10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 4 (Last Part)

Here's the final installment to the 10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine Department of Health



8. Niyug-Niyogan

Scientific Name: Quisqualis Indica
Other Names: Balitadham, Pnones, Pinio, Bonor (Bis.), Bawe-bawe (Pamp.), Kasumbal, Talolong (Bik.), Tagrau, Tagulo Totoraok (Tag.), Tartarau (Ilk.), Burma creeper, Chinese honeysuckle (Eng.), Shih-chun-tzu (Chin.)

A vine that bears tiny fruits and grows wild in backyards. The seeds must come from mature, dried but newly opened fruits. Propagated through stem cuttings about 20 cm. in height.

Uses/Preparation:

Anti-helminthic:

Dried seeds are taken orally two (2) hours after supper. If no worms are expelled, the dose may be repeated after one week.

Adults 8-10 seeds
8-12 years 6-7 seeds
6-7 years 5-6 seeds
4-5 years 4-5 seeds

Caution!!!

Not to be given to children below four (4) years old.

Adverse Reactions: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, distention and hiccups more likely if nuts are eaten in consecutive days or when fresh nuts are eaten.


9. Tsaang Gubat

Scientific Name: Carmona retusa
Other Names: Alibungog (Vis.), Kalabonog, Maragued (Ilk.), Kalimunog, Taglokot, Talibunog, Tsa (Tag.), Malatadian(Gad.),  Alangit (Bis.), Balingsaa (C. Bis.), Buntatai (P.Bis.), Buyo-buyo (Sul.), Mara-mara (Bis., S.L. Bis.), Maratia (Ibn.), Chaang-bundok (Tag.), Palupo (Iv.), Putputai (Bik.), Gari (Bag.), Icha-nga-atap, Icha-ti-bakir (Ilk.), Fukien Tea Tree, Scorpion Bush, Wild Tea (Eng.)

A shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. It is an erect, shrub with green compound leaves. The Tsaang Gubat shrub grows to about 1 to 4 meters high and can be found in secondary forest in low and medium altitude. Tsaang Gubat leaves grows in clusters on short branches, 3-6 cm long, somewhat toothed or lobed near the apex and pointed at the base, short-stalked and rough on the upper surface. Tsaang Gubat bears small white flowers, axillary, solitary, 2 or 4 on a common stalk. It bears yellow fruits when ripe about 4-5 mm inb diameter, fleshy, with a 4-seeded stone. The Tsaang Gubat leaves showed a mixture of triterpenes-α-amyrin, ß-amyrin, and baurenol and a wide range of bioactivity. The Tsaang Gubat showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and antibacterial activities.

Uses/Preparation:

For Diarrhea:

Boil the following amount of chopped leaves in two (2) glasses of water for fifteen (15) minutes or until amount of water goes down to 1 glass. Cool and strain.

                     Dried Leaves Fresh Leaves
   Adult              10  tbsp               12  tbsp
   7-12 yrs         5 tbsp                   6 tbsp
  2-6 yrs            2 ½ tbsp                3 tbsp

Divide decoction into 4 parts. Let the patient drink 1 part every 3 hours.

For Stomach Ache:

Wash leaves and chop. Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for fifteen (15) minutes. Cool and filter/strain and drink.

Dried Leaves Fresh Leaves
   Adult                          2 tbsp                  3  tbsp
   7-12 yrs                       1 tbsp                ½ tbsp


10. Ampalaya 

Scientific Name: Mamordica Charantia
Other Names: Margoso, Ampalaya (Tag.), Apalia (Pamp.), Apape (Ibn.), Apapet (Itn.), Palia (Bis., Ban., If., Ilk.), Pubia (Sub.), Suligum (Sul.), Balsam Aple, Balsam Pear, Bitter Gourd (Eng.)

Also known as Bitter Melon is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in the Amazon, Carribean, Southeast Asia such as Philippines for its edible fruit. Ampalaya or bitter melon also known as bitter gourd as the name implies has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin, and is believed to be among the most bitter of all vegetables. It is a climbing vine that grows up to 5m, with tendrils up to 20 cm long. Ampalaya eaves are heart-shaped, 5-10 cm across, cut into 5-7 lobes. Each Ampalaya plant bears separate yellow male and female flowers. Ampalaya bears fleshy green fruit, oblong shaped with pointy ends, ribbed and wrinkled, bursting when mature to release seeds. Ampalaya seeds are flat with ruminated margins. Clinical studies have found Amplaya demonstrate hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties or other actions of potential benefit against diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycemic compounds found in Ampalaya include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantins, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids.

Uses/Preparation:

Lower Blood Sugar Levels (Mild Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus):

Gather and wash young leaves very well. Chop. Boil 6 tablespoons in two glassfuls of water for fifteen (15) minutes under low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Take one third cup three (3) times a day after meals.

Note: Young leaves may be blanched/steamed and eaten ½ glassful two (2) times a day.

Reminders on the Use of Herbal Medicine

1. Avoid the use of insecticides as these may leave poison on plants.
2. In the preparation of herbal medicine, use a clay pot and remove cover while boiling at low heat.
3. Use only the part of the plant being advocated.
4. Follow accurate dose of suggested preparation.
5. Use only one kind of herbal plant for each type of symptoms or sickness.
6. Stop giving the herbal medicine in case of untoward reaction such as allergy.
7. If signs and symptoms are not relieved after 2 or 3 doses of herbal medication, consult a doctor.






References:

Akapulko Herbal Medicine. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://medicalhealthguide.com/articles/akapulko1.htm
Ampalaya. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/ampalaya.htm
Bayabas. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/bayabas.htm
Cuevas, Frances Prescilla L., et.al. (2007). Public Health Nursing in the Philippines. Philippines: National League of Philippine Government Nurses, Incorporated.
Department of Health (1994).  Health Work is Team Work: an Operations Manual for Community Volunteers Health Workers (CVHW). Philippines: Department of Health
GHW Basic Training Guide (2009). Philippines: Gawad Kalinga Kalusugan.
Niyog-Niyogan Herbal Medicine. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/niyog-niyogan.htm
Sambong-Herbal Medicine. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/sambong.htm
Tsaang Gubat Herbal Medicine. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/tsaanggubat.htm
Yerba Buena. Retrieved July 6, 2012, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/yerbabuena.htm

10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 3

Part 3

5. Yerba (Hierba) Buena

Scientific name: Mentha cordifelia
Other Names: Herba Buena (most dialects), Opiz Ablebana (If.), Malipuen (Als.), Hilbas (Dav., Ley.), Peppermint (Eng.), Po-ho (Chin.)

A small multi-branching aromatic herb of the mint family that is known and used as herbal medicine worldwide. . A perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter in height with oblong shaped leaves with toothed margins. Yerba Buena is grown worldwide from North America to Asia. The stem creeps to the ground, and develops roots to form a sprawling, mat-forming perennial. May also be propagated through cuttings. Studies have shown that Yerba Buena contains pulegone, menthol, menthene, menthenone and limonene.

Uses/Preparation:

For Pain in Different Parts of the Body such as Headache, Stomach Ache and Tooth Ache:

Boil chopped leaves in two (2) glasses of water for fifteen (15) minutes. Cool and strain.

   Dried Leaves    Fresh Leaves
   Adult       6 tbsp       4 tbsp
   7-12 yrs  ½ of Adult Dose

Divide decoction into two parts and drink one part (as tea) every three hours.

For Rheumatism, Arthritis and Headache:

Crush fresh leaves and squeeze sap. Massage sap on painful parts with eucalyptus.
For Cough and Cold:

Get about ten (10) fresh leaves and soak in a glass of hot water. Drink as tea. Acts as an expectorant.

For Swollen Gums and Tooth Ache:

Steep six (6) grams of of fresh plant in boiling water for 30 minutes. Use solution as gargle.

For Menstrual and Gas Pain:

Soak a handful of leaves in a glass of boiling water. Drink infusion. It induces menstrual flow and sweating.

For Nausea and Fainting:

Crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients.

For Insect Bites:

Crush leaves and apply juice on affected part or pound leaves until paste-like, and rub this on affected part.

For Pruritus:

Boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water. Use decoction as a wash on affected area.

6. Sambong

Scientific Name: Blumea balsamifera
Other Names: Alibhon, Alimon (p. Vis), Kambihon, Lakdanbulan (Vis.), Ayohan, Bulaklak Ga Buen, Kaliban (Tag.), Gintin-gintin, Alibum, Lalakdan, Dalapot, Sob-sob, Subusub, Kambibon, Camphor (Eng.)

A shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate countries such as Philippines, India, Africa and found even in eastern Himalayas. Sambong is widely used as herbal medicine in the Philippines. It is an aromatic shrub, that grows from 1 to 4 meters in height. It is considered  as a weed in some countries and is difficult to eradicate. Sambong  has yellow flowering heads that is 6 mm long. Sambong leaves are green obloid that spreads in a pyramidal pattern. Sambong bears fruits that are ribbed and hairy on top. Sambong fruit has 1 seed. Mature stems are used for planting.

Uses/Preparation:

Anti-edema, Diuretic, Anti-urolithiasis:

Boil chopped leaves in water for fifteen (15) minutes until one glassful remains. Cool and strain.

Dried Leaves Fresh Leaves
   Adult       4  tbsp       6  tbsp
   7-12 yrs      ½ of Adult Dose

Divide decoction into three (3) parts. Drink one part three (3) times a day.

7. Akapulko

Scientific Name: Cassia alata
Other Names: Bayabas-bayabasan, Kapurko, Kantada, Katandang Aso, Pakagonkon, Sonting (Tag.), Andadasi, Andadasi-a dakdako, Andadasi-bugbugtong (Ilk.), Adadasi (Ting.), Ancharasi (Ig.), Andalan (Sul.), Bayabasin, Bibs-bibs (Bik., Tag., Bis.), Kasitas (Bik., Bis.), Sunting, Palo China (Bis.), Pakayomkom Kastila (Pamp.), Ringworm Bush (Eng.)

Akapulko is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. It is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko leaves have orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow flowers that has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers are enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time. The Akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.

Uses/Preparation:

Anti-fungal (Tinea Flava, Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot and Scabies):

Fresh, matured leaves are pounded. Apply as soap to the affected part 1-2 times a day until cured. If symptoms persist or irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.

To prepare an Akapulko Herbal Ointment, wash fresh leaves and cut in small pieces. Add one glass of cooking oil or coconut oil to one glass of cut fresh leaves. Fry until crispy. Remove from the heat; srain. Cut 2 white candles (Esperma No. 5) into small pieces. In a cooking pot, pour the strained oil together with the candle pieces; stir until the candle has melted. Pour the mixture into a clean container; cover when cool. Apply the Akapulko herbal ointment to affected areas twice daily.

10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 2

Here's the continuation of the 10 Herbal Plants advocated by the Philippine Department of Health.



2. Ulasimang Bato

Scientific Name: Peperonia pellucida
Other Names: Pansit-pansitan (Tag), Sinaw-sinaw (Bis)

A weed, with heart-shaped leaves that grow in shady parts of the garden and yard.

Use/Preparation:

Lowers Uric Acid (Rheumatism and Gout):

Wash the leaves well. One and a half cup leaves are boiled in two glassfuls of water over low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Divide into three (3) parts and drink each part three times a day after meals.

May also be eaten as salad. Wash the leaves well. Prepare one and a half cups of leaves (not closely packed). Divide into three parts and take as salad three times a day.

3. Bawang

Scientific Name: Allium Sativum
Other Names: Ajos (Span., Bis.); Garlic (Eng.)

This is a low herb, which only grows up to sixty centimetres high. Its leaves are flat and linear, with bulbs that consist of several tubers.

Uses/Preparation:

For Hypertension, to Lower Cholesterol Levels in the Blood:

May be fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 5 minutes. Take two pieces three times a day after meals.

Caution: Take on a full stomach to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers.

For Tooth Ache:

Pound a small piece and apply to affected part.

4. Bayabas

Scientific Name: Psidium guajava L.
Other Names: Kalimbahin, Tayabas (Tag.), Bagabas (Ig.), Bayabo (Ibm.), Bayawas (Bik., Pang.), Biabas (Sul.), Guyabas (Ilk.), Gaiyabat (If.), Guava (Eng.)

Bayabas or Guava is a fruit bearing shrub or small tree, about 4-5 meters high, that grows in the tropical climate like Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. Bayabas is widely used as herbal medicine in the Philippines and recognized by the Philippine Department of Health for its antiseptic property. Bayabas has white tiny flowers with round or oval fruits that are eaten raw. It is propagated through seeds. Bayabas leaves and fruits contain eugenol, tannin, saponins, amydalin, phenolic acids, malic acid, ash, aldehydes, catequinic components and flavonoids.

Uses/ Preparation:

For Washing Wounds/Antiseptic/Astringent:

Gather fresh leaves and wash with water. Boil one cup of leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
To use as mouthwash, warm decoction is used for gargle.
To clean/wash wounds, wash affected areas twice a day.
May also be used as vaginal wash especially after child birth.
Fresh leaves can also be chewed for the treatment of tootache and gum swelling.
To hasten wound healing, fresh leaf poultice may be applied to the wound.

For Diarrhea:

Gather fresh leaves. Wash well and chop. Boil chopped leaves of about 4 to 6 tablespoon for every 18 ounces of water. Strain and let cool. Drink ¼ cup of decoction every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.

Side Effects!!!

Eating too much of Bayabas fruit can cause constipation.

If there is no improvement of diarrhea symptoms in two days, consult your doctor.

10 Herbal Plants Advocated by the Philippine DOH Part 1

Herbal Medicine 

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) advocated the use of locally available medicinal plants because of the increasing cost of drugs and as part of primary health care. Studies conducted found out that many local plants and herbs in the Philippines are effective in the treatment of common ailments. (Cuevas, et.al., 2007)

The Philippine DOH is advocating the use of ten (10) herbal plants, namely:

1. Lagundi
2. Ulasimang Bato
3. Bawang
4. Bayabas
5. Yerba (Hierba) Buena
6. Sambong
7. Akapulko
8. Niyug-niyogan
9. Tsaang Gubat
10. Ampalaya

For the benefit of everyone, I will discuss all the herbal plants advocated by the Philippine DOH, I will discuss each herbal plants and its uses in different instalments. To start with:

1. Lagundi

Scientific Name: Vitex Negundo
Other Names: Kamalan (Tag.), Dabtan (If.), Limo-limo (Ilk.), Molave aso (Sul),
    Tugas (Ceb),  5 leaves chaste tree (Eng)

A shrub growing wild in vacant lots and waste land. The Lagundi plant can be described as a cross between a shrub and a tree with single woody stem (trunk) and can grow up to five meters tall. Mature branches are planted. The flowers are blue and bell-shaped. The small fruits turn black when ripe. Its pointed leaves with five leaflets set like a hand.

Uses:

Asthma, Cough and Fever:

Boil chopped raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses of water left for 15 minutes or until the water left is only 1 glass (decoction). Cool and strain. The following dosages of decoction are given according to age group:


               Dried leaves Fresh Leaves
Adult          4 tbsp                    6 tbsp
7-12 yrs       2 tbsp                   3 tbsp
2-6 yrs      1 tbsp                  1 ½ tbsp.

Dysentery, Colds and Pain in any part of the body (as in influenza):

Boil a handful of leaves and flowers in water to produce a glassful decoction three times a day.

Skin Diseases (dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema) and Wounds:

Prepare a decoction of the leaves. Wash and clean the skin/wound with the decoction.

Headache:

Crushed leaves may be applied on the forehead.

Rheumatism, Sprain, Contusions, Insect Bites:

Pound the leaves and apply to affected part.

Aromatic Bath for Sick Patients:

Prepare leaf decoction for use in sick and newly delivered patients.