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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.
Listed below are the 10 Herbal Medicines that are approved by the Department of
Health through its Traditional Health Program.
Even in Japan, lagundi is becoming recognized as an effective herbal medicine, especially since
researches have shown that it contains properties that make it an expectorant and it has been
reported to function as a tonic as well. More than that, most of the parts of the lagundi plant have
medicinal value.This medicinal plant had recently been commercialized and many
pharmaceutical companies are making cough syrups out of it.
Preparation:
Asthma, Cough & Fever
Decoction (the process of boiling the leaves or other parts of a fruit/plant in a couple of glasses of
water for 15 minutes) is the most convenient way to use this as a medication.
This plant can also be pounded using a pestle and mortar and can be applied to affected areas
where there is pain, or soreness.
For wounds, the decoction can be used as an alternative to hydrogen peroxide for wound
dressing.
Headache
Crush leaves may be applied on the forehead
Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites
-Pound the leaves and apply on affected area
2.) Ulasimang-bato (Peperonia pellucida)
It is a small herb that grows from 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Pansit-pansitan can be found wild onlightly
shaded and damp areas such as nooks, walls, yards and even roofs. Pansit-pansitan has heart
shaped leaves, succulent stems with tiny flowers on a spike. When matured, the small fruits bear
one seed which fall of the ground and propagate. This is a very popular traditional medication for
gout as this herbal plant contains analgesic properties.
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
Bayabas or guava is a tropical plant, which is locally known for its edible fruit. In the backyards
of Filipino homes in the country, this plant is commonly seen, and grown because of its many
uses as fruit and as traditional remedy to treat various ailments. As shown by many research
studies, almost all of the parts of this plant have medicinal qualities and value, and thus, making it
as one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines
Common names: Guava, bayabas (Tagalog); guyabas (Iloko); Guava (English).
Indications: anti-diarrheal and antiseptic
Found in:Common in the Philippines
Parts used:Leaves,fruits
Special precautions:Eating too much guava fruit may cause constipation
Preparation:
For washing wounds
Wash the leaves with running water before boiling it for at least 15 minutes. Wait until the
decoction cools down into lukewarm temperature before rinsing the wound with it. Be careful not
to use it while it is still hot as it may cause burn.
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.
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)
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.
Common names: Ampalaya (Tagalog); paria (Ilokano); palia (Bisaya); bitter gourd,
bitter cucumber, bitter melon (English)
Indications: lowers blood sugar levels
Found in: In lowland rain forest, thickets, hedges, waste places, and roadsides.
Parts used: Young leaves
Special precautions: Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly. The native
variety with small bitter fruit is recommended
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.
Here is a summary of these 10 amazing herbal medicines, their purpose, and how to prepare
them. We hope that it comes in handy when you have access to these herbs.
Herbal
Purpose Preparation
Medicine