One of the major elements of PHC is the provision of essential medicines.

The provisions of medicines

are already constituted on the different laws passed for a safe and more affordable medication. One of
the strategies in implementing essential medicine is the provision and continuous study of Medicinal
Plants. In this module, I will be presenting the 10 Medicinal plant advocated by DOH and Philippine
Institute for Traditional and Alternative Health Care.

GENERAL REMINDERS FOR THE SAFE AND PROPER USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

Proper Use
1. Use the correct medicinal plant and the appropriate part of the plant that is recommended for use.
2. Use these only for the recommended indications.
3. Use only one kind of medicinal plant for a particular type of ailment or symptom.
4. Use only the recommended amount of the medicinal plant and use only for the recommended period.
5. Start with low-strength preparations in individuals who are over 65 years of age, or who have a
history of hypersensitivity to drugs or other substances.

Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants

1. If the medicinal plants are to be grown, it is best to grow them organically, without any pesticides or
insecticides.
2. Plant parts are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking fruits, nuts, and leaves after heavy
rainfall.
3. If drying is required, dry the plant parts in an oven or air-dry them on screens above the ground.
Never dry them on concrete floors.

Precautions
1. Always have the patient consult at the health center or see a doctor, especially if he has a severe
ailment.
2. If the signs or symptoms persist after administration of the medicinal plant, have the patient consult
at the health center or see a doctor as soon as possible.
3. Ensure that there is always a correct identification of the medicinal plants to be used. Make sure that
you are using the appropriate part of the properly identified plant or herb.
4. Take extra precautions if the patient has chronic or severe diseases. Know the warnings and
precautions regarding the specific uses of medicinal plants. Make sure you always heed these warnings.
Educate the community regarding these precautions and warnings also.
6. Stop the administration of the medicinal plants or herbs immediately if an untoward reaction occurs.
7. Know the signs and symptoms of toxicity or overdosage and always watch out for these. Educate your
patients or their family members and caregivers regarding these.
8. Be extra careful when using herb oil.
9. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use medicinal plants or herbs without their doctor’s
advice, except in a few instances when these can be allowed.
10. Children below 2 years of age should not be given medicinal plants or herbs without the doctor’s
advice, except in a few situations when these can be allowed.
 Preparation of the Medicinal Plant
A. General Recommendations in the Preparation of the Medicinal Plants:

1. Make sure that the parts of the medicinal plants to be used are free of any insect or other pests,
fungus or molds, pesticide residue, and heavy metals.
2. Always carefully clean the parts of the plants to be used. Wash them well under clean running water.
3. Use an earthen or clay pot when preparing the decoction. Enameled or glass pots may also be used.
Never use aluminum or stainless-steel pots, pans, and cooking utensils. Boil over low flame or heat.
Remove the cover
or lid while boiling. When using dried parts of the plants, use only half of the dosage recommended for
fresh parts (e.g., fresh leaves).
5. Decoctions lose their potency with time. Dispose of any remaining decoctions after one day. To keep
these fresh during the day, keep them lukewarm in a clean, sealed container such as a flask or thermos.

B. Ways of Administration and Preparation of the Medicinal Plants:

1. Pahid (Spread) – Squeeze out the sap or juice extract and apply by spreading directly on the affected
part. Avoid using this if there is pus or other discharges from the wound.
2. Langgas (Liquid used for washing of wounds) – This is prepared through decoction, a method of
extraction of a plant’s active ingredients by means of boiling (in water), or gently simmering, the plant
material, usually the tougher ones such as the bark, roots, seeds, woody stems, and rhizomes. A
decoction is also the name of the resultant liquid.
3. Paligo (For bathing) – This is usually a decoction.
4. Mumog (Mouthwash or gargle) – Prepare as a decoction or infusion. An infusion is prepared by
steeping (not simmering) the more delicate parts of the plants such as the leaves, light stems, or flowers
in a liquid (usually water) to extract the plant’s active ingredients. An infusion is also the name of the
resultant liquid.
5. Tapal (Poultice) – To prepare a poultice, the plant part is finely minced or crushed into a pulp or made
into a paste using additional plant oil. This is usually directly spread to the affected area. The area may
be wrapped or tied with a piece of clean cloth, gauze or muslin to keep the poultice in place and keep it
from being rubbed off. The poultice can either be warm or hot (to increase the circulation) or cold (to
ease or soothe the inflammation).
6. Inumin (Drink as juice or tea) – Squeeze out the juice or sap; can also be prepared as a decoction or
infusion. Tea is a form of a decoction or infusion.

Common Medicinal Plants of the Philippines

 There are approximately 1,500 medicinal plants in the Philippines. Unfortunately, only about
120 medicinal plants or 12.5% have been studied for safety and efficacy.
 There are 10 medicinal plants approved by the Department of Health & Philippine Institute for
Traditional and Alternative Health Care
 medicinal uses and properties of the 10 DOH- PITAHC endorsed medicinal plants as well as some
of the more common scientifically-validated plants used in the rural areas.
 The medicinal properties of the plants are divided into clinical and pre-clinical properties. Their
definitions (From: Research and Development Division, PITAHC) are as follows:
  Clinical properties pertain to properties that were validated after studies involving human
subjects have been completed. These studies are aimed at determining:

o the safety of a test substance;

o the efficacy of a test substance;
o the determination of the dosage range; and,
o the disposition of the test substance in the human body.
Pre-clinical properties are those that were demonstrated after in vitro and/or in vivo tests are done to
determine the following:
• biological property of a test substance; or,
• toxicological property of a test substance
10 DOH – PITAHC APPROVED MEDICINAL PLANT
Side effects:
 Itchiness or contact dermatitis and asthma may occur as allergic reactions due to frequent
contact with the garlic bulb.
 Headache, myalgia, fatigue, and vertigo
 Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, and a feeling of fullness
 Body odor and halitosis may occur after continuous use.
Precautions/ Warnings:
 Not recommended for snake bites or dog bites. The wound should instead be washed well with
soap and water. Then bring the patient immediately to the health center or hospital.
 Not to be used by nursing mothers.
 Caution when using “bawang” bulb concomitantly with anticoagulants and antiplatelets due to
its effect on platelet aggregation and fibrinogen (PhilPharmacopoeia, 2004)
Precautions/ Warnings:
 Have the patient who has gingivitis consult at the health center, or, a doctor if there is no relief of
the gum swelling, or if fever develops.
 If the wound does not heal, have the patient seek consultation at the health center or see a doctor
immediately
Precautions/ Warnings:
• Not recommended for children less than 7 years old.
• Have the patient consult at the health unit or a doctor if there is no relief of the abdominal pains.
Side Effects:
• Irritation of the fingers due to the volatile oil (occurs in those who pick large amounts of the fresh
leaves and leafy tops using the bare hands).

Side Effects:
• Abdominal pains, diarrhea, abdominal distention, hiccups (likely to occur if the seeds are eaten on
consecutive days or when several fresh seeds are eaten at one time).
• Dizziness
Precautions/ Warnings:
• Do not eat more than the recommended amount.
 Other Common Medicinal Plants Endorsed by PITAHC:

Name of Plant Picture Uses and Precautionary Warning Preparations

LUYANG Clinical Property: For dyspepsia:
DILAW Rhizomes: Boil 1 tbsp. of minced
Curcuma longa Dyspepsia rhizome (lamang-ugat) of
(Synonym: Amomum Pre-Clinical Properties: the luyang dilaw in 1
cucurma, Rhizomes: glass of water until the
Cucurma domestica) Anti-inflammatory water is reduced to half.
Contains Anticancer
curcumin and For gall bladder stones Cool and strain.
curcuminoid For fatty liver For children, 7-12 years
Lowers bad cholesterol old, use only half of the
and triglycerides adult dose.
Turmeric powder: For sprains, “sakit
ngulot,” body aches, or
Anti-inflammatory, anti- rheumatism (“rayuma”):
cancer, antioxidant & Mince or crush a
sufficient amount of the
immunostimulatory rhizome (lamang-ugat).
effects: activity against Rub or massage the
Alzheimer’s disease affected areas with the
Warning: sap or juice.
The minced or crushed
luyang dilaw is not
recommended for snake
bites. A snakebite is an
emergency condition.
Wash the bite wound well
with soap and water and
immediately bring the
victim to the health
center or hospital.
LUYA Clinical Properties: For rheumatism
Zingiber For osteoarthritis (“rayuma”):
officinale Anti-inflammatory Mince enough amount of
(Synonyms: Amomum For nausea and the fresh lamang ugat ng
zingiber, Zingiber vomiting/ anti-emetic luya. Rub or massage the
blancoi) Pre-Clinical Properties: affected joint with the
Anti-emetic minced part. The heat
Anti-inflammatory from the minced ginger
Cholagogic will give relief to the
Other traditional uses pains.
(Phil. Pharmacopoeia
2004): For dizziness:
• Antitussive Chew then swallow a
• Expectorant small portion of the luya
• Antidyspepsia (1 gram of the dried
• Carminative (relieves ginger) 30 minutes
flatulence) before traveling or riding
Adverse Reactions: a vehicle.
 Contact dermatitis among For cough or colds:
sensitive Mince or crush 3 pieces
individuals of ginger (laman ng luya)
Warning: with each piece
The minced or crushed approximately the size of
luya is not recommended the thumb. Boil these in
for snake bites. A snake 2 glasses of water until
bite is an emergency the water is reduced to
condition. Wash the bite half.
wound well with soap Divide the decoction into
and water and 3 parts and drink 1 part
immediately bring the 3 x a day.
victim to the health For children, 7-12 years
center or hospital. old, use only half of the
adult dose.
For abdominal
bloatedness (“kabag”) or
indigestion (“impatso’):
Mince 1 piece of the
laman ng luya,
approximately 4-8
grams.
Boil this in 1 glass of
water until the water is
reduced to half.
Cool then drink.
For children, 7-12 years
old, use only half the
adult dose.
For headaches:
Apply minced luya on the
forehead. You may tie a
piece of cloth around the
head to hold the minced
ginger in place.
MALUNGGAY Clinical properties: As lactagogue:
Moringa Studies show Young leaves are boiled
oleifera Lam. chemopreventive and eaten to increase
(Synonyms: potential against cancer breast milk of nursing
Moringa polygona, M. Antimicrobial mothers.
pterygosperma, Antioxidant For malnutrition:
Guillandina moringa) Antiasthma Eat cooked leaves
Antihypercholesterolemic For “galis”, sores and
Water purification ulcers:
Vitamin A supplement Decoction of boiled roots
Pre-Clinical Properties: or bark is used to wash
Leaves: galis, sores, and ulcers.
Lactagogue For constipation:
Seeds: Eat 1 – 2 cups of boiled
Asthma leaves at supper time
For malnutrition: Contains all the with plenty of water.
vitamins, For good digestion:
minerals, most amino To treat and avoid
acids and anti-oxidants constipation (pagtitibi),
needed daily. make it a habit to eat
Young leaves are a rich leaves and young fruits
source of calcium, iron, of the malunggay, as
phosphorus, Vitamins A well as other vegetables
B, and C and root crops rich in
• For galis, sores and fiber.
ulcers For rheumatism:
• For constipation Massage oil with
• For good digestion powdered roasted seeds
• For rheumatism on the affected areas.
Warning:
•The roots of the
malunggay have a toxic
component. Do not use
the roots as an
ingredient when cooking
or as a flavoring.
• The minced or crushed
luya is not recommended
for dog or snakebites.
This is an emergency
condition. Wash the bite
wound well with soap
and water and
immediately bring the
victim to the health
center or hospital.
•The use of the roots to
induce menstruation can be
dangerous. The
absence of menstruation
may be due to
pregnancy. The use of
the roots may be
dangerous to the
pregnant woman or to
the fetus.
BANABA Clinical Property: For diabetes:
Lagerstroemia Diabetes The following has been
speciosa L. Pre-Clinical Properties: used: decoction of old
(Synonyms: L. Antihyperlipidemic leaves and dried fruit
flos-reginae, L. Antihyperuricemic (dried for 1 – 2 weeks)
reginae, Folkloric use: using 50 grams to a pint
Munxhausia As a mouthwash for oral of boiling water, 4-6
speciose) sores cups daily have been
Used to cleanse or wash used.
Wounds Folkloric use:
Important Note: Use as mouthwash:
However, the use of a Use leaf decoction
decoction of the leaves,
bark, or fruit for diabetes
still needs detailed
studies.
Important Note:
The use of a decoction of
the leaves, bark, or fruit
as a diuretic, or for
kidney disease still
needs detailed studies.
Precautions:
Avoid intake of the
banaba in:
pregnant women,
nursing mothers,
children, and
those with hypoglycemia
TAKIP-KOHOL Clinical Properties: For wound healing or
Centella Wound healing bruises:
asiatica Anti-ulcer Eaten as a salad to
(Synonyms: Antioxidant (against stimulate appetite;
Centella human breast cancer, Minced or pounded
boninensis, mouse melanoma, takipkuhol leaves used
Glyceria and rat glioma cell lines) as a poultice for bruises
asiatica, Neuroprotective or boils;
Hydrocotyle Pre-Clinical Properties: Decoction is used for
asiatica) Venous insufficiency/ “galis” or wounds with
Venous hypertension purulent discharge.
Generalized anxiety
disorder
Memory enhancer
SILING- Clinical Properties: For arthritis (“rayuma”),
LABUYO Leaves: antibacterial, body pains, “pilay,” or
anthelmintic insect bite:
Capsicum Fruits: Antimicrobial Crush mature fruit, mix
frutescens L. Anti-inflammatory with vegetable oil and
(Synonym: Anti-gastric acid apply on the painful
Capsicum secretion areas.
annuum, C. clastogenic Use for nutrition:
conicum, C. Pre-Clinical Properties: The fruit is rich in
globosum) Analgesic (traditionally Vitamins C and A. It has
Contains used for toothache, moderate amounts of
capsaicin, a arthritis and iron and Vitamin B.
powerful rheumatism) Young leaves (talbos):
phytochemical Very rich in Vitamin A,
Fruits: analgesic, anti- rich in Vitamin C and
oxidant calcium, and with a
moderate amount of iron
Folkloric Use: and Vitamin B.
For “galis” (pruritic skin For “galis:”
lesions) Pounded or minced
leaves are used as
Higher risk for gastric poultice that is applied
cancer (in high-level to wounds.
consumers)
Coconut oil Clinical Properties: For dry skin:
contains lauric Coconut meat: Apply the coconut oil on
acid Antimalarial property dry skin after bathing
which has Coconut oil: For atopic dermatitis:
antibacterial, Antimicrobial Apply coconut oil or
antiviral, and Antioxidant Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)
antifungal on the lesion
properties Reduces plasma total For dehydration due to
cholesterol and LDL- diarrhea:
cholesterol For adults: drink the
coconut water from the
Hepatoprotective activity “bunga” that are 7-9
Wound-healing property months old. The amount
Endocarp: given is equivalent to the
Vasorelaxant activity amount of fluid lost due
Husk (mesocarp): to diarrhea.
Antimicrobial For infants and young
Analgesic children: To each glass
Anti-inflammatory of coconut water, add 1
Antioxidant glass of clean water and
Antineoplastic I teaspoon of sugar and
Bark: a pinch of salt.
Antiparasitic Note:
(anthelmintic) If diarrhea persists or
 Spadix: worsens, have the
Antidiabetic patient consult
Cardioprotective immediately at the
Pre-Clinical Properties: health center.
Coconut oil: For good digestion:
For dry skin, atopic To treat and avoid
dermatitis, high constipation (pagtitibi),
cholesterol, infant make it a habit to eat
developmental/neonatal coconut meat, fruits and
care (from effect of vegetables, and root
massage on growth crops rich in fiber.
velocity and
neurobehavioral
development),
pediculicidal, HIV
infection
Coconut water:
Dehydration, diarrhea,

hypertension, anti-
inflammatory, kidney

stones
Coconut flour:
For diabetes
TAWATAWA Clinical Properties: For bruises, boils, and
Euphorbia hirta Roots: insect bites:
Linn. Antimicrobial, Use the minced or
(Synonyms: antineoplastic pounded leaves as a
Chamaesyce Leaves: poultice.
hirta, Euphorbia Antimicrobial, For “rayuma”:
gemella) Antiparasitic, Use the minced or
Anti-inflammatory, pounded leaves that are
Antidiarrheal, mixed in vegetable oil as
Diuretic a poultice.
Whole plant:
Antimicrobial,
antioxidant, antiparasitic
Traditional Uses:
For bruises, boils, and
insect bites
For joint pains (rayuma)
For maintenance of good
nutrition:
The leaves of tawatawa
are very rich in Vitamins
A and C and iron. These
are also rich in calcium
 and have moderate
amounts of Vitamin B
and fiber.
NOTE:
* Research on its use in
dengue and asthma is
still ongoing.
* Its use for stomach
diseases, for diuresis, for
“buni,” amebiasis,
malaria, dysentery and
intestinal parasitism are
likewise still being
investigated.
Precaution:
The use of tawatawa
tapal or its juice extract
is not recommended for
sore eyes. The eyes may
become infected.

HEALTH PROMOTION AND COMMUNICATION SERVICE (HPCS) OF DOH

General Functions
 Develop directions, policies, standards and guidelines pertaining to health promotion
 Provide policy advice to partner agencies related to the health determinants
  Provide technical assistance to Central Office cluster/bureau, Regional Offices and retained
hospitals on health promotion
 Take the leadership in the implementation of national campaigns as determined by DOH
management
 Provide health promotion data to CO, Regional Health Offices, Retained Hospitals  and other
partners
 Develop, produce and provide IEC materials to CO, Regional Health Offices, retained hospitals
and other partners
 Establish networks with partners especially those involved in peace, shelter, livelihood,
education, food, income, eco-system, social relations, equity, poverty, social justice,
empowerment of women and human rights
Divisions
Communication Multimedia  Development Division
Specific Functions
 Provide leadership in the development and production of IEC prototype materials for DOH
campaigns
 Provide technical expertise on communication planning and creative materials development for
various audiences
 Develop communication plans for all health campaigns
 Provide communication research data to CO, Regional Health Offices and other partners
 Produce, market and disseminate IEC products and services
 Implement and monitor media placement in various formats (print, cinema, TV and Radio, Social
Media, Outdoor)
Media and External Relations Division
Specific Functions
 Provide leadership in the development of Health Promotion strategies based on health
promotion policies, standards and guidelines
 Provide technical expertise pertaining to health promotion strategies and social mobilization
 Review existing policies of partner agencies with impact on health for policy advise and other
collaborative strategies
 Develop models and Facilitate research  on Health Promotion strategies
 Monitor and evaluate the implementation of Health Promotion activities at Regional Health
Offices and Retained Hospitals
 Provide technical assistance and coordination in regards with media concerns and press
releases, press conference of the Department of Health
 Provide leadership, in coordination with other DOH clusters, on policy advocacy for health
promotion issues