Dr Abe V Rotor
Here are the ten (10) medicinal plants that the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its "Traditional Health Program" have endorsed. All ten (10) herbs have been thoroughly tested and have been clinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and treatment of various aliments:
1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) -
also known as "bayabas-bayabasan"
and "ringworm bush" in English, this herbal medicine is used to treat
ringworms and skin fungal infections. (photo)
2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)
- known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in English, it
most known as a treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin
dependent patients.
3. Bawang (Allium sativum)
- popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the
blood and hence, helps control blood pressure.
4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava)
- "guava" in English. It is primarily used as an antiseptic, to
disinfect wounds. Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth decay and
gum infection.
5.
Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known in English as the "5-leaved chaste
tree". It's main use is for the relief of coughs and asthma. (Left photo) (le
6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica
L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". It is
effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and
Trichina. Only the dried matured seeds are medicinal -crack and ingest the
dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10
seeds for adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before
repeating the dose.
7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)-
English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic that helps in the excretion of
urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema.
8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla
Lam.) - Prepared like tea, this herbal medicine is effective in
treating intestinal motility and also used as a mouth wash since the leaves of
this shrub has high fluoride content. (= Carmona retusa)
9.
Ulasimang
Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) - It is effective in
fighting arthritis and gout. The leaves can be eaten fresh (about a cupful) as
salad or like tea. For the decoction, boil a cup of clean chopped leaves in 2
cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup
after meals (3 times day). (photo)
10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium
douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, this vine is used as an
analgesic to relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally as a
decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and applied directly on the
afflicted area.
Tips
on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:
• If possible, buy herbs that are
grown organically - without pesticides. (Or get herbs from your own garden)
• Medicinal parts of plants are best
harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and
after heavy rainfall.
• Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts
must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on young
parts.
• After harvesting, if drying is
required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or
air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors.
• 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 plant parts
that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to six months.
Tips
on Preparation for Intake of Herbal Medicines:
• Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves
when using dried parts.
• Do not use stainless steel
utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enameled, glass or alike
utensils.
• As a rule of thumb, when boiling
leaves and other plant parts, do not
cover the pot, and boil in low flame.
• Decoctions loose potency after
some time. Dispose of decoctions after
one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
• Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of
allergic reaction develops.
Reference: Philippine Herbal
Medicine
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