Herbal
Medicine in the Philippines is one of several scientific subjects also
very closed to my heart. Thus in both of my undergraduate and graduate
degrees, my minor subject was in natural products chemistry but my major
subject was Analytical Chemistry. In FDA I was involved in the various
committees promulgating requirements for the approval of botanical
drugs.
(http://pu.blish.us/article/585/a-brief-overview-of-new-drugs-development-in-the-united-states#).
As
a tropical country the Philippines is a good and an abundant source of
plants with medical benefits. Regulation of these products are under the
guidance of the Philippines Department of Health (DOH).
The following are the ten Medicinal Plants in the Philippines endorsed by the Department of Health:
1. Akapulko
(Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called "ringworm bush or schrub" and
"acapulco" in English, this Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat
tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and
itchiness.
2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)
Common names include "bitter melon " or "bitter gourd " in English. This
Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the
treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemofrhoids, coughs, burns
and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties.
3. Bawang (Allium
sativum) Common name in english is "Garlic". Bawang is a used in
Philippine herbal medicine to treat infection with antibacterial,
antiinflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties. It is
widely used to reduce cholesterol level in blood.
4. Bayabas (Psidium
guajava) - "Guava" in English. A Philippine herbal medicine used as
antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant
hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial,
anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine.
5. Lagundi
(Vitex negundo) - known as "5-leaved chaste tree" in english is used in
Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also
used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism,
dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea.
6. Niyog-niyogan
(Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle".
This Philippine herbal medicine is used to eliminate intestinal
parasites.
7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)-
English name: "Ngai camphor or Blumea camphor" is a Philippine herbal
medicine used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism,
anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension
8. Tsaang Gubat
(Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - English :"Wild tea" is a Philippine herbal
medicine taken as tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies
and itchiness wounds in child birth
9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a Phillipine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating arthritis and gout.
10.Yerba Buena (Clinopodium
douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal
medicine as analgesic to relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism
and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites
Types of herbal medicine
Medicinal
plants can be used by anyone, for example as part of a salad, an herbal
tea or supplement. Many herbalists, both professional and amateur,
often grow or wildcraft their own herbs. 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,
you have to use your own judgement if you decide to use one. 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, infusion and decoction.
Infusion is steeping lighter parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, light
stems) in boiled water for several minutes. 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
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 extracts the alcohol-soluble
principles 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. Plant tinctures are also the basis for
many homeopathic medicines.
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 vodka
Instructions::
Put the dried herb into a large, glass jar and pour in equal amount of
liquid, making sure the herbs are completely covered (this is very
important). Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks,
preferably 4. 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. 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.
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.
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 the health food industry 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.
Source: www.medicalhealthguide.com/philippinesherbalmedicine.htm
Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my file:
 |
| Sunflower pinwheels in our Front yard-gift of Carenna last Mother's Day |
Getting
Excited for my first ampalaya( bitter melon) and okra harvest this
year. On the other hand, I have one halopeno pepper and cherry tomatoes
ready for harvest. 
