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Spiral ginger, Wild ginger (English)

Costus speciosus ( J.Koenig ) Sm.

Skin

Perennial semi-woody herb with leafy canes Height: Not provided Leaves: The simple leaves are entire and spirally arranged, with those toward base of the stem usually bladeless. Leaf bases have a closed sheath with a ligule, or projection at the top of the sheath. Flowers: The flowers are generally solitary or aggregated in inflorescences. Inflorescences are arranged in a terminal head or spike, except for Monocostus. Fruits: Fruit is a berry or capsule.

Medicinal Uses & Benefits

For sore eyes, piskat (Bisaya). Preparation: Extracted juice-Obtain flower of tiwasig. Pound or squeeze to extract the juice.. Part used: Flower | For "lodaggen" (the person cannot move because the entire body is in pain). Preparation: Extacted juice- Get a handful of leaves. Pound to extract the juice.. Part used: Young leaves | For bleeding. Preparation: Infusion-Obtain a handful of Tiwasig flowers. Boil flowers in 2 'kabos' of water until a 'kabo' of water is left.. Part used: Flower | For irregular menstruation, mentrual period is longer than usual (month-long period). Preparation: Infusion-Gather a handful of Tiwasig flowers. Boil flowers in 2 'kabos' of water until a 'kabo' of water is left.. Part used: Flower | For sore eyes, piskat (Bisaya). Preparation: Steam- Obtain a handful of Tiwasig flowers and a banana leaf, approximately 12-15 inches in length. Place the flowers inside the banana leaf, then tie it to secure in place, then subject the leaf in to low fire. Wait until the leaf turns to somewhat glossy.. Part used: For sore eyes, piskat (Bisaya)

Preparation

Extracted juice-Obtain flower of tiwasig. Pound or squeeze to extract the juice. | Extacted juice- Get a handful of leaves. Pound to extract the juice. | Infusion-Obtain a handful of Tiwasig flowers. Boil flowers in 2 'kabos' of water until a 'kabo' of water is left. | Infusion-Gather a handful of Tiwasig flowers. Boil flowers in 2 'kabos' of water until a 'kabo' of water is left. | Steam- Obtain a handful of Tiwasig flowers and a banana leaf, approximately 12-15 inches in length. Place the flowers inside the banana leaf, then tie it to secure in place, then subject the leaf in to low fire. Wait until the leaf turns to somewhat glossy.

Location & Habitat

REGION XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), COTABATO (NORTH COTABATO), MAKILALA, Forest | REGION XI (DAVAO REGION), DAVAO DEL SUR, SANTA CRUZ, Forest

Research

UPM, UP Baguio, Oriental Mindoro Medical Society, Mangyan Heritage Center, WMSU and UP Mindanao: Phase II Documentation of Philippine Traditional Knowledge and Practices on Health and Development of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Selected Ethnolinguistic Group: The TAGABAWA BAGOBO people of Sitio Todaya, Sta. Cruz, Sibulan, Davao del Sur and Old Bulatukan and Lucatong, Makilala, North Cotabato

Quick Info

Scientific Name
Costus speciosus ( J.Koenig ) Sm.
Local Name
Spiral ginger, Wild ginger (English)
Family
Costaceae
Category
Skin
Date Collected
Jun 28, 2026