The Philippines is a country with a diversified flora, home of many different plant species which have scientific medicinal value recently found in the current research made by the Philippine Department of Health (DoH). One of these plants is the "Pansit-pansitan".
These plants are shallow rooted and have shiny stems which are also succulent. The leaves are transparent, alternating in as turgid and heart-shaped. These plants grow easily in clumps within lightly shaded damp areas, loose soil and are conspicious in the rocky parts of canals or streams.
Pansit-pansitan is a native Philippine herb (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida) - also known as "Ulasiman bato" or English name "Peperomia" or "Shiny Bush". Pansit-pansitan is one of the crude plants known and approved by the Philippine DoH to provide relief and treatment of rheumatic pains and gout.
Pansit-pansitan plants are quite edible, from the flowers, stems and leaves. These plants grow to a length of one-and-a-half feet. Once harvested and washed, pansit-pansitan can be readily eated as salad. Likewise, these plants can also be made into a decoction by boiling one cup of washed and cleaned stems and leaves in two cups of water. Decoction should be taken twice a day - one in the morning and one in the evening. Decoction of pansit-pansitan leaves and stems are good for kidney problems as well as abdominal pains.
Pansit-pansitan can also be used to treat skin disorders such as pimples, boils, and abcesses. To create a poultice, the stems and leaves are heated and pounded to form a paste which can be applied directly to the affected area. Decoction can also be used as a wash to treat and rinse the skin disorders as well as facial problems.
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