New ingredient in fighting dengue

THERE is a new ingredient in the fight against dengue.

The City Health Department has been searching for more environment friendly ways by which to control the spread of mosquitoes particularly in schools and dengue high risk areas in Baguio.

In this quest, CHD employees discovered the mosquito repelling properties of rosemary. Yes, rosemary, the herb primarily used in the kitchen to flavor sauces and preserving meats. Aside from its uses in the culinary scene, rosemary is also popular in aromatherapy because of the calming effects of its fragrance.

This same fragrance it seems is the reason why mosquitoes avoid places where they are cultivated.

With this knowledge in mind, City Health Officer Florence Reyes started planting rosemary plants initially in the Baguio City National High School –San Vicente Annex last June 18.

Aside from the BCNHS-SVA, the program was also launched at the southern portion of the city.

Specifically, rosemary herbs will be planted in the following barangays Atok Trail, Apugan Loakan, Camp 7, Camp 8, Fort del Pilar, Loakan Liwanag, Loakan Proper, Poliwes, San Vicente and Kias.

Rosmarinus officinalis, or the rosemary herb, has been known since ancient times as having medicinal, ritual and seasoning uses.

Now, it could become the plant which can control dengue in the city.