HERBAL MEDICINES (approved by DOH) This is the list of the ten (10) medicinal plants that the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its “Traditional Health Program” has 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. Mnemonics: S-A-N-T-A-L-U-B-B- Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) – A diuretic that helps in the excretion of urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema. (Anti-edema, diuretic, anti-urolithiasis)
Akapulko (Cassia alata) – also known as “bayabas-bayabasan”, this herbal medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections. (Antifungal) Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L. ) – is a vine known as “Chinese honey suckles”. It is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina in children. (Anthelminthic) 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.
Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) – it most known as a treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non- insulin dependent patients. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) -Its main use is for the relief of coughs and asthma. Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida) – also known as “pansit- pansitan” it is effective in fghting arthritis and gout. Bawang (Allium sativum) – popularly known as “garlic”, it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps control blood pressure. Bayabas (Psidium guaJava) – It is primarily used as an ntiseptic, to disinfect wounds.
Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth decay and gum infection. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) – commonly known as Peppermint, this vine is used as an analgesic to relive body aches and pain. Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs: If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically – without pesticides. 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 arvesting.
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. Herbal By ahlelereey
