10 Most Common Herbal Medicines in the Philippines
Herbal medicine is considered as the oldest form of medicines.
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
- Treatment of skin dideases such as insect bites, ringworm, eczema, scabies and itchiness
- Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnea
- alleviation of asthma symptom
- Diuretic and purgative
- Laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems
- 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
- Good for rheumatism and gout
- Good for diseases of spleen and liver
- Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
- Helps in lowering blood pressure
- Relieves headaches
- Disinfects and heals wounds and burns
- Can be used as cough and fever remedy
- Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
- Helps prevent some types of cancer
- Enhances immune system to fight infection
- It is an antioxidant, parasiticide, antibacterial and antipyretic
- 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
- Helps lower bad cholesterol level (LDL)
- Aids in lowering blood pressure
- Remedy for arteriosclerosis
- May help prevent certain types of cancer
- Boosts immune system to fight infection
- With antioxidant properties
- 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
- Antiseptic, astringent and antihelmintic
- Kills bacteria, fungi and amoeba
- Used to treat diarrhea on children
- For hypertension, diabetes and asthma
- 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
- Relief asthma and pharyngitis
- Recommendes relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea
- Treatment of cough, colds, fever, and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders
- Alleviate symptoms of Chiken Pox
- Removal of worms
Sambong
Scientific Name- Blumea Balsamifera
Uses
- Good as a diuretic agent ( antiurolithiasis)
- Effective in the dissolving kidney stones
- Aids in treating hypertension and rheumatism
- Treatment of colds and fever
- Anti-diarrhetic and Anti-gastralgic properties
- Helps remove worms, boils
- Treats dysentery and sore throat
Wild Tea
Scientific name- Ehretia Microphylla
Now available in capsules and tea bags.
Uses
- Stomach pains (antispasmodic)
- Treats gastroenteritis
- Good for Intestinal motility
- Treats dysentery
- Good for diarrhea or loose Bowel Movement (LBM)
- Use as mouth gargle due to high in fluoride content
- 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
- Arthritis
- Head aches
- Tooth aches
- Mouth wash
- Relief of intestinal gas
- Stomach aches
- Indigestion
- 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
- Roots, seeds, fruit decoction- used as vermifuge, stpops diarrhea
- It alleviates nephritis
- Remedy for boils, and ulcers
- Relieves ache caused by fever
- Treats rheumatism
- 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
Liked it


nobert soloria bermosa | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply
very informative,this article will be of help to many,thanks
Unofre Pili | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply
I agree with nobert. This is a very helpful article.
tonisan60 | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for the great tips Clarisse, hugs and kisses
Juancav | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply
Very healthy advices.
CHAN LEE PENG | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for your research on this useful topic! Take care!
IcyCucky | Aug 25, 2008 | Reply
Great article, Claris!
Verniel Cutar | Aug 26, 2008 | Reply
Hi claris thanks for putting this up.
acecampillo | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
This is the first time I’ve heard some of their uses.
It is very informative; good job!
God Bless You!
computer angel | Sep 8, 2008 | Reply
more herbal medicines & pls.mention the parts of the plant that is using
hazel | Oct 21, 2008 | Reply
thanks for the information…..pls teel us what part of the philippines can we easily find this lants, becoz of course it is not 100% sure that we could find this plants in our designated places like me i am living in davao and some of the plants that are specified here are not all can be seen in davao.
d heart of a lover | Oct 21, 2008 | Reply
Can you display the image of the plants stated becase for sure some of the plants there are not known for the filipinos by its name but because of its style or form.Thank you!
disinwebe | Oct 21, 2008 | Reply
wow!ur smart! whatyou’ve done is not easy especially specifying the complete thought of this herbal plants! what a good job! Keep it! your smart!God Bless!
khuletz | Oct 22, 2008 | Reply
it helps some of my ass…tnx…
April rose | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
thanx for the help
genisis legaspi | Nov 23, 2008 | Reply
thanks for your help
hugovespi | Dec 7, 2008 | Reply
claris,a very well put together article on the subject. please put some pictures of these herbs on the site so we can be sure of the right one.
Em Mari | Dec 30, 2008 | Reply
thankzzz…
ez | Jan 9, 2009 | Reply
thanks for this detailed article
gladys panget | Jan 11, 2009 | Reply
alah lang..
panget ko..
hahaha…
21425 | Jan 14, 2009 | Reply
it helps a lot… pls post more…and specify thedossage and preparation…tnx..hoping the doctrs will recomend it together with med
code name cutty | Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
hai tnx for the info. that u have given to us it so helpful to our thesis works
john michael | Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
thanks po..
CLSU
code name yellow_fox | Mar 8, 2009 | Reply
thank you for the informations…..it really helps for our research papers all anout herbal mdicines and the for te knowledge of the following medicines,,thank you..=)
kitx | Mar 10, 2009 | Reply
thankx-for’
the’information..
nestor | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
Please let me know what is the best remedy for my aunt at 78 years old suffering for pain at the back due to osteoporosis,
intense pain make her weak and bedridden. Please let me know of
herbal the best herb medicine as pain reliever. We have been in the hospital for one week and we need natural medicine to alleviate the pain. Kindly help for this is a situation where we can’t have a good sleep and rest coz of my patient.
blaise eran | May 26, 2009 | Reply
great info. we will learn a lot from this.
hanie_2 SSC B | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
…very nice claris!
It helps us students to know more about the herbal medicines&its scientifis name.. It ts very useful 2 us…
Hanie_2 SSC B LNNCHS MINDANAO
thomas | Jun 18, 2009 | Reply
We’ll, I learned things about those medicinal plants. It really helped my classmates in writing their theses…
thanks a Lot!!
thom_4-SSC Archimedes O.N.H.S
Iloilo Province
catherine | Jun 20, 2009 | Reply
nice one..smiles! 2 thumbs up for you!!
xXxJaYxXx | Jul 13, 2009 | Reply
Thanks a lot
mikz99 | Jul 14, 2009 | Reply
post pa po kayu ng iabng herbals plants tnx.
ACID | Aug 3, 2009 | Reply
TAMA BA ITONG 10MOST COMMON HEBAL MEDICINES MO?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
claris fernandez | Aug 7, 2009 | Reply
opo naman it’s all correct, we’ve learned that from our community health nursing class, i’m a nursing student po….
jimmylou | Sep 2, 2009 | Reply
wow that can help to my report and thank you 4 the person who made this website…i think she/he’s good..
lhiza ngayaan | Nov 5, 2009 | Reply
thanks for this article…pwede bang pkilagay din ang mga imageng mga halamang gamot?