There’s something incredibly fulfilling about transforming a humble, native plant into a healing remedy with your own hands. Recently, I had the chance to distill hydrosol from Lagundi (Vitex negundo), a plant I’ve known and respected for years in herbal medicine. This was my first time distilling Lagundi myself, and as the steam started to rise and the hydrosol trickled into the collection jar, I realized I was experiencing a beautiful fusion of tradition, science, and personal connection.
Back in 2023, I brought some of our aromatherapy certification students to Binhi Biofarm in Batangas — a trip that was as enriching as it was inspiring. As a thoughtful parting gift, each of us were given Lagundi seedlings. Two years later, after sharing leaves with friends and students who needed them, those humble seedlings had grown into thriving plants. This year, I finally took the leap and distilled my very first batch of Lagundi hydrosol — a full-circle moment rooted in gratitude, growth, and curiosity.
Lagundi is well known in Filipino households as a go-to for colds, coughs, and mild asthma. It’s often taken as tea or syrup and is even recognized by our Department of Health for its therapeutic properties. But creating a hydrosol from it added a new layer of appreciation for me. I chose to work with the flowering twigs, knowing from research that they contain a higher concentration of essential oil compounds than the leaves. In fact, the essential oil from the twigs contains over 94 distinct compounds, with a particular standout: viridiflorol.
The compound viridiflorol, found in abundance in my distillate, is proving to be a quiet giant in the world of plant chemistry. Research suggests that viridiflorol holds anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It’s being studied for its ability to soothe irritated skin, support respiratory health, and even act as an insect repellent. In lab studies, viridiflorol has also shown promise in inducing apoptosis — or programmed cell death — in several cancer cell lines, including those of the brain, breast, and lungs.
What really deepened my appreciation for Lagundi during this process, however, was reflecting on the importance of working with native plants. In the world of herbalism and aromatherapy, there’s a tendency to seek out exotic ingredients from faraway places. While these botanicals have their own value, I think it’s time we look more closely at what’s growing in our own backyards.
Lagundi is indigenous to the Philippines, thrives naturally in our climate, and grows abundantly here. It means working with Lagundi requires no chemical intervention to grow well, no excess water, and no transport across oceans. When we prioritize native species, we’re also supporting local farmers and communities who have long known these plants’ value. Working with plants like this is not only more sustainable, it’s also a way of honoring our land and our heritage.
This experience also reminded me of a bigger truth: healing isn’t just about what we make — it’s also about how and where we source our materials. Sustainability in herbal practices means more than using reusable bottles and eco-friendly packaging. It means harvesting with respect, never taking more than what the plant can give, and working with species that are well-adapted to the local environment.
As I continue to explore hydrosol distillation, I know Lagundi will always hold a special place in my journey. It reminded me that powerful medicine doesn’t need to be complicated or imported. Sometimes, it’s growing just inside your yard, waiting patiently for you to notice. And when you do, when you gather it mindfully and turn it into something healing, that’s when the real magic happens.
My hope is that more people begin to embrace the beauty and power of our native herbs. Because the truth is, they’ve been here all along — and they’re ready to help us heal. If you’ve never tried Lagundi hydrosol, I highly recommend exploring it — not just for its practical benefits, but for the connection it fosters to our local plants, our culture, and our land.
Join me this May 31st for our Lagundi City Distillation event. Reserve your slot by registering here.
Citations:
- Gupta, M. B., Nath, R., Srivastava, N., Shanker, K., Kishor, K., & Bhargava, K. P. (1995). Chemical constituents of Vitex negundo leaves. Indian Journal of Chemistry, Section B: Organic Chemistry Including Medicinal Chemistry, 34(10), 942–943. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264707868_Chemical_constituents_of_Vitex_negundo_leaves
- Kumar, A., & Singh, A. (2022). Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Vitex negundo L.: A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 11(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.22271/phyto.2022.v11.i1a.13500
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