HERBAL MEDICINE:

13 DOH-APPROVED
HERBAL PLANTS
11. MALUNGGAY
12. TAWA-TAWA
13. BANABA
MATERIALS NEEDED:
• 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.
•
USES & 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
• Commonly mistaken as coconut,
Niyog-niyogan 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.
USES & PREPARATION:

• Anti-helmintic – The seeds are taken 2 hours after supper. If no worms are expelled, the
dose may be repeated after one week. (Caution: Not to be given to children below 4 years
old)
8 | TSAANG GUBAT (SCORPION BUSH)
EHRETIA MICROPHYLLA |
FAMILY: BORAGINACEAE

• 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).
USES & 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.
 3 | AMPALAYA (BITTER GOURD)
MOMORDICA CHARANTIA |
FAMILY: CUCURBITACEAE

• Probably one of the most familiar on the list is Ampalaya, which is widely
grown in Asia, Africa, and the Carribean which are tropical and subtropical
zones. It is mostly used in meal preparation along with eggs, fish, and other
meat dishes. Unfortunately, its bitter taste drives kids away from the dining
table, ignoring its nutritional value. 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.
USES & 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
6 | LAGUNDI (FIVE-LEAVED CHASTE
TREE)
VITEX NEGUNDO | FAMILY: LAMIACEAE

• Before it became a common ingredient in cough syrups and

capsules, Lagundi is already widely used by Filipinos in
treating wounds and as pain medication for centuries. Each
part of this herbal plant has been utilized in curing various
ailments: 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.
•
USES & PREPARATION:

• Asthma, Cough & Fever – Decoction ( Boil raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses
of water for 15 minutes)Dysentery, Colds & Pain – Decoction ( Boil a
handful of leaves & flowers in water to produce a glass, three times a day)

• Skin diseases (dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema) -Wash & clean the
skin/wound with the decoction

• Headache – Crush leaves may be applied on the forehead

• Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites – Pound the leaves and apply
on affected area

•
4 | BAWANG (GARLIC)
ALLIUM SATIVUM |
FAMILY: AMARYLLIDACEAE

• 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
anti-inflammatory components.
Furthermore, it is also known for lowering
down cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Plus, it’s a good booster for the immune
system.
USES & PREPARATION:

• Hypertension – Maybe fried, roasted,

soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or
blanched in boiled water for 15 minutes.
Take 2 pieces 3 times a day after meals.
• Toothache – Pound a small piece and
apply to affected area
9 | PANSIT-PANSITAN/ULASIMANG
BATO (CLEAR WEED/SILVER BUSH)
PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA |
FAMILY: PIPERACEAE

• 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.
•
USES & 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
5 | BAYABAS (GUAVA – LEAVES)
PSIDIUM GUAJAVA |
FAMILY: MYRTACEAE

• 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.
•
USES & PREPARATION:

• For washing wounds – Maybe use twice 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
• 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.
USES & PREPARATION:
 11 | MALUNGGAY (HORSERADISH TREE/DRUMSTICK TREE)
MORINGA OLEIFERA | FAMILY: MORINGACEAE

• 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.
• Usually served as soup mixed with chicken or fish, Malunggay
can also be consumed raw.
• Here are some of the health benefits of Malunggay:
➢ anti-inflammatory/anti-tumor
➢ Anti-asthma (seeds)
➢ Antibiotic
➢ Antioxidant
➢ Anti-ulcer
➢ Antidiabetic (leaves)
USES & PREPARATION:

• 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.

• Malunggay poultice. Grounded Malunggay seeds, leaves and bark may be applied topically as poultice
onto swollen flesh to relieve inflammation.
• Malunggay oil may be taken internally as mixed with foods, it is known to be a powerful antioxidant even
used by the early people from Egypt. Malunggay oil also known as Ben oil is widely used as oil base for
perfumes and cosmetics. The oil is extracted from Malunggay seeds by pressing.
12 | TAWA-TAWA (ASTHMA PLANT)
EUPHORBIA HIRTA | FAMILY: EUPHORBIACEAE

• Despite its effectivity in treating dengue

fever patients, Health Undersecretary
Rolando Enrique Domingo clarified that
Tawa-tawa, at the mean time, is registered
as a supplement, not therapeutic. “It still
has a lot of clinical trials to go through
before its therapeutic value can be
approved,” Domingo said in an article by
Manila Bulletin.
• It increases blood platelet count, maintains
the upper respiratory, and boosts the
immune system.
•
USES & PREPARATION:

• In preparing tawa-tawa tea, 100 grams of the fresh whole plant

(including roots) are washed and boiled in half a liter (500 ml) of
water for 15 minutes. After cooling and paper-filtration, the
decoction is taken by the patient at one glass every hour until the
fever subsides.
13 | BANABA (GIANT CRAPE MYRTLE)
LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA |
FAMILY: LYTHRACEAE

• 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.
HOW TO USE BANABA HERB FOR DIABETES?

• The following details the preparation and application of Banaba herbal medicine for diabetes
• Dry Banaba leaves and fruits for about two weeks
• Cut Banaba leaves into peices
• Boil the dried Banaba leaves and fruits in water,
• One cup of dried banaba leaves and fruits to one cup water.
• Let it steep for 30 minutes,
• Strain the leaves and fruits.
• Take the Banaba herbal tea for 4 to 6 times daily.
 HOW TO USE BANABA HERB FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

• Preparation and application of Banaba herbal tea for weight loss management
• Dry Banaba leaves and fruits for about two weeks
• cut Banaba leaves and fuits into peices
• 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.
REFERENCE

• Alves, N.S., Setzer, W., Silva. J.K. (2019, March 25). The Chemistry and Biological Activities of Peperomia Pellucida
(Piperaceae): A Critical Review. Retrieved on November 21, 2019, from sciencedirect.com
• Chua, A., Umali, F.A. (2017, December). Ehretia Microphylla (Tsaang Gubat) versus Loratadine as a Treatment for
Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Retrieved on November 21, 2019, from ejournals.ph
• Domingo, R.K., (2017, August 10). DOH-recommended herbal plants in the Philippines. Business Mirror.
Retrieved on November 20, 2019, from businessmirror.com.ph
• Jose, A., Principe, E., (2002, August). Propagation Management of Herbal and Medicinal Plants. Retrieve on
erdb.denr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/r_v14n2.pdf
• National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants. ( 2013, September 20). World Intellectual Property
Organization. Retrieved on November 21, 2019, from wipo.int
• Philippine Medicinal Plants. (n.d). Retrieved on November 21, 2019, from stuartxchange.org