Herbal Medicines

Herbal medicines are prepared for variety of plant materials- leaves, stems, bark. They usually contain many biologically
active ingredients and are used primarily for the treating of mild and chronic ailments.
The three basic herbal preparations for taking internally are decoctions, tinctures and teas, also known as infusions. The
amount of herb used and the time of preparation may vary, depending on the particular plant.
Preparation for external use include compress and poultices- for care of wounds and relief of strained muscles- and
infused oils, creams and ointments which alleviate skin ailments.
Herbs can be prepared, using either fresh or dry ingredients. Herbal teas can be steeped to varying strengths. Roots, bark,
or other plant parts can be boiled into strong solutions called decoctions. Honey or sugar can be added to infusions and
decoctions to make syrup. n stores, herbal remedies can also be purchased in the form of pills, capsules, or powders or in
more concentrated li!uid forms called extracts and tinctures. They can be applied topically in creams or ointments, soaked
into clothes and used as compresses, or applied directly to the skin as poultices.
How and When to Get the Herbal Plants
The "#H is advocating the use of the following ten $%&' herbal plants(
S ambong
A kapulko
N iyug-niyogan
T saang-gubat
) A wang
L agundi
U lasimang-bato
B ayabas
A mpalaya
Y erba )uena
Part of the Plant
Ways to Get the Part of the
Plant
When to Get the Part of the Plant
*eaves +et in the lower part of
the plan.
)est to get during the morning.
Roots Pull out from the middle
part of the plant.
)est to get during the morning
and in the month of ,arch.
)ark +et from the middle of
the plant.
)est to get during the morning
and in the months of ,arch and
-une.
.lower +et when the flower is
not yet in bloom.
)est to get during the morning
and in the month of ,arch.
/eed #ld and ripe )est to get during the morning.
SAMBNG
- 0 plant that reaches % 1 to 2 meters in height with
rough hairy leaves. 3oung plants around mother plant
may be separated when they have three or more leaves.
- 4ses(
0nti-edema, diuretic, anti-urolithiasis- boil chopped
leaves in water for %5 minutes until one glassful
remains. 6ool and strain.


- "ivide decoction into 2 parts. "rink one part 2 times a day.
- 7ote( /ambong is not a medicine for kidney infection.
A!APUL!
- 8xternal 4se(
o Treatment of skin diseases(
Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, ec9ema, scabies
and itchiness.
o ,outhwash in stomatitis
- nternal use(
o 8xpectorant for bronchitis and dyspnea
o 0lleviation of asthma symptoms
o 4sed as diuretic and purgative
o .or cough : fever
o 0s a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other
stomach problems
- Preparation(
o .or external use, pound the leaves of the 0kapulko plant, s!uee9e the ;uice and apply on affected areas.
o 0s the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea, drink decoction $soak and boil for %& to %5 minutes' of
0kapulko leaves. The same preparation may be used as a mouthwash, stringent, and wash for ec9ema.
o 0s laxative, cut the plant parts $roots, flowers, and the leaves' into a manageable si9e then prepare a
decoction 7ote( The decoction loses its potency if not used for a long time. "ispose leftovers after one
day.
o The pounded leaves of 0kapulko has purgative functions, specifically against ringworms
- t should be noted that the pounded leaves of this plant may be applied thinly on the affected part twice a day.
,arked improvement may be expected after two to three weeks of continuous application to the affected area$s'
where the prepared 0kapulko leaves were applied.
N"YUG#N"YGAN
- 0 vine which bears tiny fruits and grows wild in
backyards. The seeds must come from mature dried
but newly opened fruits. Propagated through stem
cuttings about <& cm in height.
- 4ses(
0nti-helminthic- used to expel round worms
ascariasis. The seeds are taken < hours after
supper. f no worms are expelled, the dose may be repeated after one week.
0dult =-%& /eeds
>-%< yrs ?-> seeds
?-= yrs 5-? seeds
@-5 yrs @-5 seeds
"R8" *80A8/ .R8/H *80A8/
0dult @ tbsp ? tbsp
>-%< yrs 1 tbsp of adult dose
- 6aution( 7ot to be given to children below @ years old.
TSANNG#GUBAT
- 0 shrub with small, shiny nice-looking leaves that
grows in wild uncultivated areas and forests. ,ature
stems are used for planting.
- 4ses(
"iarrhea- boil the following amount of chopped
leaves in < glasses of water for %5 minutes or
until amount of water goes down to % glass. 6ool
and strain.

"ried leaves .resh leaves
0dult %& tbsp %< tbsp
>-%< yrs 5 tbsp
? tbsp <-? yrs
< 1 tbsp 2 tbsp
- "ivide decoction into @ parts. *et patient drink % part every 2 hours.
Stomachache- wash leaves and chop. Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for 15
minutes. Cool and flter/strain and drink.
"ried leaves .resh leaves
0dult < tbsp 2 tbsp
>-%< yrs % tbsp
1 tbsp
BAWANG
- Garlic $8nglish'
- is a low herb, which only grows up to sixty centimetres high. ts leaves are flat and linear, with bulbs that consist
of several tubers.
- 4ses(
o .or hypertension
o Toothache
o To lower cholesterol levels in blood
- Health )enefits(
o +ood for the heart
o Helps lower bad cholesterol levels $*"*'
o 0ids in lowering blood pressure
o Remedy for arteriosclerosis
o ,ay help prevent certain types of cancer
o )oosts immune system to fight infection
o Bith antioxidant : antibacterial properties
o 6ough and cold remedy
o Relieves sore throat
o 0ids in the treatment of tuberculosis
o Helps relieve rheumatism pain
o Relief of toothaches
o Cills skin fungus i.e. athleteDs foot
o Bith anticoagulant properties
- Preparation(
o ,ay be fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 2& minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 5 minutes.
o Take two pieces three times a day after meals.
o .or disinfecting wound, crush and ;uice the garlic bulb and apply. 3ou may cover the afflicted area with a
gau9e and bandage.
o .or sore throat, peal the skin and chew for several minutes. /wallow the ;uice.
o .or toothaches, crush then bite garlic. Pound a small piece and apply to affected part.
o .or athleteDs foot, soak feet in salty water then apply garlic ;uice. "o this 2x day for a week.
o 6loves of garlic may be crushed and applied to affected areas to reduce the pain caused by arthritis,
toothache, headache, and rheumatism.
o "ecoction of the bawang bulbs and leaves are used as treatment for fever.
o .or nasal congestion, steam and inhale( vinegar, chopped garlic, and water.
- 6aution(
o Take on a full stomach to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers.
LAGUN$"
- 0 shrub growing wild in vacant lots and waste
land. ,atured branches are planted. The flowers
are blue and bell-shaped. The small fruits turn
black when ripe. t is better to collect the leaves
when are in bloom.
- 4ses(
0sthma. 6ough and fever E boil chopped raw
fruits or leaves in < glasses of water left for %5
minutes until the water left in only % glass
$decoction'. /train.
- The following dosages of decoction are given according to age group(
"ried leaves .resh leaves
0dult @ tbsp ? tbsp
>-%< yrs < tbsp
2 tbsp <-? yrs
% tbsp % 1 tbsp
"ysentery, colds and pain in any part of the body as in influen9a- boil a handful of leaves and flowers in water to
produce a glass full of decoction three times a day.
/kin disease $dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, ec9ema' and wounds- prepare a decoction of the leaves. Bash and clean
the skinFwound with the decoction.
Headache- crushed leaves may be applied on the forehead.
Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites- pound the leaves and apply on affected part.
0romatic bath for sick patients- prepare leaf decoction for use in sick and newly delivered patients.
ULAS"MANG#BAT
- Pansit-pansitan $Tagalog'
- 0 weed, with heart-shaped leaves that grow in shady parts of
the garden and yard.
- 4se(
o *owers uric acid $rheumatism and gout'
o 0rthritis
o /kin boils, abscesses
o Headache
o 0bdominal pains
o kidney problems
- Preparation(
o Bash the leaves well.
o #ne and a half cup leaves are boiled in two glassfuls of water over low fire.
o "o not cover pot.
o 6ool and strain.
o "ivide into three parts and drink each part three times a day after meals.
- ,ay also be eaten as salad. Bash the leaves well. Prepare one and a half cups of leaves $not closely packed'.
"ivide into three parts and take as salad three times a day.
- .or the herbal treatment of skin disorders like abscesses, and boils, pound the leaves andFor the stalks and make a
poultice $boil in water for a minute or two then pounded' then applied directly to the afflicted area. *ikewise a
decoction can be used as a rinse to treat skin disorders.
- .or headaches, heat a couple of leaves in hot water, bruise the surface and apply on the forehead. The decoction of
leaves and stalks is also good for abdominal pains and kidney problems.
BAYABAS%GUA&A
- 0 tree about @-5 meters high with tiny white flowers with round or oval fruits that are eaten raw. Propagated
through seeds.
- 4ses(
o .or washing wounds E may be used twice a day.
o .or diarrhea E may be taken 2-@ times a day.
o 0ntiseptic, astringent : anthelminthic
o Cills bacteria, fungi and amoeba
o 7osebleeding
o Hypertension, diabetes and 0sthma
o Promotes menstruation
- 0s gargle and to relieve toothache.
- Barm decoction is used for gargle.
- .reshly pounded leaves are used for toothache.
- +uava leaves are to be washed well and chopped.
- )oil for %5 minutes at low fire.
- "o not cover pot.
- 6ool and strain before use.
- Preparation(
o )oil one cup of )ayabas leaves in three cups of water for = to %& minutes. *et cool.
o 4se decoction as mouthwash, gargle.
o 4se as wound disinfectant - wash affected areas with the decoction of leaves < to 2 times a day. .resh
leaves may be applied to the wound directly for faster healing.
o .or toothaches, chew the leaves in your mouth.
o .or diarrhea, boil the chopped leaves for %5 minutes in water, and strain. *et cool, and drink a cup every
three to four hours.
o To stop nosebleed, densely roll )ayabas leaves, then place in the nostril cavities.
AMPALAYA
- 4ses(
o *ower blood sugar levels
o "iabetes ,ellitus $,ild non-insulin
dependent'
- Herbal )enefits of 0mpalaya(
o +ood for rheumatism and gout
o diseases of the spleen and liver
o 0ids in lowering blood sugar levels
o Helps in lowering blood pressure
o Relieves headaches
o "isinfects and heals wounds : burns
o 6an be used as a cough : fever remedy
o Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
o Helps prevent some types of cancer
o 8nhances immune system to fight infection
o .or treatment of haemorrhoids
o s an antioxidant and parasiticide
o s antibacterial and antipyretic
- Preparation(
o +ather and wash young leaves very well.
o 6hop.
o )oil ? tablespoons in two glassfuls of water for %5 minutes under low fire.
o "o not cover pot.
o 6ool and strain.
o Take one third cup 2 times a day after meals.
- .or coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes, ;uice 0mpalaya leaves and drink a spoonful daily.
- .or other ailments, the fruit and leaves can both be ;uiced and taken orally.
- .or headaches wounds, burns and skin diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted area.
- Powdered leaves, and the root decoction, may be used as stringent and applied to treat hemorrhoids.
- nternal parasites are proven to be expelled when the ampalaya ;uice, made from its leaves, is extracted. The
ampalaya ;uice, and grounded seeds is to be taken one spoonful thrice a day, which also treats diarrhea, dysentery,
and chronic colitis.
- 7ote( 3oung leaves may be blanchedFsteamed and eaten 1 glassful < times a day.
Y'(BA )H"'(BA* BU'NA
- 0 small multi-branching aromatic herb. The leaves
are small, elliptical and with toothed margin. The
stem creeps to the ground, and develops roots. ,ay
also be propagated through cuttings.
- 4ses(
Pain in different parts of the body as headache,
stomachache- boil chopped leaves in < glasses
of water for %5 minutes. 6ool and strain.
"ried leaves .resh leaves
0dult ? tbsp @ tbsp
>-%< yrs 1 tbsp. of adult dose
- "ivide decoction into two parts and drink one part every three hours.
Rheumatism, arthritis and headache- crush the fresh leaves and s!uee9e sap. ,assage sap on painful parts
with eucalyptus.
6ough and cold- get about %& fresh leaves and soak in a glass of hot water. "rink as tea. 0cts as an
expectorant.
/wollen gums- steep ?g of fresh plant in a glass of boiling water for 2& minutes. 4se solution as gargle.
Toothache- cut fresh plant and s!uee9e sap. /oak a piece to cotton in the sap and insert this in aching tooth
cavity. ,outh should be rinsed by gargling salt solution before inserting the cotton. To prepare salt solution(
add 5g of table salt to one glass of water.
,enstrual and gas pain- soak a handful of leaves in a glass of boiling water. "rink infusion. t induces
menstrual flow and sweating.
7ausea and fainting- crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients.
nsect bites- crush leaves and apply ;uice on affected part or pound leaves until paste-like and rub this on
affected part.
Pruritis- boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water. 4se decoction as a wash on affected area.
#TH8R H8R)0* ,8"678/(
!AMP oint+ent $Calachuchi, 0capulco, ,adre de 6acao, Palyawan'
- ngredients(
Calachuchi % cup
0capulco leaves % cup
,adre de 6acao leaves % cup
Palyawan$stem' % cup
8sperma$whit ' < cups
#il @ cups
- 4ses(
/kin diseases- chop and cook Calachuchi, 0capulco, ,adre de 6acao, and Palyawan with oil.
+et leaves after boil. 6ombine oil extract and esperma. 6ook in a low fire the combined oil extract and
esperma for 2-5 minutes.
ALLS il )ASY'T', LUYA, LASUNA, S"L"*
- 4ses(
o Rheumatism
o )ody pain
- ngredients(
o 6hilli pepper $sili' E % cup
o +inger $luya' E % cup
o +arlic $lasuna' E % cup
o #il E 2 cups
- Preparations(
o 6hop the chilli pepper, ginger and garlic.
Then combine it with oil.
o )oil for 2-5 minutes.
o /tir while it is boiling.
o Remove from flame. Then let it cool and strain after.
o Place the strained oil in a clean bottle.
TL- )TAMA("N$, LUYA, -ALAMANS"*
- 4se( cough, sore throat
- ngredients(
o *eaves of tamarind E 2 handful
o *uya E one piece
o 6alamansi E 2-@ pcs.
o /ugar E < tbsp
- Preparations(
o Bash the ingredients especially the leaves of tamarind and luya.
o Peel off the skin of ginger.
o 6hop the ginger and slice the calamansi.
o Place one cup of tamarind $leaves' together with the chopped luya in the pot.
o )oil in a low flame. "onDt cover the pot.
o /train then throw the remaining residue.
o Put < tbsp of sugar in the pot. )oil until itDs viscous.
o *et it boil for awhile. Then s!uee9e 2-@ pieces of calamansi and stir.
o Place the finish product in a clean bottle.
G"NG'( )LUYA*
- The rootstocks of this smooth plant are thick, and have strong aromatic !ualities. ts edible roots, tops, and even
its leaves are found to have medicinal value.
- 0s an herbal medicine, it has long been used as a cold, cough, fever, and sore throat remedy.
- ,edicinal )enefits
o Relieves rheumatic pains : muscle pains
o 0lleviates sore throat, fever and colds
o 8ase nausea and vomiting
o ntestinal disorders and slow digestion
o Relief from tympanism and flatulence
o Treat intestinal worms
o Hinder diarrhea, gas pains
o Relieve indigestion $dyspepsia', toothaches
o *ower cholesterol levels
o 0ids treatment of tuberculosis
- Preparation : 4se(
o )oil the ginger root in water and drink. The more concentrated the better.
o .or sore throat and tooth ache, remove the skin and chew small portions.
o .or cuts : bruises, apply the ;uice of ginger directly to the skin or use dried rhi9omes with >&G alcohol
then apply to afflicted areas.
o .or rheumatism and muscle pains, pound roasted or fresh ginger and apply to painful areas -can be mixed
with oil for easy application.
- The rhi9omes of luya mainly associated as the main ingredient in a very popular local beverage, which is salabat.
('GAN $6lavo'
- This spreading plant has strong aromatic characteristics, with leaves and stems that are fleshy. The leaves of
oregano are heart-shaped, with toothed edges, and which, grow for up to H meters in length.
- Health )enefits of #regano(
o +ood for cough and cold relief
o Helps prevent degenerative arthritis
o Has 0nti-aging properties
o Helps relieve rheumatism and osteoarthritis
o )ronchitis herbal remedy
o 8ase asthma attacks
o Relieves upset stomach
o Treatment of urinary tract problems
o Relief for dyspepsia or indigestion
o Healing wounds, insect bites : stings
o 6ure for sore throat
o 0void infections caused by childbirth by taking decoctions of
the leaves by the recent mother.
o .or general good health
- Preparation of #regano *eaves(
o )oil one cup of fresh leaves in 2 cups of water for %& to %5
minutes. "rink half a cup 2 times a day for common colds.
o .or a concentrate, ;uice the oregano leaves and take % tablespoon every hour to relieve chronic coughs,
rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, and dyspepsia.
o .or nsect bites, wounds and stings, apply the leaves as a poultice directly on the afflicted area.
o .or sore throat, boil < tablespoonfuls of dried oregano leaves in a pint of water, take < hours before or
after meals.
o To prevent degenerative arthritis : for general good health drink oregano decoction daily.
GATAS#GATAS
- +atas-gatas is a slender-stemmed, annual hairy
plant with many branches from the base to the top,
the branches simple or forked and ascending or
spreading, up to @& centimeters tall, reddish or
purplish in color.
- *eaves are opposite, elliptic-oblong to oblong-
lanceolate, distichoous, % to <.5 centimeters long,
usually blotched with purple in the middle,
toothed at the margin.
- nvolucres are numerous, purplish to greenish in color, borne in dense, axillary, stalkless or short-stalked clusters
or crowded cymes, about % millimeter in length.
- 6apsules are broadly ovoid, hairy, three-angled, about %.5 millimeters long.
- 4ses(
anti-asthmatic, antidote, anti-spasmodic, anthelmintic, antidysenteric, diuretic, expectorant, pectoral,
hemostatic, sedative, soporific.
GTU !LA
- a tasteless, plant with no odor that thrives in and around water.
- +otu cola has small fan-shaped green leaves with white or light
purple-to-pink flowers.
- n herbal medicine leaves and stems of the gotu kola are favored for
the variety of medicinal purposes
- +otu cola mainly favored for its components called triterpenoids,
which have been shown to aid in wound healing, to soothe anxiety
and boost mental function.
- /ome sedative effects of the herb have been noticed in animals, so
gotu cola has been used to help people affected by insomnia.
- )eta-sitosterol, another active compound, provides strong blood
purifying action, and can help to lower serum cholesterol levels.
- ,edicinal uses(
o stimulate the circulatory system and support blood vessels and capillaries. Bith this extra peripheral
circulation and oxygen carried to the brain, it aids memory, improves learning ability and increases
attention span and concentration.
o carries cholesterol from the blood, reducing blood pressure and the chance of heart disease.
o /ome take it before a long flight to reduce the chance of blood clotting and "eep Aein Thrombosis
$"AT'.
o This improved circulation has also been found to help both the appearance and the healthy function of the
legs in clinical trials.
o reduce cellulite by improving the function of the lymphatic system and strengthening connective tissues.
o prevent or reduce further varicose veins.
o 0yurvedic herbologists also believe it delays degeneration of the brain and increases lifespan, as well as
promoting spiritual wellbeing and improving psychic sensitivity.
- .resh +otu Cola leaves can be eaten raw in salads, but the more effective form is the dried leaf. t is also available
in capsule form from herbal stores and online retailers.
('M"N$'(S N TH' US' . H'(BAL M'$"-"N'
%. 0void the use of insecticides as these may leave poison on plants.
<. n the preparation of herbal medicine, use a clay pot and remove cover while boiling at low heat.
2. 4se only the part of the plant being advocated.
@. .ollow accurate dose of suggested preparation.
5. 4se only one kind of herbal plant for each type of symptom or sickness.
?. /top giving the herbal medication in case untoward reaction such as allergy occurs.
>. f signs and symptoms are not relieved after < or 2 doses of herbal medication, consult a doctor.
Ti/s on Handlin0 Medicinal Plants % Herbs1
%. f possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.
<. ,edicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. 0void picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and
after heavy rainfall.
2. *eaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. *ess medicinal substances are found on young
parts.
@. 0fter harvesting, if drying is re!uired, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on
screens above ground and never on concrete floors.
5. /tore plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a
moisture absorbent material like charcoal. *eaves and other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and
stored can be used up to six months.
Ti/s on Pre/aration for "nta2e of Herbal Medicines1
%. 4se only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.
<. "o not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. #nly use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike utensils.
2. 0s a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.
@. "ecoctions loose potency after some time. "ispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep
lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
5. 0lways consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.