10 Most Common Herbal Medicines in the Philippines

Herbal Medicine is the oldest form of medicine and has at one time been the dominant healing therapy throughout all cultures and the peoples of the world. The first examples of the use of herbs as medicines date back to the very dawn of mankind. Archaeologists have found many evidences of the use of herbs by Neanderthal man in Iraq some sixty thousand years ago. All of the ancient civilizations – the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Indian and Roman used herbs as an integral part of their various medical systems. The first famous Herbalist, who stressed the importance of nature in healing, was Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine”.

It is on the long and continuous history of herbs as medicine, together with knowledge taken from modern scientific research, that today’s herbalism is based.

The Philippine Institute of Traditional an Alternative Health Care has approved the 10 most common herbal medicines and as approved by the Department of Health.

Acapulpo. Scientific Name- Cassia Alata

It Contains chrysophic acid, a fungicide and saponin, a laxative.

Uses

1. Treatment of skin dideases such as insect bites, ringworm, eczema, scabies and itchiness
2. Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnea
3. alleviation of asthma symptom
4. Diuretic and purgative
5. Laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems
6. Ampalaya or Bitter Melon. Scientific Name- Momordica Charantia

Herbal medicine known to cure Diabetes (flavanoids and alkaloids). It is good source of Vitamins A, B, and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.

Ampalaya

Scientific Name- Mormordica Charantia

1. Good for rheumatism and gout
2. Good for diseases of spleen and liver
3. Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
4. Helps in lowering blood pressure
5. Relieves headaches
6. Disinfects and heals wounds and burns
7. Can be used as cough and fever remedy
8. Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
9. Helps prevent some types of cancer
10. Enhances immune system to fight infection
11. It is an antioxidant, parasiticide, antibacterial and antipyretic
12. Garlic. Scientific Name- Allium Sativum

An antibacterial compound known as Allicin. It is known as nature’s antibiotic. Its juices inhibits the growth of fungal and viruses thus prevents viral, yeast and viral infections.

Preliminary test also shows some positive results in the treatment of AIDS.

Garlic

Scientific Name- Allium Sativum

1. Helps lower bad cholesterol level (LDL)
2. Aids in lowering blood pressure
3. Remedy for arteriosclerosis
4. May help prevent certain types of cancer
5. Boosts immune system to fight infection
6. With antioxidant properties
7. Relieves sore throat, toothache

Guava

Scientific Name- Psidium Guajava

The fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing wounds and cuts. A decoction or infusion of fresh leaves can be used for wound cleaning to prevent infection. Guava is also effective for toothache.

Uses

1. Antiseptic, astringent and antihelmintic
2. Kills bacteria, fungi and amoeba
3. Used to treat diarrhea on children
4. For hypertension, diabetes and asthma
5. Promotes menstruation

Lagundi

Scientific Name- Vitex Nigundo

It prevents the body’s production of leukotricnes which are released during an asthma attack. It contains Chrysoplenol D. It is a substance with anti-histamine properties and muscle relaxant. The leaves, flowers, seeds and roots of Lagundi can all be used as herbal medicine.

Uses

1. Relief asthma and pharyngitis
2. Recommendes relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea
3. Treatment of cough, colds, fever, and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders
4. Alleviate symptoms of Chiken Pox
5. Removal of worms

Sambong

Scientific Name- Blumea Balsamifera

Uses

1. Good as a diuretic agent ( antiurolithiasis)
2. Effective in the dissolving kidney stones
3. Aids in treating hypertension and rheumatism
4. Treatment of colds and fever
5. Anti-diarrhetic and Anti-gastralgic properties
6. Helps remove worms, boils
7. Treats dysentery and sore throat

Wild Tea

Scientific name- Ehretia Microphylla

Now available in capsules and tea bags.

Uses

1. Stomach pains (antispasmodic)
2. Treats gastroenteritis
3. Good for Intestinal motility
4. Treats dysentery
5. Good for diarrhea or loose Bowel Movement (LBM)
6. Use as mouth gargle due to high in fluoride content
7. Use as body cleanser/wash

Yerba Buena

Scientific name- Mentha Spicata

The word Yerba Buena came from the Spanish word means “good herb”

It consumed for centuries as tea and herbal medicines as a pain reliever (analgesic)

Uses

1. Arthritis
2. Head aches
3. Tooth aches
4. Mouth wash
5. Relief of intestinal gas
6. Stomach aches
7. Indigestion
8. Drink as tea for general good health

Niyog-Niyogan

Scientific Name- Quisqualis indica

Its common name- Tartaraok, (Tagalog), Balitadham, (Visaya), and Rangoon creeper, Chinese honey suckle, liane vermifuge, yesterday and tomorrow.

• Indications and preparations: Fruit(kernel) antihelmintic; leaves poultice for headache

Uses

1. Roots, seeds, fruit decoction- used as vermifuge, stpops diarrhea
2. It alleviates nephritis
3. Remedy for boils, and ulcers
4. Relieves ache caused by fever
5. Treats rheumatism
6. Used as mouth gargle against toothache

Ulasimang Bato

Scientific Name- Peperomia pellucida

Anti hyperuricmea ( Arthritis and gout)

Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants

• If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically, without pesticides
• Medicinal parts of the parts are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and heavy rainfall.
• Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on young parts.
• Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up six months
• Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in flask or thermos.
• Always consult with a doctor if symptom persist or if any sign of allergies