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.