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RNspeaks. July 13, 2020 Modified date: August 20, 2020. https://rnspeak.com/philippines-herbal-medicine-
plants-approved-by-doh/
These days, people need more options on how to strengthen their immunity and
fight against common ailments. For some of our patients, it is a challenge for
them to acquire conventional medication especially if they are living
in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). These are areas
where the commonly found clinics and pharmacies are very scarce if none at all.
Thus, to make sure that those people that are ill have flexibility in their options
for medication, we gathered the latest updates regarding 10 Herbal Medicines
that are approved by the Department of Health through Republic Act No.
8423 known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of
1997; this act created the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative
Health Care (PITAHC) to further the development of traditional and alternative
medicines in the Philippines. We have included in the list their uses, preparation
and where it’s commonly found. It will be useful for the patients who have
difficulty in accessing commonly sold drugs in the pharmacy.
As Nurses, we have a vital role in reaching out to the people in our communities
and provide health education with regards to the importance of these herbal
medicines. We should serve as role models to our people in order to empower
them by offering alternative sources of medication outside the conventional
medicine that is commonly used nowadays.
We should always keep in mind that some patients do not have access to these
conventional therapies. Hence, our role is to make sure that they don’t run out
of choices. By encouraging the people in our communities to plant these simple
herbal medicines in their backyards, it will be of great aid for them in times of
need.
Preparation:
Asthma, Cough & Fever
This plant can also be pounded using a pestle and mortar and can be applied to
affected areas where there is pain, or soreness.
Headache
Crush leaves may be applied on the forehead
Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites
-Pound the leaves and apply on affected area
Gout is the most common type of arthritis for Filipinos, according to the
statistics of Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), around 1.6M Filipinos
are suffering from Gout. It’s no surprise that this herbal medication is starting
to become the center of attraction when looking for an alternative to the
conventional treatment of gout, like Allopurinol.
Preparation:
Lowers uric acid (rheumatism and gout)
– One a half cup leaves are boiled in two glass of water over low fire. Do not
cover pot. Divide into 3 parts and drink one part 3 times a day
Diarrhea
– May be taken 3-4 times a day
As gargle and for toothache – Warm decoction is used for gargle. Freshly
pounded leaves are used for toothache. Boil chopped leaves for 15 minutes at
low fire. Do not cover and then let it cool and strain.
Yerba Buena has been consumed for centuries as tea and herbal
medicine as a pain reliever(analgesic). Native American Indians
used it even before the “white men” colonized the Americas.
Today, this folk medicine’s efficacy has been validated by
scientific research. In the Philippines, Yerba Buena is one of the 10 herbs
endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an effective alternative
medicine for aches and pains.
Preparation:
Anti-fungal (tinea flava, ringworm, athlete’s foot and scabies)
– Fresh, matured leaves are pounded. Apply soap to the affected area 1-2 times
a day.
Common names: Putputai (Bikol); alangit (Bisaya); forest tea, wild tea.
Indications: pills, leaf decoction for gastroenteritis; as gargle to prevent
cavities
Found in:In secondary forests at low and medium altitudes. Sometimes
cultivated
as ornamentals.
Parts used:Leaves
Preparation:
Diarrhea
– Boil chopped leaves into 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Divide decoction
into 4 parts. Drink 1 part every 3 hours
Stomachache
– Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for 15 minutes. Cool and strain.
Preparation:
Diabetes Mellitus (Mild non-insulin dependent)
– Chopped leaves then boil in a glass of water for 15 minutes. Do not cover.
Cool and strain. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals.
In Summary:
Herbal
Purpose Preparation
Medicine