An Investigatory Project on Bukidnon Traditional Herbal Medicine

Submitted in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course Bukidnon Cultural Studies

Ama, Jason L.
Dumagpi, Princess Erl Marte B.
Gamao, Almira Gay J.
Virador, Mary C.
Yamit, Kyla Joyce B.

Bukidnon State University

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

May 2019
 Abstract

Ama, J., Dumagpi, P.E.M., Gamao, A.G., Virador, M., Yamit, K.J., (2019). An Investigatory Project
on Bukidnon Traditional Herbal Medicine. Unpublished undergraduate term paper in
Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City Bukidnon.
 Chapter I

Introduction

Bukidnon is a province subdivided into 20 municipalities and 2 cities, and home to

several indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) or indigenous people (IP). These majorities and

minorities have unique health and medicinal practices that may be exclusive to a particular ICC

or may also be practiced by another. One major tribe recognized by the province is Bukidnon. It

is coined from the word “bukid” (mountain) and “non” (people), which directly translates to

“mountain people”. The term was first used by Visayan coastal dwellers to identify the people

of the mountains of the province that came to be called by the same name, in north-central

Mindanao. They are not related to the mountain dwellers of southern Negros, who are also

called “Bukidnon” by the lowland Visayan inhabitants.

The Bukidnon people belong to the original stock of proto-Philippine or proto-

Austronesian stock that came from south China thousands of years ago, earlier than the Ifugao

and other terrace-building peoples of northern Luzon. Ethnolinguist Richard Elkins (1984)

coined the term “Proto-Manobo” to designate this stock of aboriginal non-Negritoid people of

Mindanao. The ancestors of the Bukidnon came from that stock. Culturally and racially,

therefore, the Bukidnon have much in common with the Manobo.

The Bukidnons specifically inhabited the lower slopes of the mountains of Sumilao,

around Malaybalay and those lowland areas of Central Bukidnon. They are also located in

northern Bukidnon, western Agusan, and southern Misamis Oriental. Their language is called

“Binukid.” Among the products they produce are corn, palay (rice), vegetables and abaca fiber.

Population estimate in 1988 was 72,000 (NCCP-PACT).

 Majority of the IPs make use of the natural way of curing certain illness e.g. using plants

and herbs. Other means of curing illnesses are done through a prayer or a ritual performed by

the herbalist. Even if there are already Rural Health Units near their area, majority of the IPs

still make use of traditional practices to cure certain illnesses. These come in the form of roots,

leaves and bark of trees. Some of these have names while others were not named. Among the

common illnesses that the IPs have are colds, cough and fever. Furthermore, they rely so much

on herbal medicine to cure certain illnesses, showing a manifestation of their strong belief in

nature. According to the elders, sickness is caused by bad spirits which can be cured by the

herbalist through “tayhop”.

One prominent plant used as an herbal medicine by the Bukidnons is lemon grass,

locally known as “tanglad”. Lemongrass, Andropogon citratus, is a perennial grass in the family

Poaceae grown for its fragrant leaves and stalks which are used as a flavoring. The grass grows

in dense clumps and has several stiff stems and slender blade-like leaves which droop towards

the tips. The leaves are blue-green in color, turning red in the Fall and emit a strong lemon

fragrance when damaged. Lemongrass produces large compound flowers on spikes when

grown in the tropics, but rarely flowers when grown in more Northern latitudes. Lemon grass

can reach a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) and will grow for several years; typically its economical

lifespan is 4 years. Lemongrass may also be referred to as ginger grass or citronella grass and

likely originates from Sri Lanka or Malaysia although a wild form of the plant is not known.

Tanglad is a very popular herb, noteworthy for its citrus flavor with a trace of ginger. It

is mainly used as a spice, giving a citrus flavor and aroma to the dish without the need for

zesting and juicing lemons. Tanglad has been traditionally used in folkloric herbal medicine to

treat various medical conditions including rheumatism, fever, acne, anxiety and many others.

One way of using tea as an herbal medicine is by making it into a tea. It is claimed that the
lemon grass tea helps for gastrointestinal problems, stomachaches, diarrhea, gas, bowel spasms,

vomiting, fever, the flu, and headaches. Furthermore, it is said to also help reduce weight in a

way that is safe for your body.

In relation, the study aim to produce a tea utilizing tanglad leaves which is an herbal

medicine as practiced by the Bukidnons. Lemon grass tea is an herbal beverage believed to

relieve various illnesses and sickness. This health practice, however, is not exclusive to the tribe

Bukidnon. The locale of the study is within the area of Bukidnon, conducted for a time

spanning two weeks. Data of information is also gathered in the areas of Bukidnon. The

limitation of the study, nevertheless, is the privacy and the discretion, supposedly not just to the

plant, but also for the procedure and the product itself, as asked by the ICC. By commercializing

and sharing information of the practice, the effectivity and efficacy of the product is lessened,

hence is considered as a taboo among the IPs. Furthermore, when asked if it could be possible to

commercialize this medicine so they can earn, they said “it is against their culture.” Therefore,

the study is solely based on the information disclosed to the public, by oral tradition and

information given by other researchers.

Significance of the study

Results and information from the study is valuable to the public, specifically to the

citizens of Bukidnon as it imparts knowledge about the cultural health practice of the

Bukidnons, preserving it from vanishing in this modern world. The benefits of tanglad are

revealed to the public, promoting health and giving insights about the significance of the said

herb. The study is also of service to the university as it helps add to the massive information

collection that it already has, giving access to those in need. Furthermore, the study can be used

as baseline data for future research and investigation by other people of the same interest.
For the college instructors, the study provides knowledge and awareness to them about the health

practice of Bukidnon, specifically, the production of tea utilizing tanglad leaves. The benefits of

the tea are also conveyed, from the more common domain of cuisine to the field of medicine.

Through this, health promotion and cultural preservation is realized.

 Chapter 2

Methodology

This chapter will cover the details of the methodology and the procedure of the project

which includes the research instruments, initial preparation phase, the preparation phase, and the

post- preparation of the product.

Research instruments

The researchers conducted interviews to some members of the Bukidnon tribe at Malaybalay

City Bukidnon.

Initial Preparation Phase

The researchers initially asked permission to the interviewee if it is allowed to use their tanglad

herbal tea procedure for research purposes.

Preparation Phase

The procedure during the making of the tanglad as herbal tea as it follows: (1) Pound or cut

about 3-7 stalks and leaves of tanglad, (2) then add in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 to 15

minutes, (3) strain, add sugar and a slice of ginger to taste, (4) let it cool and drink a cup three to

four times a day, (5) make new tanglad herbal tea as needed.
Post-preparation Phase

After doing the procedure the researchers dispose the tanglad properly and washed the used

material. The researchers then cleaned the area they conducted the product. Afterwards the

researchers documented the results of the preparation of the tanglad herbal tea.
 Chapter 3

Application

Tanglad as herbal tea may help lessen the symptoms of gastric upset, nausea,

stomachaches, diarrhea, bowel spasms, vomiting, fever, flu, and headaches. Tanglad tea is also

a good herbal remedy in treating indigestion, imbalance of good and bad bacteria and

gastrointestinal parasites. Tanglad tea may help you lose weight faster by boosting metabolism

and replacing calorie-laden sugary drinks. By replacing sugary drinks such as soda and juice

with tanglad tea, you can cut back on calories and reach your weight loss goals faster. Drinking

tanglad tea helps get rid the body’s excess wastes and can help speed up metabolism. But

drinking the tea alone won't result in massive weight loss. Instead, add a detox lemongrass tea

to a healthy diet and workout plan. One cup of tanglad herbal tea is taken every 8 hours for its

effectiveness but make sure to make a new tea as needed. Tanglad oil can also be used to make

tea, by diluting 2 teaspoons of tanglad oil to a cup of boiling water.

Tanglad tea may lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation and inducing

relaxation. Studies are still ongoing, but existing research gives reason to believe tanglad tea

may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure. Tanglad tea may protect heart health

and prevent serious heart disease such as heart attack and blood clot. It contains anti-

inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in blood vessels and arteries. This

allows blood cells to travel more easily and lowers the risk of platelet buildup that causes blood

clots.

Tanglad tea helps boost the immune system since it's packed with high amounts of

vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which help boost immunity.

 The following are other ways on how to use and apply tanglad leaves to treat different

illnesses. Tanglad has analgesic action that relieves pain and it is used as liniment oil. It is mixed

with other essential oils such as coconut oil, lavender or jasmine oil to treat back pains,

rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains, migraine, headache associated with fever, colds and flu and

other body pains. And for those who have circulatory disorders, it is recommended to rub a

few drops of tanglad oil to the affected areas of the skin, for it is believed to be effective by

improving blood flow. Tanglad oil is relaxing when added to a bath or vapor scents because it

refreshes and revitalizes the body and relieve the symptoms of jet lag, anxiety and stress related

exhaustion. For hot compress, a tablespoon of oil for every 500ml for compress is suggested. In

the present study, tanglad essential oil was evaluated for its in vivo topical and oral anti-

inflammatory effects, and for its in vitro antifungal activity. Source: Libyan Journal of Medicine

(Sept 2014)

Tanglad is also useful for respiratory infections. It is used to treat sore throats, laryngitis

and fever and helps prevent spreading of infectious diseases. Brew up a cup of hot tea using

tanglad to help soothe a sore throat. The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass help to

decrease inflammation and soothe irritation in the lining of the throat. Tanglad has natural anti-

microbial properties because it is an antiseptic herb, which means it is suitable for use on

different types of skin infections. It can be used as an agent in cleaning an infected area through

washing or compress. Tanglad is an effective wound wash especially on ringworm, infected

sores, acne and athlete's foot. It is a natural insect repellent because it prevents the development

of insect borne diseases. It also helps in keeping pets clean from fleas, ticks and lice.

Tanglad prevents body odor. The aromatic scent of tanglad is used to control excessive

sweating and body odor. The antibacterial action of tanglad also neutralize the microorganisms
that causes bad odor. Infusions of tanglad leaves are used in alternative medicine as sedative,

antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory.

Tanglad is safe when consumed in small amounts; it is not known to be harmful when

taken in recommended dosages. Drinking too much tanglad tea can have negative side effects

for stomach health and may cause other serious conditions. Avoid these side effects by

consuming small amounts of tea. Don't drink this tanglad tea if you are allergic to tanglad or

citronella. Stop use immediately if you experience symptoms including throat swelling,

difficulty breathing, and skin rash.

References

1. https://www.philippinesdailyphotos.com/2017/05/benefit-and-uses-of-lemongrass-

tanglad/?fbclid=IwAR36Fkz-1egzMquZEtGcqQDgNpe_1Q4r3nlzfK-

C3f1uQNmi_JwaMG9k5QE

2. http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/tanglad.htm

3. https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/lemon-grass/infos

4. http://www.bukidnon.gov.ph/home/index.php/about-bukidnon/history-arts-and-

culture/cultural-practice/44-about/history-arts-and-culture/307-brief-history

http://www.bukidnon.gov.ph/home/index.php/about-bukidnon/traditional-

people/the-bukidnon

http://www.bukidnon.gov.ph/home/index.php/about-bukidnon/provincial-

symbol/provincial-seal/40-about

http://www.bukidnon.gov.ph/home/index.php/about-bukidnon/history-arts-and-

culture/cultural-practice/44-about/history-arts-and-culture/307-brief-history

5. Key Harken Salcedo Cruspero, https://www.scribd.com/document/326631178/v11

6. Magnolia O. Improgo, Culture Areas of the Seven Tribes of Bukidnon, 2011, The

Bukidnon State University Research Journal, Volume 9, 133-146.

1. Fernandes, C. N., De Souza, H. F., De Oliveria, G., Costa, J. G. M., Kerntopf, M. R., &

Campos, A. R. (2012). Investigation of the mechanisms underlying the

gastroprotective effect of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil. Journal of Young

Pharmacists, 4(1), 28-32.

2. Campos, J., Schmeda-Hirschmann, G., Leiva, E., Guzman, L., Orrego, R., Fernandez,

P., ... & Pastene, E. (2014). Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf)
 polyphenols protect human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) from oxidative

damage induced by high glucose, hydrogen peroxide and oxidised low-density

lipoprotein. Food chemistry, 151, 175-181.

3. Shah, G., Shri, R., Panchal, V., Sharma, N., Singh, B., & Mann, A. S. (2011). Scientific

basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass). Journal of

advanced pharmaceutical technology & research, 2(1), 3.

Appendix A.
Appendix B.