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Phil. Medicinal Plants
Phil. Medicinal Plants
There was a burgeoning global movement towards alternative therapies, a new-age allure for "natural"
remedies; and in the Philippines, the beginnings of herbal medicinal research & development. In 1992,
during the term of Juan Flavier as Secretary of Health, a brochure of 10 medicinal plants (akapulko,
ampalaya, bawang, bayabas, lagundi, niyog-niyogan, pansit-pansitan, sambong, tsaang-gubat, yerba
buena) for common health problems was published and commercial production was pursued. In 1997, the
TAMA (Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act) was passed, providing a legitimizing boost to the
alternative medicine movement in the Philippines.
The internet is testament to the exploding global alternative movement, the rush for the green, the
herbal and the natural, with cybermarts glutted with the latest in noni juices, virgin oils, new and
improved erectile naturaceuticals, new, re-discovered, or recycled treatment modalities, embellished
with come-on components of qi, magnets, gems, or herbs in all of its various forms - extracts, powders,
capsules, tablets and teas - some profusely laden with testimonials, catering to or preying on the needs
of the new-age and the aging urban and burgis markets.
It is uncertain how this global-cyber-alternative-rush will trickle down to benefit the rural poor who has
always relied on alternative modalites and healers and wild-crafted herbal plants as mainstay therapies
for its sundry of healthcare needs. While it has gained in-roads into the alternative commerce of urban-
burgis markets, alas, but its a long way from the impoverished rural dirt roads.
The "rolling stores" with its promise of affordable and accessible herbal medications - together with day-
to-day commodities and needs - to the indigenous populace was a short-lived political play, palaver and
politicalfanfare for the expectant "masa" that sputtered and stalled on first gear.
We have a very diverse flora, with about 1,500 of over 13,000 species with identified medicinal value. A
$100-million global market for medicinal plants has caused renewed interest. Yes, it will be a great
opportunity for private enterprise. Alas, for the poor. These capsules, tablets, ointment and teas will
never be affordable.
Research and development of herbal medicinal plants and the commercial production of some have not
made any measurable benefits to the impoverished rural poor. The commerce and trade remains in the
profit-fueled markets of urban and suburban milieu.
There continues the difficult divide between the practitioner of western medicine and the advocates of
alternative medicine. For the most part, the "old" medical establishment continues to present an
unyielding front, big-city practitioners far removed from the economics and realities of rural life and
health care, suspicious and derisive of non-allopathic modalities, denigrating the practice of alternative
medicine to the hilots and albularyos.
And, so goes herbal medicinal plants, denigrated to medical bags of albularyos and the hand-me-down
use of many of the rural folk.
Alas, such a waste.
The study of Philippine medicinal plants may well provide the crossroad for a merging of allopathic and
alternative medicine. The rural areas provide a hexiological environment for the study of herbal
therapies and other alternative modalities. Studies in search for scientific validity involves only a handful
of the more than 1500 species of plants with medicinal value: Lagundi for cough and asthma; sambong as
a diuretic and to prevent kidney stones; tsaang gubat for abdominal pains and as antimotility agent;
yerba buena for fever and body aches; niyog-niyogan for ascariasis (antihelminthic); bayabas for wound
disinfection (antiseptic); akapulko for skin (antifungal) infections; ulasimang-bato for arthritis and gout;
bawang to lower cholesterol; and ampalaya for diabetes mellitus.
This list provides common medicinal plants in the Philippines. There are many other Philippine medicinal
plants, herbs and trees found in the country but are actually rarely used as herbal medicine. These are
the more widely used and popular medicinal plants:
Akapulko (scientific name: Cassia alata) - a shrub known to be a diuretic, sudorific and purgative. The
medicinal uses of akapulko are to treat fungal infection of the skin and for the treatment of ringworms.
English name: ringworm bush.
Ampalaya (scientific name: Momordica charantia) - a vegetable used to treat diabetes (diabetes
mellitus) it is now commercially produced in tablet form and tea bags. English name: bitter melon and
bitter gourd.
Atis (scientific name: Anona squamosa L.) - a small tree used as a medicinal herb. The leaves, fruit and
seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and fainting. English name: Sugar apple and
Sweet sop.
Banaba (scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciosa) - a tree found throughout the Philippines. The leaves,
roots, fruit and flowers all have medicinal uses. It is used in the treatment of diabetes and other
ailments. It is a purgative and a diuretic.
Bawang (scientific name: Allium sativum) - a specie of the onion family. English name: Garlic. It is used
to reduce cholesterol in the blood and thus helps lower blood pressure.
Bayabas (scientific name: Psidium guajava) - more popularly known as guava, bayabas is a small tree
whose boiled leaves are used as an disinfectant to treat wounds. The decoction is also used as a mouth
wash to treat gum infection and tooth decay. The bark is also used in children with chronic diarrhea.
Gumamela (scientific name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn) - called China rose or Hibiscus in the West, it is
a common ornamental plant in the Philippines. As a medicinal herb, it is used as an expectorant for
coughs, cold, sore throat, fever and bronchitis.
Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) - one of the better known of the medicinal plants in the
Philippines, lagundi (five-leaved chaste tree) is a shrub with many medicinal uses. It is used for the relief
and treatment of coughs, asthma, dyspepsia, worms, colic, rheumatism and boils. The root is known to
be an expectorant, tonic and febrifuge.
Luya (scientific name: Zingiber officinale) or Ginger. It is botanically not a root but a rhizome of the
monocotyledonous perennial plant. It has many uses as a medicinal herb with antifungal, anti-
inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, diuretic and antiseptic properties.
Niyog-niyogan (scientific name: Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine that is an effective in the elimination of
intestinal worms, particularly the Trichina and Ascaris by ingesting its matured dried seeds. Chew (5 to 7
dried seeds for children or 8 to 10 seeds for adults) two hours after eating. Repeat treatment after a
week if necessary. Roasted leaves are also used for fever and diarrhea while pounded leaves are used for
skin diseases. English name: Chinese honey suckle.
Oregano (scientific name: Origanum vulgare) - a perennial herb with antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties. Commonly used for cooking in the West, it is used as a medicinal plant in the Philippines. A
decoction of oregano leaves is taken internally for the prevention of degenerative arthritis, relief of
cough, osteoarthritis, asthma and upset stomach.
Pansit-Pansitan (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida Linn.) - an herb used to treat arthritis, gout, skin
disorders, abdominal pains and kidney problems. It is applied to the skin as poultice or as a decoction
when taken internally.
Sabila (Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) - one of the most common medicinal plants in the Philippines that
can be found in many Filipino homes. It is a succulent plant used to treat burns, cuts, eczema and other
disorders. Aloe vera has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, antioxidant and antiparasitic properties.
Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) - a Philippine medicinal plant used to treat kidney
disorders, colds, fever, rheumatism, hypertension and other ailments. As a diuretic, it helps in the
excretion of urinary stones. A decoction of leaves is taken internally for treatment. It can also be used as
an edema. English name: Blumea Camphora.
Tsaang Gubat (scientific name: Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - a shrub prepared like tea, it is now
commercially available in tablets, capsules and tea bags. This medicinal herb is effective in treating
diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis and other stomach ailments. It has high fluoride concentration
making it a good mouth wash for the prevention of tooth decay. English name: Wild Tea.
Ulasimang Bato (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida) - an annual herb also known as "pansit-pansitan".
It is a medicinal herb that is effective in treating gout, arthritis and prevents uric acid build up. A
decoction of the plant is taken internally or the leaves and stem can be eaten fresh as salad. To make a
decoction, boil a cup of washed chopped leaves in 2 cups of water, simmer for about 15 minutes, strain,
let cool. Drink a cup 2 times a day after meals.
Yerba Buena (scientific name: Clinopodium douglasii) - a vine of the mint family, popularly known as
Peppermint. Its analgesic properties make it an ideal pain reliever to alleviate the body's aches and
pains. A decoction of clean leaves is taken internally or externally as a poultice by pounding the leaves
mixed with a little water then applied directly on the afflicted area.
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) - Although not a medicinal plant, VCO is a product of the coconut tree. VCO is
one of the more popular alternative medicine widely used in the Philippines today. It is taken internally
for various aliments like diabetes to high blood pressure. Topically, VCO is also applied to the skin and
scalp to nourish and heal.
● 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, enamelled,
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.
There are many useful Philippine plants and trees (some are herbal medicines & some are not) both
traditional and non-traditional that employs many Filipinos, generates foreign exchange and help our
economy grow. We have listed here some of the more popular cultivated plants and trees in the
Philippines...featured here is the Tuba-tuba Plant- touted as the best substitute to imported diesel fuel.