Health Program

I. Narration

Scientists have been studying plants to create the pharmaceutical products we know
today. But after years of overmedicating, facing resistant bacteria and treating the illness
rather than the root of the problem, people are beginning to pay more attention to natural
herbal medicine which is of enormous importance in this pandemic situation. Because we
are unable to go and do our daily activities, we are concentrating more on the valuable
resources, particularly towards natural resources that treats ailments in general. These
ailments are treated using herbs which are known as herbal drugs or medicines – the
practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain, to prevent and to cure various
ailments and abnormalities of the human body.

II. Findings

Herbal products are complex mixtures of organic chemicals that may come from any
raw or processed part of a plant. This medicine has its roots in every culture around the
world. There are many different systems of traditional medicine and the practices of each
are influenced by social conditions, environment and geographic location but all these agree
on a holistic approach to life. Each may be prepared through comminution, extraction,
heating and filtration since we usually drink the liquid with which we boil the plant
material. In the Philippines, there are 10 medicinal herbs approved by the Department of
Health. These are (1) Sambong which is used as an anti-urolithiasis and a diuretic for people
with edema; (2) Akapulko to treat fungal skin infections; (3) Niyog-niyogan that is anti-
helmintic; (4) Tsaang Gubat which relieves abdominal pain and diarrhea; (5) Ampalaya
that can lower blood sugar levels due to its anti-diabetic properties; (6) Lagundi which can
ease the symptoms of asthma, coughs, and colds; (7) Ulasimang Bato with an extract that
significantly reduces serum uric acid levels; (8) Bawang which has strong antimicrobial
properties and is used as a soothing remedy for stress and anxiety; (9) Bayabas for washing
wounds, toothaches and diarrhea; and lastly, Yerba Buena. They contain vital nutrients,
III. Conclusion

These substantial productions of traditional herbal medicines are relatively modest

when compared to the overall pharmaceutical industry. People are beginning to steer away
from conventional drug development and look toward more alternative and natural forms
of treatment. Natural plant products have been used throughout human history for various
purposes. Today, plants are being used to treat a number of health concerns and conditions
including allergies, arthritis, migraines, fatigue, skin infections, wounds, burns,
gastrointestinal issues, and even cancer – proving that it is true that food is medicine. These
herbs are less expensive and they are a safer means of treatment than conventional
medication which is why so many people are choosing to go back to this traditional idea of
medicine.

IV. Recommendation

A huge percentage relies on this certain kind of medicines to cater their health
needs. Some people prefer using them because they align with their personal health
ideologies.