Tawa-Tawa (Euphorbia hirta L.)is the name of the plant that may contain a substance that could help rehydrate the body of dengue patients.

Enrique Ona of the Department of Health (DoH) said that based on the initial research work of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the local herbal plant Tawa-Tawa “appears” to have “some effects” to prevent dehydration, one of the common causes of death among dengue patients.

“It looks like they [DOST] have already isolated the active ingredient in the plant and it appears that it really has some effect,” he said.

Some dengue survivors who claim that they were cured by the plant and that their blood platelets count increased after drinking boiled water with tawa-tawa leaves.

Ona, however, said that the study is not yet concluded so people should not depend on the plant as cure for the dreaded disease.

“Don’t depend on tawa-tawa. As much as possible, consult your doctor,” said the health chief.