Cebu Herbal Medicine Program

Warm Greetings of Peace and Hope

for the eventual
Redemption and Healing of the Land!
Madilaabnong Yukbo sa Panag-dait ug Paglaum
alang sa Malampusong Katubsanan ug Kaayuhan
sa atong Yutang Natawhan.
Jose Edgar V. Alonso
Sunday, August 21, 2022
12:44:33 AM
 TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Matud pa sa
World Health Organization
Ang Tradisyonal nga Panambal mao ang kinatibuk-
ang kahibalo ug kahanas nga nagabase sa mga teorya,
tinuhoan, ug kasinatian nga lumadnon sa lainlaing
mga kultura nga gigamit aron magpabilin ug
mapadayon ang kahimsog, ug mapugngan, masusi,
mapaayo o matambalan ang sakit sa lawas ug sa
panghunahuna.
 TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Ang tradisyonal nga medisina ginapraktis na sa atong mga katigulangan

kaniadto pa sa wala pa mo-abut ang daghang mga langyaw nga
kolonisador ug nahimong bahin sa pag-uswag ug paglambo sa kultura
sa Malayo-Filipino.

Ang mga unang praktis sa medisina tradisyonal gilambigit sa mistiko,

mahika ug patuo-tuo nga relihiyosong mga buhat nga milungtad ngadto
sa folkloric herbalism nga mahimong naimpluwensyahan usab sa
medisina sa China.
 TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Mao nga, sa wala pa moabut ang westernized nga medisina,

nadiskubrihan na sa atong mga katigulangan ang gamhanang
kinaiyahan sa mga tanum ug napanunod sa mga komunidad aron
matambalan ang mga sakit sa ilang komunidad sa tribo.

Tungod ning mga kamatuuran, ang kaniadtong Health Secretary Juan

Flavier sa tuig 1992, nagpatuman ug usa ka Alternative Medicine
Program pinaagi sa Administratibong Order Num. 12, nga nagtumong
sa paglansad ug pagduso sa tradisyonal nga medisina sa Pilipinas.
 TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Bisan pa, pormal lamang kini nga napahimutang duha ka tuig
pagkahuman sa pagpasa sa Republic Act 8423 o ang Traditional and
Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) kaniadtong 1997 nga iyang
giduso sa Senado.

Gisugdan sa Republic Act 8423 ang pormal nga paghimo og mga

herbal nga tambal gikan sa pipila nga mga tanum nga sa sinugdanan
nabaniog na daan nga epektibo pero sa sulti-sulti lang pero
napamatud-an nga luwas ug epektibo pinaagi sa mga panukiduki sa
syensya.
 TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Kini nga Balaodnon nagmugna usab sa Philippine Institute of

Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) nga ang katuyoan
mao ang "mapadali ang pag-uswag sa tradisyonal ug alternatibong
pag-atiman sa kahimsog sa Pilipinas, ug gihatagan ug kaugalingong
pondo alang sa pag-atiman sa kahimsog ug uban pang katuyoan. Sa
kinatibuk-an ang balaod giila ang kamahinungdanon sa tradisyonal o
alternatibong medisina sa paghatag og barato ug mahinungdanong
pag-atiman sa kahimsog sa katawhang Pilipino.
Nutritional & Healing Power of Herbs

Most common food sources have been as equally well researched and
has been clearly shown to be beneficial with important nutritional and
medicinal properties and have been in fact already marketed as food
supplements.
Nutritional & Healing Power of Herbs

Indeed, the famous quote by the Greek physician Hippocrates, “Let

food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food” has been proven
relevant until now and has stood the test of time.

With the use of plant-based foods that have high nutritional value,
especially if grown organically, our body’s immune system recovers
and strengthens itself against the ravages of oxidative stresses and
other factors that cause diseases especially the chronic ones.
Nutritional & Healing Power of Herbs

With the use of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that are

commonly found on our local flora and fauna, we can
effectively reverse and/or delay the progression of chronic
diseases and may efficiently diminish the risk of harmful and
toxic side effects.
Nutritional & Healing Power of Herbs

Hence, the Province of Cebu, in an effort to reactivate or revitalize the

once neglected or forgotten Traditional Herbal Medicine Program in
conjunction with the invigorated Nutrition Program are strongly
advocating and actively propagating these plant-based food sources in
coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Office.

They will be used as double-edged sword to fight malnutrition and as

adjunct therapeutic modalities for certain chronic and acute diseases.
 The General Objectives of the Program

 To institutionalize the use of Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM) into the Cebu
Province’s Health Care Systems;
 To coordinate with the Provincial Agriculture Office regarding the appropriate and
proper propagation of these plants and its dissemination to the municipalities;
 To advocate for the propagation of these common herbal / food sources in their
own backyard, community and school gardens;
 To raise awareness and educate the Cebuanos on medicinal plants cum plant-based
food sources — their medical uses and health benefits;
 To promote and advocate the use of herbal medicines and plant-based food
sources as alternative sources of safe, affordable and cost effective home remedies
and to help improve the nutritional status of the community;
 To continually seek improvement and regular assessment of the programs impact
on the over-all improvement of the health status of the community.
 STRATEGIES / ACTIVITIES

OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES / ACTIVITIES

To institutionalize the use of Lobby for the crafting and passage

Herbal Medicine into the of an SP Ordinance on Traditional
Province’s Health Care System Herbal Medicine

Enter into a Memorandum of

To coordinate with the Provincial
Undertaking with the Provincial
Agriculture Office regarding the
Agriculture Office to take the lead
appropriate and proper
in the propagation and distribution
propagation of these plants and its
of herbal plant seedlings and
distribution to the municipalities;
propagules
 STRATEGIES / ACTIVITIES

OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES / ACTIVITIES

To advocate for the propagation of Employ social mobilization

these common herbal / food approaches: political, community,
sources in their own backyard, government, corporate and
community and school gardens; beneficiary

Establish linkages with the

To raise awareness and educate the Municipal Health/Agriculture
Cebuanos on medicinal plants cum Offices and DepEd Officials on
plant-based food sources — their the conduct of Advocacy
medical uses and health benefits; Initiatives & IEC in their
respective jurisdictions
 STRATEGIES / ACTIVITIES
OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES / ACTIVITIES

Capability Building cum

To promote and advocate the use of development / distribution of
herbal medicines and plant-based appropriate modules on the
food sources as alternative sources of propagation, preparation and
safe, affordable and cost effective utilization of herbal medicines &
home remedies and to help improve plant-based food sources.
the nutritional status of the Integration of Herbal Medicine and
community; Nutrition Programs’ activities and
strategies

To continually seek improvement and

regular assessment of the programs’ Annual Monitoring and Evaluation
impact on the over-all improvement Initiatives
of the health status of the community.
Healing Power of Herbs
 Dulaw, Luyang dilaw, Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Curcumin is the major active compound in turmeric which has

powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.. It may treat a
host of conditions, including chronic inflammation, pain, metabolic
syndrome, and anxiety. Its best-established modern use is for relieving
nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, and medical
operations
 Dulaw, Luyang dilaw, Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Also, turmeric may help protect against heart disease, in part by

improving blood flow as effectively as exercise. One study further
suggests that it may be as effective as Prozac, a drug commonly used
to treat depression and may help preserve brain function and may be
useful in Alzheimer’s Disease.

According to recent research, turmeric is also showing promise as a

treatment for a variety of dermatologic diseases and beneficially active
against colonic and breast cancers.
 Dulaw, Luyang dilaw, Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) or paminta is the primary source of an

alkaloid known as piperine which serves as a bio-enhancer to increase
the absorption rates and activity of curcumin by significantly
preventing the rapid elimination of curcumin from the body. Studies
have shown that piperine can increase the bioavailability of curcumin
by up to 2000% thereby maximizing its health benefits.
 Luy-a or Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger extracts consist mainly of gingerol and shogaol which are the
primary phytoconstituents providing the greatest bioactivity.
Studies show that ginger possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-platelet aggregation, cholesterol
lowering, and cancer preventive properties.
 Luy-a or Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is used to help treat osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, other

skeletomuscular problems, coughs, colds, stomach upset, asthma,
diabetes, and menstrual irregularities in various parts of the globe. It is
also a useful treatment option for patients experiencing nausea,
vomiting, motion sickness, and for women suffering from morning
sickness.
 Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens)

Fruit contains the active principles: capsaicin, 0.14% and capsicin

which treats pain without impairing other aspects of the nervous
system.
Medicinal Uses: Post-herpetic neuralgia, post-mastectomy pain,
hemodialysis-associated pruritus, psoriatic itching and pain, painful
neuropathies, especially diabetic neuropathy, arthritic pains,and other
superficial neuropathies.
 Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens)

Nutritional Uses: Fruit is a popular condiment.

- Mixed with or made into pickles, and is a principal ingredient in

Indian curries.

- The leaves are used as vegetable, with a very pleasant and somewhat
piquant flavor.

- In tropical countries, eaten fresh to promote digestion.

- In Taiwan and the Batanes Islands, leaves used in soup.

- An excellent source of calcium and iron, a good source of phosphorus

and vitamins A and B
 Coconut tree (Cocos nucifera )

(VCO) produced from the fresh meat involves either wet-milling or

drying the residue, and using a screw press to extract the oil. Coconut
oil especially as an “extra virgin coconut oil” is widely marketed as a
superfood.
The unique combination of fatty acids in coconut oil may have
positive effects on your health, such as boosting fat loss, heart health,
and brain function.
 Coconut tree (Cocos nucifera )

Here are evidence-based health benefits of coconut oil.

Contains healthy fatty acids. Coconut oil is high in certain saturated

fats.

 May boost heart health and encourage fat burning

 May have antimicrobial effects esp. against AIDS

 May reduce hunger. ...

 May reduce seizures. ...

 May raise HDL (good) cholesterol. ...

 May protect your skin, hair, and teeth.

 Kakao (Theobroma cacao)

Most notably, cocoa demonstrates significant benefits for the

cardiovascular system, helping to reduce the risk of heart attack and
stroke, reduce the risk of high blood pressure, and even reduce the risk
of cancer. Furthermore, cocoa consumption is associated with reduced
cognitive decline in old age.
 Kakao (Theobroma cacao)

May Lower High Blood Pressure and Lower risk of Heart Attacks

This property is attributed to the presence of antioxidants that can

stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which helps keep blood
vessels relaxed.

It may prevent the formation of fatal blood clots, which can lead to
stroke or cardiac failure. The flavonoids possess anti-platelet
aggregating effects and modulate primary hemostasis, which is the
measure of time blood takes to clot. This ultimately can help prevent
atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
 Kakao (Theobroma cacao)

Antioxidant Capacity and Improve Brain Health

Research led by Dr. Norman K. Hollenberg has suggested that flavanol

may aid in maintaining a healthy brain. These neuroprotective benefits
could also have favorable effects on learning and memory functions.
The findings have advocated that the consumption of cocoa-based
products may enhance the flow of blood to the brain and they have
provided evidence of the therapeutic potential for curing vascular
disorders.
 Kakao (Theobroma cacao)

Balance and Regulate Cholesterol & Blood Sugar Levels

A 2004 study shows that cocoa may possess hypoglycemic and

hypocholesterolemic effects on both glucose and cholesterol levels,
respectively. It can help reduce triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol
levels in the body and may give a noteworthy rise to HDL (good)
cholesterol levels in the body.

It may be effective in improving insulin resistance and glucose

metabolism. These mechanisms, in turn, may aid in regulating sugar
levels in the body.
 Kakao (Theobroma cacao)

May Relieve Bronchial Asthma

Cacao beans contain xanthine and theophylline, which may aid in

relaxing bronchial spasms and can open constricted bronchial tubes.
This might give it anti-asthmatic properties and is valuable in curing
various allergies, including asthma and shortness of breath
 Malungay (Moringa Oleifera)

Malunggay gained the title of “Miracle Tree” and is the most known, studied
and traditionally used as a herbal medicine.
The various resources obtained from this plant—leaves, flowers, seeds, pods,
bark and roots—can be used for cooking or in traditional medicine to treat
several diseases.
 Malungay (Moringa Oleifera)

From 100 g of dry leafs of M. oleifera we can obtain 7x more vitamin C than from
oranges, 10x more vitamin A than from carrots, 17x more calcium than in milk, 9x
more protein than in yoghurt, 15x more potassium than from bananas and 25 times
more iron than that obtained from spinach.

From leaves to roots, good quantities of important minerals, proteins, vitamins, β-

carotene, amino acids and phenolic compounds can be obtained. M. oleifera extracts
have been studied with different medicinal applications: anti-inflammatory,
antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic,
antineoplastic, antipyretic, antiulcer, and hepatoprotectant.
 Alugbati (Basella rubra)

Also known as Malabar spinach, is a succulent vegetable especially the young

shoots and is high in saponin, calcium, folic acid, iron and vitamins A, B and
C and is a rich source of soluble fiber, which helps in digestion. As the name
suggests, it is often seen as a good alternative to spinach and can help with
anaemia, ulcers, headaches, osteoporosis and constipation.
 Alugbati (Basella rubra)

There are other reports that suggest it helps protect against cancer of

the colon as well as cardiovascular disease. A Swedish study has

shown that spinach is one of the superfoods that will bring your BP

readings down due to its abundance of heart-healthy nutrients like

potassium, folate, and magnesium. Low potassium intake may be just

as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high

sodium intake
 Camote or Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)

“Talbos ng kamote” are loaded with various nutrients, dietary fiber, and
essential fatty acids. It has great amount of protein, minerals, Vitamin C,
Vitamin B6, Beta carotene, Lutein and antioxidants which are important for
brain and nervous system health. They’re also a good source of potassium and
magnesium, which help improve heart health by helping regulate blood
pressure.
 Camote or Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Sweet potato leaves play a role in health promotion by improving immune

function, reducing oxidative stress and free radical damage, reducing
cardiovascular disease risk, and suppressing cancer cell growth.

The most interesting quality of sweet potato leaves is the antioxidants and
antimutagenic compounds or substances that reduce the rate of mutation of
cancer cells. In fact, a study of the effects of 82 kinds of vegetables and plant
compounds on the mutation and replication of cancer cells indicated that
sweet potato leaves are the one with the highest cancer checking rate.
 Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)

It is naturally rich in dietary fiber, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and

vitamin C. Kangkong is also rich in the several B-complex group of
vitamins such as riboflavin (8%), niacin (5.5%), vitamin B-6
(pyridoxine-7%), folic acid (14%), etc, that play a vital role in the
metabolic functions.
 Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)

Kangkong greens are abundant sources of health benefiting nutrients

which when consumed on regular basis found to prevent osteoporosis,
iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin-A deficiency, and believed to
protect from cardiovascular diseases, and colon and prostate cancers.
Kangkong is also used in herbal medicine for the treatment of fever,
liver disease, and most importantly diabetes in pregnant women.
 Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius)

Saluyot leaves are very nutritious, it is rich in calcium, iron, protein,

vitamin A, C and E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and dietary
fibers.
 Vitamin A provide health benefits for good eyesight.

 Vitamin E and other antioxidants are said to prevent wrinkles and

promote youthful looking skin.
 Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius)

 Treat inflammation and pain such as arthritis , headache, stomach

ache and others.

 Fiber helps to control blood pressure, cholesterol build-up, diabetes

and prevents heart disease. Saluyot leaves are rich in fiber and its
slimy consistency when cooked is used to treat various digestive
problems such as diarrhea, stomach ache, dysentery, constipation
and ulcers.

 It is also claimed that together with other herbs it can cure cancer.
Herbal-Food Medicines
Healing Power of Herbs
 Types of Herbal Medicines

Medicinal plants can be used by anyone, for example as part of a salad,

an herbal tea or supplement.

Making your own herbal medicine preparation is not only fun, but can
be cost-effective. In using the above mentioned herbal medicines,
some may require some degree of skill.

Below is a list of general ways on how to prepare your own herbal

medicine. The list is not all inclusive and you have to see individual
articles for the herb you use so that you will know how to prepare
them.
 Herbal Teas
There are two methods of making herbal teas:
1. Infusion is steeping lighter parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, light
stems) in boiled water for several minutes.
2. Decoction is boiling tougher parts, such as roots or bark for a
longer period of time.
Herbal teas are often used as a home remedy, and as an alternative to
tea and coffee.
As a general rule unless recommended by a professional herbalist:
Prepare 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every 1 cup of water. Let it steep in
boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain the herbs out and drink 3 to 4
times a day
 Herbal Tinctures

Steeping a medicinal plant in alcohol will extract the alcohol-soluble

parts of the herbs into a liquid form that can be stored for long periods.

Herbalists may mix several herbal tinctures to form an individualized

prescription for each patient.

To prepare your herbal tincture you will need:

8 ounces of finely cut dried herbs,

1 large glass jar that can hold 4 cups of liquid

2 cups of wine
 Herbal Tinctures

Put the dried herb into a large, glass jar and pour in equal amount of
liquid, making sure the herbs are completely covered.

Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, preferably 4
weeks.

Make sure to shake the mixture every day.

When ready to use, filter the mixture using a cheesecloth bag, coffee
filter, or fine cloth, capturing the tincture liquid below in another
container.
 Herbal Tinctures
Store the tincture in clean, dark glass containers, out of the sun.

If stored properly the tincture will be preserved for two or more years.
Vinegar tinctures should be refrigerated.

Note: A drop of tincture is equal to 1 tsp of herb juice.

For Vinegar Tinctures, use 1 ounce of herb per 5 ounces of vinegar.

Fluid Extracts

Fluid extracts are stronger than herbal tinctures, and can be made with
alcohol or glycerin.
 Other Herbal Preparations
Herbal Poultices
Poultices are a solid, vegetable fat based mixture used externally. They
have the shortest life span of any herbal remedy and must be made
fresh for every use.
Powdered Herbs And Tablets
Herbs that are dried and (sometimes) certain parts are separated out
then diced to powder fine consistency. Powered matter can then be
compressed or put in an empty pill coating to form a tablet
Herbal Creams And Ointments
An ointment usually is mixed with beeswax (or something similar) to
make it more applicable to outside the body, such as on a cut or scrape
 Other Herbal Preparations

Essential Oils

Extraction of volatile liquid plant materials and other aromatic

compounds from plants gives essential oils. These plant oils may be
used internally in some forms of herbal medicine as well as in
aromatherapy and generally for their perfume, although their medicinal
use as a natural treatment (alternative medicine) has proved highly
efficacious in the treatment of headache and muscle pain, joint pain and
certain skin diseases.
 Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements tend to be commercial products in tablet or capsule

form manufactured and marketed by health food companies for sale in
retail outlets to the general public, although there are some types that
are sold only to healthcare practitioners for prescription.

Herbal supplements are often standardized to contain stated levels of

active phytochemicals. Some herbalists may not agree with the
standardization of active ingredients, preferring instead to use the
whole plant.
 Precautions for using herbal medicines

Before taking herbal supplements, it’s best to consult a knowledgeable

medical practitioner preferably one who spouses the use of traditional /
herbal medicine to ensure proper dosage, understand potential side
effects, and watch out for reactions with other medications.
 Safety
Because herbal medicines are derived from natural sources, people
often assume that they’re inherently safe — but this isn’t necessarily
the case.
Like conventional drugs, herbal supplements may cause serious side
effects or interfere with other medications you’re taking.
Additionally, many herbal medicines have not been studied rigorously
enough to verify their safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Thus, Breastfeeding mothers should talk to healthcare providers prior to
taking any herbal medicines to ensure the best possible outcomes for
her and the baby.
 Ensuring quality

Another important factor to consider is that herbal medicines are not

strictly regulated like other medications.

In most countries, like the Philippines, herbal manufacturers don’t have

to provide proof of efficacy or purity before marketing their products.
As such, some supplements may list ingredients improperly or even
contain compounds not stated on the label.
 The Bottom Line

Many people around the world rely on herbal medicines to treat health
conditions. Countless varieties exist, but some of the most popular
include ginger, ginseng, lagundi, moringa, turmeric and virgin coco oil
to name a few.

Though their applications tend to be very broad, many of their supposed

benefits may lack strong scientific evidence.

Keep in mind that, like conventional drugs, herbal remedies may

interact negatively with other medicines. Thus, it’s highly
recommended to consult healthcare provider before adding a new herb
or supplement to your routine.
 The Choice is
Yours and Mine
“Protection or Severe Infection”
Have yourself Vaccinated!

Forever Wishing and Hoping

for the eventual
Redemption and Healing
of our
Beloved Philippines!
 The Bottom Line

WHY EAT “TABLEA” DARK CHOCOLATE EVERYDAY?

🍫Keto friendly

🍫Reduces High Blood Pressure

🍫Lowers Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke

🍫Improves Brain Function

🍫Improves Mood and Lowers Chances of Depression

 The Bottom Line

WHY EAT UNSWEETENED DARK CHOCOLATE EVERYDAY?

🍫Improves Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

🍫Aids in Weight Control

🍫Has Cancer-Protective Properties

🍫Helps People with Asthma

🍫Antibacterial and Stimulates Immune System

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) Sulasi (Tag)