Health Benefits of Paragis

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Mar 10, 2023 • 3 min Read

Paragis grass has been used in traditional and herbal medicine applications in various countries for centuries and has a wide range of health benefits. It is almost everywhere in the Philippines and mostly in warm countries widely spread along river banks, settled areas, and even along roads.

For ages, paragis have been employed in traditional Pinoy medicine. It is claimed to provide a variety of benefits, acting as a natural diuretic, and detoxifier. It is also referred to as a ‘Miracle Grass’ because it supposedly increases fertility. Dried paragis leaves are bunt as insect repellent in some parts of the country.

Studies have shown that paragis can help improve digestion, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation. It also contains compounds that can boost brain function and protect against cognitive decline. Paragis also contains various properties like an antihistamine, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and natural diuretic properties. By boiling its leaves, roots, and stem, it can be used as herbal medicine.

Here’s how locals can use this amazing grass:

1. Respiratory and Liver Problems

Herbal medicine users drink paragis tea to cure asthma, colds, cough, flu, and fever. In Malaysia, the locals boil its roots for asthma treatment while in Cambodia, they drink tea to relieve fever and liver problems. 

2. Dewormer

Local folks of Sumatra, Indonesia believe that paragis tea is an effective anthelmintic. A glass or two of tea removes worms and other parasites in the body due to the strong laxative properties of the grass. 

3. Kidney and Gallstone Problems

The diuretic property of paragis increases the amount of water in the body, thus flushing out toxins and salt through urine.

4. Cystitis, Urinary Tract Infection, and Other Urinary Problems

Just as it cleanses the kidneys, paragis effectively removes other urinary issues. Regular drinking of the tea eases UTI, cystitis, and other urinary problems. 

5. Scurvy

In ancient times, paragis was used by mariners as an effective remedy for scurvy, or deficiency in Vitamin C.

6. Cancer

The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of paragis hinder cancer cells from developing in the body. Extracts of the grass do selective inhibitory growth on human lung cancer and cervical cancer cells.

7. Ovarian Cyst and Myoma 

Try drinking boiled paragis in the morning and before bedtime, it may dissolve ovarian cysts and myomas.

8. Placenta Removal

The Malays, an ethnic group of Austronesian peoples, boil paragis leaves and give them to mothers right after childbirth. The juice works efficiently in removing the placenta.

9. Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Malaria

If you’re a Type 2 diabetic, drink paragis tea regularly. In Nigeria, folks boil the paragis leaves and drink them to alleviate the diabetes problem and cure malaria fever. Likewise, locals in Myanmar prove that boiled leaves and stems help balance and lower the risk of hypertension. They also say that the tea frees people from diabetes complications.

10. Dysentery, Diarrhea, Hemoptysis, and Other Health Problems

In Colombia and Cameroon, people resort to paragis tea to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and convulsions. Also in Cameroon, local folks drink the tea to ease the problems of epilepsy and intestinal occlusion. The infusion of whole grass is used to treat hemoptysis while infertile women turn to paragis tea to reverse their condition.

11. Jaundice

In Venezuela, they administer a decoction of goosegrass seeds to infants that suffer from black jaundice.

Undoubtedly, paragis is nature’s wonder. The next time you see this plant anywhere, make sure to think of the health benefits it may possess.

Stay healthy and safe!