NU 6- Jane Labarrete - tawatawa leaves for dengue

Tawa Tawa Plant, A Cure for DENGUE? During the rainy season, we all witness an increase in the cases of Dengue. A simple fever can actually turn out to be your worst nightmare because of its early symptoms is very similar to ordinary fever we all experience once in awhile. Recently, a couple of my friends were rushed in the hospital diagnosed with dengue, some had it twice already,  ofcouse hearing stories left and right can only make you worry and panic every time you experience a sudden increase in your body temperature.  I can't help but to be scared  but reading the book of Genesis that states that every cure can be found with the plants around you, I remember a family friend recommending "tawa-tawa" plant something he recently learned when his son had dengue "twice". Spending too much in hospital bills because of it and going through it twice was difficult so a Doctor recommended this plant to him and have tried to increase his son's platelets. Good thing it worked! Imagine, spending thousands in the hospital and getting the cure from your backyard can be so amazing! It can save a life and save your pocket as well. True enough!  according to the article I've read, The government's medical researchers have embarked on a new study to determine if there is science in the claims that the plant called "tawa-tawa" has therapeutic properties.             Many Filipinos say tawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta) is a cure for dengue and tuberculosis. Some doctors frequently interviewed on popular health programs on radio have noted the curative effects of tawa-tawa, but none has categorically said that the plant indeed has medicinal value. To settle the matter, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), the research and development arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is looking into claims that tawa-tawa has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and that it can increase blood platelets, vital in the treatment of dengue, a fever that has rising cases, especially among children, in some parts of the country.3 < what can you further with this discovery?> By: Jane Labarrete Source: http://business.inquirer.net/53341/dost-to-test-%E2%80%98tawa-tawa%E2%80%99-as-cure-for-dengue-tuberculosis

NU12_Week8_Duenas - Floor wax with insect repellant - anti dengue

Edwin T. Dueñas                                                                                            NU12 – Week 8

NU12 Idea: Floor Wax with Insect Repellant

According to the Department of Health it was registered that for the year 2011, the DOH had verified a total of 12,044 dengue cases in the Philippines. Out of the total number, 78 deaths were recorded. Of the 12,044 cases, 3,435 came from Metro Manila while 2,245 cases were from Central Luzon and 2,176 from Calabarzon. Cases of dengue were caused by uncovered containers that have stored water. Drainages are also one of the usual breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes.

Dengue is one of the illnesses that are considered to be deadly if not given enough attention. It also does not pick its victim, it can be the poor or rich, young or adult, everyone can be struck by the deadly dengue mosquito and this could be in multiple times. This is why proper preventive measures should be done like avoiding storing of water for uncovered containers and another is to clean the environment.

Having an entrepreneur mindset, I thought of one product that can help in protecting our home, school or any establishment from mosquitoes which carry deadly illnesses like dengue. I've thought of producing a "floor wax with insect repellant". The plan is to have a wax that can be use to polish and preserve the finish of floors and at the same time be an agent that can repel mosquitoes. 

The active ingredient would be the lemongrass which is considered antipyretic, analgesic, antifungal, digestive aid, insecticide and sedative. From the lemongrass, volatile oil will be extracted mainly 70% citral, citronellal, and myrcene. Citral has a chemical composition of 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal or lemonal  and has a molecular formula C₁₀H₁₆O.  As I've said this is the major component of the oil of lemongrass and is an aroma compound used in perfumery for its citrus effect. Aside from this it can be used as an insect repellant.4