BSN 2C Group 3 The 13 Herbal Plants Approved by the Department of Health (Philippines) USES: Acapulco shrub can be found anywhere in the Philippines have to have different names in various languages in the region, one of which is palochina. The leaves have the most medicinal value and treat skin diseases such as Tinea infection, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and it can soothe itchiness. Internal use of this herbal medicine includes treating bronchitis and dyspnoea; relieving symptoms of asthma; also, as a laxative to purge out intestinal parasites and other stomach problems. Moreover, it is also good in treating cough and fever. Note: It is not advisable for pregnant women to take any Acapulco leaves extractions for it could induce abortion
PROCEDURE: Pound or cut a cup of Akapulko seeds, Akapulko
leaves and flowers into manageable sizes then let it seep in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to creat an Akapulko herbal tea. Let it cool and drink a cup three times a day. The potency of Akapulko herbal tea is good to last for one day. USES: One of the reasons why DOH endorses this vegetable because of its power to heal patients with diabetes. Ampalaya contains a hypoglycemic polypeptide— plant insulin that is responsible for lowering the blood sugar. Other health benefits include treating hemorrhoids, coughs, and anti-inflammatory; body detoxification and removal of nicotine; and strengthening the immune system and fertility regulation.
PROCEDURE: Wash and finely chop leaves. Add six
tablespoons of the chopped leaves in two glasses of water. Boil the mixture for 15 minutes in an uncovered pot. Cool down and strain. Drink 1/3 cup of the solution 3 times a day. Alternately, ampalaya tops can be steamed and eaten (1/2 cup 2 times a day). USES: Apart from being a staple alternative medicine in the country, Garlic has always been very useful in the kitchen as well. Studies have proven its healing abilities against infections with its anti- bacterial and antiinflammatory components. Furthermore, it is also known for lowering down cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Plus, it’s a good booster for the immune system.
PROCEDURE: May be fried, roasted, soaked in
vinegar for 30 minutes or blanched in boiled Water for 5 minutes. Take 2 pieces three times a day after meals. For toothache, Pound a small piece and apply to affected part. USES: It’s not only vegetables who have the magical ability of healing. Fruits, too, can offer the same. Guava or locally known as bayabas is one, especially its leaves, can serve as first aid to open wounds. It contains antibacterial and anti-allergy properties that soothe the wound, and it also keeps our intestines healthy.
PROCEDURE: Boil a fresh cup of Bayabas
leaves in three to four cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain the decoction and let cool. USES: Commonly used as a supplement for diabetes and kidney failure, Banaba help regulate blood pressure, aids the digestive system, helps ease urination, and fights down obesity. According to popular belief, Banaba as well can prevent constipation, kidney inflammation, and urinary dysfunctions. Moreover, it contains high concentrations of dietary fiber and minerals such as zinc and magnesium. Some even boil the Banaba leaves to serve as tea.
PROCEDURE: Dry Banaba leaves and fruits for about two
weeks. Cut Banaba leaves and fruits into pieces. Boil the dried leaves and fruits in water. One cup of dried Banaba leaves and fruits to 2 cups of water. Let it seep for 30 minutes. Strain the leaves and fruits. Take the Banaba herbal tea for 4 to 6 times daily. USES: Lagundi leaves are used to ease headaches and cleanses ulcer; its seeds can treat skin diseases; flowers can heal numerous diseases like diarrhea and cholera; meanwhile, its black fruit, when dried and consumed, can relieve and regulate any intestinal discomfort; and lastly, the roots of Lagundi can be used in treating rheumatism and dysentery. Several clinical trials have already tested and validated its effectiveness, especially in treating respiratory diseases such as asthma.
PROCEDURE: For cough, asthma and fever, lagundi leaves— either
dried or fresh—are boiled in two glasses of water for at least 15 minutes. This boiled mixture is called among experts as “decoction.” To stop coughing, take ½ glass of decoction three times a day. USES: Malunggay is not only the superfood of the Filipinos but also considered as a miracle tree around the globe. It contains a lot of nutritional and medicinal components that can treat various ailments and diseases. Some of its nutritional properties include phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
PROCEDURE: Malunggay as food. Malunggay pods may be eaten
raw or may also be fried with peanut similar taste. Malunggay leaves and flower may also be cooked together with other vegetables and meat to form soups or viands. Malunggay decoction for washing sores and wounds, Boil malunggay roots and let it cool to tolerable warm temperature and use it to wash wounds and sores. By gargling the Malunggay decoction, it may also be used to wash mouth sores and sore throats. USES: Commonly mistaken as coconut, Niyogniyogan is a type of vine that washes away intestinal parasites due to its deworming properties. Similarly, it can treat headaches, diarrhea, fever, and painful urination.
PROCEDURE: Seeds of niyog-niyogan can be taken
as an anthelmintic. These are eaten raw two hours before the patient’s last meal of the day. Adults may take 10 seeds while children 4 to 7 years of age may eat up to four seeds only. Children from ages 8 to 9 may take six seeds and seven seeds may be eaten by children 10 to 12 years old. USES: Usually mixed as part of a salad, Pansit-pansitan is said to be good in treating arthritis and gout. Aside from that, it can cure several health conditions like abscesses, abdominal pain, skin sores, conjunctivitis, measles, and kidney stones. Some studies have described that this herb as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antidiabetic
PROCEDURE: The whole plant can be harvested fresh,
eaten raw as in salad ingredient or cooked with other vegetables and meat. Pansit-pansitan tea can be prepared by collecting stems and leaves mixed with boiled water or formed into poultice to be applied topically over skin wounds and inflammation USES: Sambong is a known herbal medicine for patients with Kidney stones. It is a wild aromatic shrub that grows in tropical climate areas such as the Philippines, India, Africa, and in the eastern Himalayas. Its ngai or Blumea camphor is also known for treating wounds, cuts, rheumatism, colds, coughs, and even act as anti-diarrhea and anti spasms. The sambong’s roots and leaves, when pounded, can be used in treating fevers and headaches. Drinking sambong tea, on the other hand, can cure colds and coughs. Its juice can also be applied to remedy cuts and wounds.
PROCEDURE: Sambong leaves are generally boiled and taken as a
tea. You may gather fresh leaves and chop them into small pieces then wash under running water thoroughly. Toss the chopped leaves into a liter of boiling water. Steep the leaves for 10 minutes then let the tea cool USES: Tawa-tawa can be used in treating respiratory illnesses. Traditional medicine in the Philippines uses tawatawa to cure asthma, cough, and bronchitis. This is due to the anti- inflammatory properties of the plant, which is ideal for soothing irritation in the respiratory passages. Tawa-tawa is also used for treating the symptoms of dengue. It increases blood platelet count, maintains the upper respiratory, and boosts the immune system.
PROCEDURE: Take 5 to 6 whole Tawa tawa plants. Wash them
thoroughly. Cut off the roots. Put the leaves in a boiling pot and add water. Boil the Tawa tawa on low fire for 5 minutes. Let the concoction cool. Dispose the leaves and stalks. Pour the colored liquid into the container. Cool. Before serving, add honey. Let the patient drink the tea in a glass. A minimum of 4 or 5 glasses of the tea a day is recommended. USES: Also known as wild tea, this herbal plant is used to treat skin allergies like eczema, scabies, and itchiness after childbirth. The plant also contains properties that can treat mild psoriasis. Based on clinical research, tea extraction may also improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (Chua & Umali, 2017).
PROCEDURE: Pound or cut about half cup of
Tsaang gubat leaves. Then add in 2 cups of water for. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes, with open pqot cover. Let it steep and strain. Store in a glass jar. Consume within the da USES: It is one of the oldest household remedies known in the Philippines. The tea concoction of Yerba Buena can act as an analgesic to alleviate body aches, including pain caused by rheumatism and gout. This herbal plant can also relieve aches on the tooth and stomach.
PROCEDURE: Dry Yerba buena leaves for
about two weeks. Crush Yerba buena leaves into pieces. Boil the dried Yerba buena leaves in water. 1 tablespoon of dried Yerba buena leaves to one cup water. Let it seep for 30 minutes. Strain the leaves. Take the Yerba buena herbal tea for 4 to 6 times daily.