otherwise the plant will die.

Processing:

Sorting- remove dirt, impurities and damaged portions.

Washing- most plants are washed to meet the standard cleanliness; clean in a big “batya” or basin.

Slicing- leaves are cut into fine strips, and whole plants into sections.

Storage Guidelines:

Maintain the moisture at 10%. This makes the medicinal components concentrated. The dryer the plants the more effective they are. Drying makes the herbs taste more palatable.

Place in a cool dry place and ventilated area to prevent stocks from insects, rodents, and micro-organisms such as fungus.

Materials (plants) rich in volatile oils are to be kept in air light containers away from light brown bottles are preferred to prevent photochemical changes.

Medicinal plants may also be stored in cloth bags or plastics.

If placed in bottles or tin cans, be sure to put charcoal or lime to act as moisture absorbent.

Label the medicinal plants to prevent misuse or mixed-up. Include the date prepared, indications, precautions and contraindications.

Regularly inspect for any growth of moulds or insect in filtration.

Expiration: Once moulds start, the medicinal components are destroyed.

As soon as plants have been collected, dry them immediately to prevent denaturation, decay and fungal attacks.

Ways of Drying:

Air drying or shade drying- appropriate for leaves and flowers.

a. Put the wash leaves in the air dryer in a shady area for 3 to 5 days or until completely dry.

b. Crush by using hands to about 2 to 3 mm in size.

c. Measure 4 tbsp. of crush leaves and place in a plastic container then seal.

d. Label: the name, date prepared, indications, etc. Keep in a cool dry place away from sunlight.

Adults: 1/2 cup, 3 times a day

Children’s: (Babies) 1 table spoon, every 4 hours

(2-6 yrs.) 1/4 cup, every 4 hours

(7-12 yrs.) 1/2 cup, every 4 hours

One tea bag can be used 3x within 24 hours.

1 cup of Lagundi infusion 3x a day.

Lagundi (Vitex Negundo) tea is made purely from dried mature leaves of lagundi. These leaves are processed into tea form following GMP standards as prescribed by BFAD.

Fried Crushed leaves

Tea bags (hard absorbent paper)

Chuck ”Iceman” Lidell who have a record of 21 wins. and packed with 14 big K.O.’s and six losses was in the country together with the big boss of UFC to help promote the Mixed Martial Sports Organization.

Possibilities of Live UFC matches to be held in the Philippines will be part of the discussion..

so lets’ get in on!..

FYI: i am just helping out a stranger, got this information from a piece of paper posted anywhere in my school. (stairways, corridors, bulletin boards)

SMB – Washington 18, Siegle 15, Gonzales 15, Hontiveros 11, Peña 8, Bono 7, Pennisi 6, Custodio 5, Racela 5, Calaguio 3, Villanueva 2, Pingris 2, Cortez 2

Redbull – Baguio 15, Sharma 14, Alvarez 9, Espinas 9, Membrere 8, Cruz 7, Magpayo 6, Rodriguez 6, Hubalde 6, Ybañez 3, Najorda 2, Hrabak 0, Duncil 0

• Alaska (90) downs Rain or Shine (77) Last September 17, 2008, Wednesday. As New Recruit Joe Devance and L.A. Tenorio both powered Alaska with 15 points a piece. Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood and Solomon Mercado were not a factor during the game. It was T.Y. Tang’s star shined during the 1st quarter of the game where Tang scored all his 9 points in a 14-0 blast to cut down the teams deficit to four points as they ended the first quarter.

Alaska – Devance 15, Tenorio 15, Miller 14, Thoss 12, Cariaso 10, Dela Cruz 9, Fonacier 7, Hugnatan 4, Sotto 4, Quiñahan 0, Ferriols 0

Rain or Shine – Laure 15, Norwood 13, Reyes 11, Tang 9, Andaya 6, Wainwright 5, Dulay 5, Arana 5, Isip 4, Salangsang 2, Lopez 0

• Singapore Slingers (124) blows out Air21 (86) in a tune up match held over at Singapore’s Indoor Stadium. The 2008 PBA Finalist were no match with the Slingers as they have problems at start of the game as Singapore Dominated through out the whole game. As frustrations set in, Homer Se flared up and lost his concentration and ended up kicking Slinger’s top player named Eric Sandrin.. and He did it twice and was obviously thrown out of the game. Gary David and Egay Billiones was not part of this exhibition as the two players were spending quality time with their respective family. Big contributors to Air21′s cause were Arwind Santos had 24 points, Homer Se had 12,  Cañaleta had 11 and JC intal 10.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a knotted, thick, beige underground stem (rhizome). The stem extends roughly 12 inches above ground with long, narrow, ribbed, green leaves, and white or yellowish-green flowers.

Chemical Composition

The major constituents in Zingiber officinale are the pungent vanilloids, [6]-gingerol and [6]-paradol.  Ginger contains two other phenolic compounds, shogaols and zingerone in addition to [6]-gingerol.  High amounts of iron (54–62 mg/100 g) and calcium (1.0%–1.5%) are found in ginger rhizomes.  The antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory pharmacologic effects of ginger are mainly due to its pungent constituents (e.g., [6]-gingerol).

Ginger is now cultivated around the world for the root. Ginger has a unique odor and taste: aromatic and pungent. Ginger has two known active constituents, gingerols and gingerdione. Ginger is a traditional oriental medicine.

The medicinal part of ginger is the rhizome, an underground stem that most people mistakenly refer to as a root. In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, the rhizome has a long-standing reputation as a digestive aid. It is ground up and used in numerous Chinese herbal prescriptions. Ayurvedic practitioners refer to ginger as the universal medicine because it aids the body’s digestive function by relieving gas, bloating, and cramps, says Joseph Selvester, an Ayurvedic herbalist in Gainesville, Florida.

Ginger powder is produced from ginger, cultivated by a small group of committed, marginal farmers who have been traditionally growing ginger. Ginger is commonly used as a spice in cooking, specially in India and China.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Ginger root is widely used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset and is commonly recommended by health care professionals to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, and cancer chemotherapy. Ginger is used as support in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, and may even be used in heart disease or cancer.

Motion Sickness

Several studies suggest that ginger may be more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms associated with motion sickness. In one trial of 80 novice sailors (prone to motion sickness), those who took powdered ginger experienced a significant reduction in vomiting and cold sweating compared to those who took placebo. Similar results were found in a study with healthy volunteers. While these results are promising, other studies suggest that ginger is not as effective as medications in reducing symptoms associated with motion sickness. In a small study of volunteers who were given ginger (fresh root and powder form), scopolamine (a medication commonly prescribed for motion sickness), or placebo, those receiving the medication experienced significantly fewer symptoms compared to those who received ginger.

Conventional prescription and non-prescription medicines that decrease nausea may also cause unwanted side effects, such as dry mouth and drowsiness. Given the safety of ginger, many people find it a welcome alternative to these medications to relieve their motion sickness.

Pregnancy Related Nausea and Vomiting

A limited number of human studies suggests that 1 gram daily of ginger may be safe and effective for pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting when used for short periods (no longer than 4 days). Several studies have found that ginger is more effective than placebo in relieving nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. In a small study including 30 pregnant women with severe vomiting, those who ingested 1 gram of ginger every day for four days reported more relief from vomiting than those who received placebo. In a larger study including 70 pregnant women with nausea and vomiting, those who received a similar dosage of ginger felt less nauseous and experienced fewer vomiting episodes than those who received placebo.

Chemotherapy nausea

There is evidence from a few studies that suggests ginger reduces the severity and duration of nausea (but not vomiting) during chemotherapy. Long-term studies should be performed to confirm these results and to establish safety.

Nausea and vomiting following surgery

Research has produced mixed results regarding the use of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting following surgery. In two studies, 1 gram of ginger root before surgery reduced nausea as effectively as a leading medication. In one of these two studies, women who received ginger also required fewer nausea-relieving medications following surgery. Other studies, however, have failed to find the same positive effects. In fact, one study found that ginger may actually increase vomiting following surgery.

Inflammation

In addition to providing relief from nausea and vomiting, ginger extract has long been used in traditional medical practices to decrease inflammation. In fact, many health care professionals today use ginger to help treat health problems associated with inflammation, such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis. In a study of 261 people with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, those who received a ginger extract twice daily experienced less pain and required fewer pain-killing medications compared to those who received placebo. Although there have also been a few other studies of the benefit of ginger for arthritis, one trial found that the herb was no more effective than ibuprofen or placebo in reducing symptoms of OA.

Other uses

• Although it is much too early to tell if this will benefit those with heart disease, a few preliminary studies suggest that ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent the blood from clotting. Each of these effects may protect the blood vessels from blockage and the damaging effects of blockage such as atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• Laboratory studies have also found that components in ginger may have anticancer activity. More research needs to be performed to determine the effects of ginger on various cancers in humans.

·         Prepare Spice tea and ginger tea

·         Prepare pulse and lentil curries

·         Prepare snack, when pickled in vinegar

·         Health benefits of ginger:

·          Acts as a stimulant and carminative

·         Decreases joint pain from arthritis

·         Stimulates  the secretion of saliva

Dosage

Pediatric

Ginger should not be used by children under 2 years of age.

Ginger may be used by children over 2 years of age to treat nausea, digestive cramping, and headaches. Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the child’s weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a 150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 – 25 kg), the appropriate dose of ginger for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.

Adult

In general, ginger intake should not exceed 4 grams in one day (this includes the ginger obtained through diet such as from ginger ale, ginger snaps, and ginger bread). Usually, food sources contain no more than 0.5% ginger.

Standardized dose: Take 75 – 2,000 mg in divided doses with food, standardized to contain 4% volatile oils or 5% total pungent compounds including 6-gingerol or 6-shogaol.

For nausea, gas, or indigestion: 2 – 4 grams of fresh root daily (0.25 – 1.0 g of powdered root) or 1.5 – 3.0 mL (30 – 90 drops) liquid extract daily. To prevent vomiting, take 1 gram of powdered ginger (1/2 tsp) or its equivalent, every 4 hours as needed (not to exceed 4 doses daily), or 2 ginger capsules (1 gram), 3 times daily. You may also chew a 1/4 oz piece of fresh ginger when needed.

To relieve arthritis pain: Take fresh ginger juice, extract, or tea, 2 – 4 grams daily. Topical ginger oil may also be rubbed into a painful joint. Fresh ginger root may also be placed in a warm poultice or compress and apply to painful areas.

For cold and flu symptoms, sore throat, headache and menstrual cramps: Steep 2 tbsp of freshly shredded ginger in hot water, 2 – 3 times daily. A drop of ginger oil or a few slices of fresh rhizome may also be placed in steaming water and inhaled.

Procedure

1. Clean the ginger and peel off the skin.
2. Grate ginger.
3. Squeeze the juice out of the grated ginger using a cheesecloth.
4. Mix 1 cup of the ginger juice with 1 cup white sugar.
5. Heat on high heat until it boils with constant stirring.
6. Set at low fire with continuous stirring until the mixture turns into powder.
7. Let cool before transferring to a clean container and seal.
8. For a fine product finish, grind the powder with the use of a coffee grinder. (optional)

1. Topex Robinson, the pesky guard has officially left the Reb Bull team in favor of joining Purefoods. Unfortunately, Topex was not able to join the team for the invitational practice with the Qatar national team in Qatar and the Singapore Slingers in Singapore since he was a late addition for the team’s rooster.
2. Red Bull has now officialy signed their 2008 draftees, Larry Rodriguez and Jeff Chan, While Big Mac Marc Andaya was let go by the team and fighting for slots now for the team are Kiko Adriano, Paolo Hubalde and Al Magpayo.
3. Reed Juntilla will be kick out soon by the Redbull management for being AWOL (absent without leave),  rumor has it that Juntilla is still with his girlfriend in Cebu. and Juntilla has lots of history regarding being AWOL with his previous teams.
4. Mick Pennisi, the last orginal Redbull will soon leave the the team, completion of deals of the trade is being discuss with San Miguel. Exchange for the trade will be future draft picks. San Miguel on the other hand needs big men hence Danny ILdefonso is still injured and Eman Samigue is strengthening his legs in the US. So it leaves as their only player at center position now is Dorian Peña
5. Air21′s 2008 draft picks who are Mark Borboran and Cholo Villanueva have officially signed contracts for the team. and they will be keeping JC Intal this season. They have now a total of 12 players on their rooster. And Other news about Jaworski to coach the team is still unclear.
6. The Singapore Slingers still wants the services of Jason Castro after they released the player to Talk n Text. But Talk n Text Management turns down the offer of the Singapore based team. And Obviously Castro opted out from the Slingers after the Slingers Left the Australlian based Basketball Leauge (NBL)
7. Over at Barangay Ginebra camp,. the management is still looking for Rudy Hatfield, Rudy left the team to attend his marriage with his girlfriend at US, it has already been more than a season since Rudy Left and he has still a contract left with the team and Ginebra has still rights to Rudy Hatfield..

1. Gary David
2. Arwind Santos
3. Ranidel de Ocampo
4. Wynne Arboleda
5. Doug Kramer
6. Homer Se
7. Marvin Cruz
8. Niño Cañaleta
9. Paolo Bugia (Pick up from free agent pool, Last played with Redbull)

Draft Pick Ups

1. Mark Borboran
2. Cholo Villanueva

Trading Block

1. Gabby Espinas (sent to Redbull for 1st round pick next year)
2. JC Intal (no takers as of now)

Alaska Aces

1. JR Quiñahan
2. Joachim Toss
3. LA Tenorio
4. JunJun Cabatu
5. Larry Fonacier
6. Willie Miller
7. Reynel Hugnatan
8. Jeffrey Cariaso
9. Anthony Dela Cruz
10. John Ferriols
11. Ervin Sotto (Pick up from free agent pool, Last played with Air21)
12. Joe Devance (aquired from Rain or Shine Thru trade involving 2008 first round pick Solomon Mercado and veteran Eddie Laure with Two Future draft Picks)

Draft Pick Ups

1. Kelvin dela Peña

Reserves – A.K.A. (Free Agent)

1. Edward Juinio

Barangay Ginebra

1. Billy Mamaril
2. Rafi Reavis
3. Ronald Tubid
4. Paul Artadi
5. Junthy Valenzuela
6. Jayjay Heltherbrand
7. Chris Pacana
8. Eric Menk
9. Alex Crisano
10. Mark Caguioa
11. Sunday Salvacion
12. Victor Pablo

Reserves

1. Macky Escalona
2. Rodney Santos
3. Willy Wilson
4. JR Aquino
5. Mike Holper

Coca Cola

1. Nic Belasco
2. Alex Cabagnot
3. Cesar Catli
4. Aris Dimaunahan
5. Ronjay Beunafe
6. Mark Telan
7. Jason Misolas
8. Mark Macapagal
9. Kenneth Duremdes
10. Ronjay Enrile
11. Ricky Calimag
12. John Arigo
13. Asi Taulava

San Miguel (Formerly Magnolia)

1. Mike Cortez
2. Jonas Villanueva
3. Dorian Peña
4. Dondon Hontiveros
5. Danny ILdefonso
6. Wesley Gonzales
7. Marc Pingris
8. Olsen Racela
9. Ken Bono
10. Chester Tolomia
11. Samigue Eman
12. Danny Siegle
13. Chris Calaguio

Draft / Trade Pick Ups

1. Jay Washington (aquired from Talk n Text in exchange of 2008 first round pick turns out to be Jason Castro)
2. Bonbon Custodio (2008 first round pick)

Purefoods

1. Chico lanete
2. Jondan Salvador
3. Peter June Simon
4. Enrico Villanueva
5. James Yap
6. Kerby Raymundo
7. Brandon Cablay
8. Beu Belga (2008 first round pick)
9. Chad Alonzo (From PBL harbour Center)
10. Aaron Aban (Free agent From Alaska)
11. Jonathan Fernandez (2008 2nd round pick)

Fighting For Slots

1. Richard Yee
2. Ardy Larong
3. Rob Sanz
4. Al Vergara (rookie Free Agent)

Retirees

1. Rey Evangelista
2. Noy Castillo

Injured List

1. Rommel Adducul (Cancer Survivor)

RedBull

1. Reed Juntilla
2. Celino Cruz
3. Warren Ybañez
4. Topex Robinson
5. Mick Pennisi
6. Cyrus Baguio
7. Francis Adriano
8. Rich Alavarez
9. Jojo Duncil
10. Leo Najorda
11. Carlo Sharma
12. Mike Hrabak
13. Mark Andaya

Draft / Trade Pick Ups

1. Larry Rodriguez (2008 first round pick)
2. Jeffrey Chan (2008 2nd round pick)
3. Mark Anthony Cuevas ( 2008 2nd round pick)
4. Gabby Espinas (from Air21 in exchange of first round pick next year)

Sta. Lucia

1. Nelbert Omolon
2. Paolo Mendoza
3. Philip Butel
4. Ryan Reyes
5. Marlou Aquino
6. Dennis Daa
7. Dennis Espino
8. Joseph Yeo
9. Melvin Mamaclay
10. Kelly Williams
11. Norman Gonzales
12. Dennis Miranda
13. Christian Coronel

Draft / Trade Pick Ups

1. Kelvin Gregorio (2008 First Round Pick)
2. Chito Jaime (2008 2nd Round pick)
3. Christian Cabatu (2008 2nd Round pick)

Talk n Text

1. Jimmy Alapag
2. Harvey Carrey
3. Jec Chia
4. Yousif Aljamal
5. Renren Ritualo
6. Mark Cardona
7. Yancy De Ocampo
8. Egay Billiones
9. Don Allado
10. Ali Peek
11. Jason Castro (2008 First Round Pick, Last played with Singapore Slingers)
12. Jared Dilinger (2008 First Round Pick)
13. Rob Reyes (2008 First Round Pick)
14. Pong Esobal (2008 2nd Round Pick)

Reserves

1. Felix Belano
2. Gilbert Lao

Rain or Shine (Formerly Welcoat)

1. Jay R Reyes
2. Rob Wainwright
3. Ryan Araña
4. Jireh Ibanes
5. Mark Isip
6. Froilan Baguion
7. Joey Mente
8. Denver Lopez (reactivated from injured list)
9. Jerome Ejercito (aquired from free agent pool)
10. Gabe Norwood (1st pick of 2008)
11. Solomon Mercado (pick up thru trade with Joe Devance to Alaska +plus two future draft picks)
12. Eddie Laure (pick up thru trade with Joe Devance to Alaska +plus two future draft picks)
13. Ty Tang (pick fron 2008 draft)

Reserves – A.K.A. (Free Agent)

1. Estong Balesteros
2. Donald Dulay
3. Niño Gelig
4. Jercules Tangkay
5. Allan Salangsang
6. Adonis Sta. Maria