Medicinal plants and herbs have been used by our Filipino forefathers for many

centuries. This knowledge was passed on from generation to generation. In the past few
years, a renewed interest in this natural method of treatment arose not only in the
Philippines but worldwide. This popularity will continue as medical science validates the
affectivity of many medicinal herbs as alternative medicine.
Reminders on the Use of Herbal Medicine

Avoid the use of insecticides as these may leave poison on plants.

In the preparation of herbal medicine, use a clay pot and remove cover while
boiling at low heat.

Use only the part of the plant being advocated.

Follow accurate dose of suggested preparation.

Use only one kind of herbal plant for each type of symptoms or sickness. Use
only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.

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.

Stop giving the herbal medication in case untoward reaction such as allergy
occurs.

If signs and symptoms are not relieved after 2 or 3 doses of herbal medication,
consult a doctor
10 DOH Approves Herbal Medicines
I. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)
It functions as an astringent and as an
expectorant, and has been found to be antidiarrhea and anti-spasm. Its expectorant
properties
make
it
as
a
popular
recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat
colds. It is an anti-urolithiasis and work as a
diuretic. It is used to aid the treatment of kidney
disorders. It is a diuretic, this herbal medicine
helps dispose of excess water and sodium(salt)
in the body. Sambong is not a medicine for
kidney infection.
Common names: Sambong
Indication: Hypertension, urolithiasis
Parts used: Leaves
Special precautions:
Although considered safe, not much is known about Sambong therefore it is
advised to avoid taking it during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Avoid using with other diuretics. When taking diuretics, eat atleast one banana a
day.
Preparation:

a) Boil Chopped leaves in water for 15 minutes until one glassful remains. Cool and
strain
b) Divide into 3 parts. Drink one part part 3 times a day
II.

Akapulko / Acapulco (Cassia alata)

A
medicinal
herb
that
contains
chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to
treat fungalinfections, like ringworms,
scabies, and eczema. Akapulko also
contains saponin, alaxative that is useful in
expelling intestinal parasites.

Common names: Ringworm Bush

Indication: Tinea Infections, Ringworms, Expectorants for bronchitis, Mouthwash for
stomatitis, used as a diuretic
Parts used: Leaves, Flower, roots
Special precautions: Pregnant women should not take decoction of the leaves or any
part of this plant as a strong decoction of this plant is considered abortifacient
Preparation:
For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply
on affected areas.

For
internal
use:
cut
the
plant
parts
into
a
Manageable size, then soak and boil for 10 to 15 minutes, let cool and use as soon as
possible. Note: The decoction loses its potency if not used for a long time. Dispose
leftovers after one day
III.

Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)

Yerba Buena is one of the 10 herbs endorsed
by the Department of Health (DOH) as an
effective alternative medicine for aches and
pains. It has been recognized for its antiseptic,
anti-cancer, diuretic, anti-spasm, anti-emetic
activities. Properties of thisherbal plant are also
found to function as stimulant and to have
restorative effects.

Common names: Peppermint

Indication: Pain (headache, stomachache, tooth ache), rheumatism, cough and colds,
swollen gums, pruritus

Parts used: Leaves, sap of plant

Special precautions: Caution should be observed in taking this herbal medicine as
it can be toxic in large doses.
Preparation:
For pain (headache and stomachache)
Boil chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Cool and strain.
For rheumatism, arthritis and headache
Crush the fresh leaves and squeeze sap. Massage sap on painful parts with
eucalyptus.
For Cough & Cold
Soak 10 fresh leaves in a glass of hot water, drink as tea. (expectorant)
For Swollen gums
Steep 6 g. of fresh plant in a glass of boiling water for 30 minutes. Use as a
gargle solution
For Toothache
Cut fresh plant and squeeze sap. Soak a piece of cotton in the sap and insert this
in aching tooth cavity
For Menstrual & gas pain
Soak a handful of leaves in a lass of boiling water. Drink infusion.
For Nausea & Fainting
Crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients
For Insect bites
Crush leaves and apply juice on affected area or pound leaves until like a paste,
rub on affected area
For Pruritus
Boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water. Use decoction as a wash on affected
area.
IV.

Tawa-Tawa (Euphorbia hirta)

It is good for Dengue. If it does not totally cure
the epidemic disease, at least it helps prevent
or delay the effects of Dengue, that is, it lowers
the platelet count of the patients blood. The
herb is good for asthmatic persons. It breaks
up mucus and relaxes spasm. It is combined
with bronchial sedatives in inhaler preparation.
Take three to four glasses a day. May also be

Common names: Gatas-gatas, asthma weed

Indication: Asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, dengue

Parts used: Leaves, stem
Special precautions: Safe use of tawa-tawa during pregnancy and lactation has not
been established. It has been reported to cause both contraction and relaxation of the
smooth muscles. In view of lack of pharmacological and toxicity data, the use of tawatawa during pregnancy and lactation is therefore not recommended.

V.

Tanglad (Cymbopogon citratus)

Studies show that tanglad helps ease
stomach discomforts and aids in lessening, if
not totally curing, the pain caused by
toothache and sprain. Lemon grass also
displays anti-bacterial activities and antifungal properties, thus, eradicates ring
worms.

Common names: lemon grass

Indication: stomachache, fever,headache, diuretic, vomiting
Parts used: Leaves
Special precautions: Tanglad is not known to be harmful when taken in recommended
dosages. However, individuals should always take caution before using any treatment.
Preparation:
As Tea
Pound or cut about 10 leaves of Tanglad then add in 2 cups of boiling water for
10 to 15 minutes, strain, add sugar and a slice of ginger to taste. Let it cool and drink a
cup three to four times a day.
VI.

Kalabo (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano contains: fiber, iron, manganese,
vitamin E, iron, calcium, omega fatty acids,
manganese, and typtophan. Its anti-bacterial
properties have been proven by recent studies to
treat infections of the reproductive tracts, and
which make it ideal to be given to women who
have just given birth.

Common names: Mountain mint, Suganda, oregano

Indication: Sore throat, UTI, asthma, colds, coughs and flu
Parts used: Leaves
Special precautions: Eating oregano can cause stomach upsets in some people. In
addition, those who are allergic to plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family (such as
including basil, lavender, mint, and sage) should be cautious, as they may also develop
an allergic reaction to oregano.
Preparation:
As Tea
Wash fresh or dried oregano leaves. Chop then add in 4 cups of water for every
1 cup of oregano leaves. Let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Let it steep then strain the
leaves. Drink half cup of Oregano three times a day. Kalabo concoction can be stored in
suitable glass container for later consumption.