Healing Herbs

As part of primary health care and because of the increasing cost of drugs, the use of locally available medicinal plants have been advocated by the Department of Health (DOH). Many local plants and herbs in the Philippine backyard and field have been found to be effective in the treatment of common ailments. The point here is not to condemn pharmaceuticals but rather to point out that aside from a few problems, herbal medicines are not major public hazards. But every now and then herbs turn out to pose a new hazard, but such findings are rare compared to the unanticipated side effects in approved pharmaceuticals. And besides, herbs are inexpensive, gentler, and safer than pharmaceuticals.

The ten herbal plants approved by the DOH are as follows…

Lagundi (Vitex negundo), is recommended for asthma, cough and fever; dysentery, colds and pain in any part of the body as in influenza; skin diseases such as dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema; headache; rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites; aromatic bath for sick patients.

Yerba Buena/Peppermint (Mentha cordifelia), is used for pain in different parts of the body as headache, stomach ache; rheumatism, arthritis, and headache; cough and cold; swollen gums; toothache; menstrual and gas pain; nausea and fainting; insect bites; pruritus.

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), is suggested for anti-edema, diuretic, anti-urolithiasis. Take note that sambong is not a medicine for kidney infection.

Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa), is recommended for diarrhea and stomachache.

Niyug-Niyugan (Quisqualis indica L.), is used as an anti-helminthic. Take note that it should not be given to children below four years old.

Bayabas/Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is used for washing wounds and for diarrhea.

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), is suggested for anti-edema, diuretic, anti-urolithiasis. Take note that sambong is not a medicine for kidney infection.

Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa), is recommended for diarrhea and stomachache.

Niyug-Niyugan (Quisqualis indica L.), is used as an anti-helminthic. Take note that it should not be given to children below four years old.

Bayabas/Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is used for washing wounds and for diarrhea.

Akapulko (Cassia, alata L.), is used for anti-fungal: Tinea Flava, ringworm, athletes foot, and scabies.