THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

This planet’s spectacular web of life supplies countless gifts to humanity. Healthy wild ecosystems clean

the water we drink and produce the air we breathe, the foods we eat, the medicines that cure and protect us, and

the materials that form our shelter and clothing. Wild ecosystems moderate our climate and mitigate natural

hazards such as hurricanes, floods, and landslides. They even protect us from pests and diseases — for example,

species such as spiders literally filter insects from the air, just as plant roots filter disease organisms and

pollutants from streams and other water sources. Individuals, communities, and economies depend on intact

diverse native wildlands for all these irreplaceable services.

Throughout the ages, humans have relied on nature for their basic needs, to produce food, shelter,

clothing, transportation, fertilizers, flavors and fragrances, and medicines (Cragg and Newman, 2005). Plants

have formed the basis of sophisticated traditional medicine systems that have been in existence for thousands of

years and continue to provide mankind with new remedies.

Plants have been utilized as medicines for thousands of years (Samuelsson, 2004). These medicines

initially took the form of crude drugs such as tinctures, teas, poultices, powders, and other herbal formulations

(Balick and Cox, 1997; Samuelsson, 2004). The specific plants to be used and the methods of application for

ailments were passed down through oral tradition. Eventually information regarding medicinal plants was

recorded in herbal pharmacopoeias.

Medicinal plants grow naturally around us. Over centuries, cultures around the world have learned how

to use plants to fight illness and maintain health. These readily available and culturally important traditional

medicines form the basis of an accessible and affordable health-care regime and are an important source of

livelihood for indigenous and rural populations.

As medicinal plants receive increased scientific and commercial attention, there is increasing pressure

on the wild plant populations from which most medicinal plants are harvested. Overharvesting has placed many

medicinal species at risk of extinction. Commercial exploitation has also sometimes led to traditional medicines

becoming unavailable to the indigenous peoples that have relied on them for centuries or millennia.

Although this report focuses on medicinal plant species, it is worth noting that the above referenced

estimate is confined to medicines and so excludes losses of new foods, fibers, and other potential tools that may

fight famine, create housing, or generate other benefits to local communities, societies, and economies.
Background of the Study

Medicinal plants have long been utilized in traditional medicine and worldwide ethnomedicine. This

chapter presents a glimpse of the status of and future trends in medicinal plant genomics, evolution, and

phylogeny. These dynamic fields are at the intersection of phytochemistry and plant biology and are concerned

with evolution mechanisms and systematics of medicinal plant genomes, origin and evolution of plant genotype

and metabolic phenotype, interaction between medicinal plant genomes and environment, and correlation

between genomic diversity and metabolite diversity, etc.

Medicinal plants have always played a pivotal role as sources for drug lead compounds. Early humans,

driven by their instinct, taste, and experience, treated their illnesses by using plants; hence, the history of

medicinal plants is as long as the history of humans. One challenge that the evolution of medicinal plants faces

is their classification. Over the years, taxonomists came with many different approaches for plant classifications

such as morphologic classification, anatomic classification, and chemotaxonomic classification.

Medicinal plants have been extensively used for treating a variety of infectious diseases for a long time.

Drug discovery from these plants involves a versatile approach combining phytochemical, botanical, and

molecular techniques. A broad range of active phytochemicals, like alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins, extracted

from herbal plants, and some volatile essential oils extracted from culinary herbs, herbal teas, and spices

possess antiviral property.

Medicinal plants have proven to be potent sources of antiviral agents with some main advantages over

conventional drug therapy due to their broad healing potency and causing no side effects. This chapter presents

research advances done for the search of suitable drugs from medicinal plants against viruses with special

consideration of severe acute respiratory syndrome -coronovirus-2.

Objectives

 To explore the aspects of planting Medicinal Plants

 To apply knowledge gained during evaluating, observation and planting medicinal plants

 To investigate the public convections about effectiveness and usefulness of medicinal plants in the

Philippines

Materials and Equipment

TABLE 1: The Equipment and Materials for Planting Medicinal Plants

BLACK SOIL Mineral soils which have a black surface horizon,

enriched with organic carbon that is at least 25 cm
deep
 FERTILIZER Is any material of natural or synthetic origin that is
applied to soil or to plant tissues to supply plant
nutrients.
WATER A colorless, transparent, odorless liquid that forms
the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of
the fluids of living organisms.
PLASTIC BOTTLE (1L) You can make seed or growing trays from plastic
bottles. Either cut them right down to make a
shallow tray – not forgetting to pierce those all-
important drainage holes into the bottom – or slice
open a two-liter drinks bottle vertically, and pierce
holes along the bottom of each half.
TROWEL A small hand tool consisting of a flat blade with a
handle used for spreading and smoothing mortar or
plaster
HOE A farm or garden tool with a thin flat blade at
nearly a right angle to a long handle that is used
especially for weeding and loosening the earth
SHOVEL A hand implement consisting of a broad scoop or a
hollowed-out blade with a handle used to lift and
throw material
WHEEL BARROW It is a small hand-propelled vehicle, usually with
just one wheel, designed to be pushed and guided
by a single person using two handles at the rear, or
by a sail to push the ancient wheelbarrow by wind.
TRASH BAGS It is a disposable bag used to contain solid waste.
Such bags are useful to line the insides of waste
containers to prevent the insides of the receptacle
from becoming coated in waste material.
POTS Flowerpots have several uses such as transporting
plants to new locations, starting seeds, patio and
indoor cultivation of plants, and the growing of
tender plants in colder regions indoors.

General Produre in Planting Medicinal Plants

Introduction

The Philippines is renowned as one of the species-rich countries and culturally megadiverse in ethnicity

around the globe. However, ethnopharmacological studies in the Philippines are still limited especially in the

most numerous ethnic tribal populations in the southern part of the archipelago. This present study aims to

document the traditional practices, medicinal plant use, and knowledge; to determine the relative importance,

consensus, and the extent of all medicinal plants used; and to integrate molecular confirmation of uncertain

species

Medicinal plants are at increasing risk from destruction of their habitats, bioprospecting for new sources,

and overharvesting of known medicinal species. Medicinal plants are used with the intention of maintaining

health, to be administered for a specific condition, or both, whether in modern medicine or in traditional

medicine.

Medicinal plants may provide three main kinds of benefit: health benefits to the people who consume

them as medicines; financial benefits to people who harvest, process, and distribute them for sale; and society-
wide benefits, such as job opportunities, taxation income, and a healthier labor force. However, development of

plants or extracts having potential medicinal uses is blunted by weak scientific evidence, poor practices in the

process of drug development, and insufficient financing.

THE PROCEDURE

1. Decide the Place and Plants - The first step for the medicinal herb gardening is to decide the area you

will be planting your herbs. You can either choose to go for the small pots in the lawn or select an area

of your garden to grow medicinal herbs. Make sure that the area in the lawn you are selecting, gets

adequate sunlight during the day so that the plants can grow without any issues.

2. Get the Seeds or Seedlings - The next step is to decide if you want seeds or seedlings for your plant.

You can easily get good quality medicinal herb seeds online or from the local nursery. Make sure to

know all the information about the seeds before planting them. You can also contact your local gardener

or nursery owner to know the best place to get excellent quality of seeds or saplings.

3. Plant the Medicinal Herbs - Once you have collected all the information and seeds, you are ready to

plant your medicinal herb garden. If you are planting invasive species of herbs such as peppermint or

yarrow, it is advisable to plant them in the pots. The rest of the species can be planted directly in the

lawn. Before planting the seeds, make sure that the soil is well-drained and suitable for the plant. Also,

place the plants where they can get the maximum sunlight.

4. Water the Herbs - It is vital to keep the soil around the plant moist initially. Start watering the plants as

per the directions mentioned on the packets once it begins to grow. Also, be careful while you are

watering the plants, as herbs need a little amount of water comparatively. You can also research about

the requirements of the herb species which you are planting.

5. Harvest the Plants - Many herbs can be harvested once or twice in the season. Check the harvesting

time of the species that you are planting in your garden. Some herbs can be harvested continuously

depending upon the season they grow in, the climate of the region, and other factors.

Benefits of Medicinal Plants

There are numerous benefits of medicinal herb plants such as,

 A lot of pharmaceutical companies all over the world, use herbs in the preparation of

drugs.

 Apart from this, herbs have been used in ancient medicinal practices such as Ayurveda

and Unani.
  One can plant medicinal herbs that are beneficial in boosting immunity and help in curing
diseases.
 Some herbs like black pepper, cinnamon etc. are used to heal wounds, boils and sores.
 They are easy to grow, aesthetic, amazing in taste and aroma, and many of them greatly
attract the bees and the butterflies.
 Many herbs are used as blood purifiers, to alter or change a long-standing condition by
reducing the metabolic toxins.
 Some herbs such as aloe, sandalwood, turmeric etc. are very high in their medicinal
values and normally used as antiseptic.
The Medicinal Plants of BEED 2-A
TABLE 2
NAME OF PLANT DESCRIPTION
OREGANO an aromatic plant related to marjoram,
with leaves that are used fresh or dried
as a culinary herb.
LEMON TREE The lemon plant forms an evergreen
spreading bush or small tree, 3–6
meters (10–20 feet) high if not pruned.
GUAVA any of several tropical American
shrubs or small trees (genus Psidium)
of the myrtle family
LEMON GRASS a fragrant tropical grass which yields
an oil that smells of lemon. It is widely
used in Asian cooking and in
perfumery and medicine
SERPENTINA called Rauwolfia serpentina for its
snakelike appearance, which
BENEFITS
Historically, oregano has been
used as a herbal medicine for
indigestion and as an antiseptic.
Nowadays, it's used as a natural
antibiotic and an antifungal. It's
also a good source of vitamin K –
needed for blood-clotting and
strong bones.
Lemon trees are a rich source of
vitamin C, calcium, magnesium,
iron and potassium. These
minerals are vital for building &
maintaining strong bones,
maintaining a healthy heart as
well as protecting you against
cancer, diabetes and high blood
pressure.
Surprisingly, guava is one of the
best vitamin C foods available.
Vitamin C is well-known for its
immune-boosting benefits. It aids
in the prevention of cell damage
thanks to its antioxidant
properties, which also helps
prevent many diseases, including
serious conditions like heart
disease, arthritis and cancer.
Lemongrass might help prevent
the growth of some bacteria and
yeast. Lemongrass also contains
substances that are thought to
relieve pain and swelling, reduce
fever, improve levels of sugar and
cholesterol in the blood, stimulate
the uterus and menstrual flow, and
have antioxidant properties.
It is traditionally used as treatment
for inflammation, upper
 historically was used to treat snake
bites, insomnia, high blood pressure,
and mental illness.
OYSTER PLANT Oyster plant is a short-stemmed, tender
foliage plant that makes attractive,
small, dense, spreading clumps
ALOE VERA a gelatinous substance obtained from a
kind of aloe, used especially in
cosmetics to soften or soothe the skin.
respiratory tract infection,
diabetes, hypertension, flu,
diarrhea, and liver problems.
Medicinally, the plant is used for
colds, sore throat, whooping
cough, nasal bleeding, and is also
used as an anti- inflammatory.
It contains healthful plant
compounds. It has antioxidant and
antibacterial properties. It
accelerates wound healing. It
reduces dental plaque. It helps
treat canker sores. It reduces
constipation. It may improve skin
and prevent wrinkles. It lowers
blood sugar levels

PANSIT-PANSITAN Pansit-pansitan, scientifically known as It has long been used in Philippine

Pepromia pellucida, is a medicinal traditional medicine for its
plant valued for its anti-gout properties analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and
which helps lower uric acid in the anti-hyperuricemia properties.
blood
MANGO TREE a fleshy, oval, yellowish-red tropical It prevents anemia, improves
fruit that is eaten ripe or used green for digestion, Helps gain weight,
pickles or chutneys. Boosts immunity, improves
eyesight, keeps heart healthy and
has anti-cancer effects
MALE PANDAN Pandanus amaryllifolius is a true Pandan is an excellent source of
cultigen, and is believed to have been vitamins and antioxidants known
domesticated in ancient times. It is to help boost the immune system
sterile and can only reproduce and prevent conditions like
vegetatively through suckers or cancer, heart disease, and
cuttings. It was first described from diabetes. Some of the vitamins
specimens from the Maluku Islands, and antioxidants in pandan
and the rare presence of male flowers include: Beta-carotene. Vitamin
in these specimens may indicate that it C.
is the origin of the species. However,
as no other wild specimens have been
found, this is still conjecture. The plant
is grown widely throughout Southeast
Asia and South Asia.
PEEPAL TREE Another shrub, Edgeworthia Gardneri, Traditionally, the leaf juice of the
of India, China, etc., whose bark peepal tree may be helpful for
prepared like hemp forms a superior cough, asthma, diarrhoea, ear
paper-material. pain, toothache, haematuria (blood
in urine), migraine, scabies, eye
troubles, and gastric problems.
KARABAKA Alternanthera caracasana is a species of Stems, leaves, flowers, and roots
flowering plant in the family are used against different kinds of
Amaranthaceae known by the common ailments, such as dysentery,
names khakiweed, washerwoman and diarrhea, fever, and so forth
mat chaff flower.
Conclusion

Final thoughts, medicinal herb gardening is easy if the proper protocol is followed. If you are reluctant

to do the entire process by yourself, seek help from the people in your neighborhood having such gardens.

Invest a good time in researching and knowing everything about the herbs which you are planning to plant in

your garden. Be sure to think about sun, soil- type, temperature and precipitation.

Once the herbs are harvested, some of them are required to dry before its use. Store the dried herbs in

places away from the direct sunlight. And voila, you have dried herbs in your pantry grown in your own garden.
 Herbs have many values but a few of the most common uses include aromatherapy, medicinal, as

seasonings and flavorings in foods & beverages, and in salads. Many herbs are chockfull of cancer-fighting

antioxidants, valuable nutrients, fat-free flavor and more. It’s more affordable than conventional medicine. It is

a natural healing medicine, easier in getting than prescribed medicine. It also strengthens immunity and has no

side effects. It costs minimal, stabilizes hormones and metabolism.

Reviewing the present scenario and the vast benefits of the medicinal herbs, the gardening of such type

of herbs is essential as they have better culture acceptability, better compatibility and adaptability with the

human body and pose lesser side effects.

MOVS (PICTURES)
BEFORE AND AFTER OF OUR MEDICINAL GARDEN

BEFORE
AFTER