10 DOH Approved Herbal Meds - Boil chopped leaves in a glass of water for 15
(By: Nicole Aligno & Katherine Rebolos) minutes until one glassful remains. Divide decoction
LEGAL BASIS: R.A. No. 8423 – Phil. Institute of
Traditional and Alternative Health Care
1.) Akapulko (Cassia alata) - also known as
"bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm bush"
Indications:
-Treat ringworms and skin fungal infections, athletes
foot
Preparation:
- Fresh, matured leaves are pounded. Apply soap to
the affected area 1-2 times a day
2.) Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) - known as
"bitter gourd" or "bitter melon"
Indications:
- Treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the
non-insulin dependent patients.
Preparation:
- 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
3.) Bawang (Allium sativum) - popularly known as
"garlic"
Indications:
- Reduces cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps
control blood pressure.
Preparation:
- 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.
4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "guava" Indications:
- An antiseptic, to disinfect wounds. Also, it can treat
tooth decay and gum infection.
Preparation:
- 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.
5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - the "5-leaved chaste
tree".
Indications:
- For the relief of coughs and asthma.
Preparation:
- Boil raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15
minutes
6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine
known as "Chinese honey suckle". Indications:
- It is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms,
particularly the Ascaris and Trichina.
Preparation:
- 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)-Blumea
camphora.
Indications:
- A diuretic that helps in the excretion of urinary
stones. It can also be used as an edema.
Preparation:
into 3 parts, drink one part 3x/day.
8. Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa)
Indications:
- Effective in treating diarrhea, stomach ache and
also used as a mouth wash since the leaves of this
shrub has high fluoride content.
Preparation:
- Boil chopped leaves into 2 glasses of water for 15
minutes. Divide decoction into 4 parts. Drink 1 part
every 3 hours
9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit Pansitan (Peperomia
pellucida)
Indications:
- Effective in fighting arthritis and gout, lowers uric
acid.
Preparation:
- can be eaten fresh (about a cupful) as salad or like
tea. 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 (3X/day).
10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) commonly
known as Peppermint.
Indications:
-Vine is used as an analgesic to relive body aches and
pain (arthritis).
Preparation:
- Crush the fresh leaves and squeeze sap. Massage
sap on painful parts with eucalyptus
Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:
1. If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically -
without pesticides.
2. Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on
sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts
during and after heavy rainfall.
3. It is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the
oven or air-dried on screens above ground.
4.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:
1. Only the part of the plant being advocated should
be used. Use only one kind of herbal plant for each
type of symptoms or sickness
2. Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling
decoctions. Use earthen, enameled or glass
3. When boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not
cover the pot, and boil in low flame.
4. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh
during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
5. Stop using the herbal medication and always
consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any
sign of allergic reaction develops.
6.If signs and symptoms not relieved after 2 or 3
doses of herbal medication consult a doctor