Lesson 3: DOH Approved Medicinal Plants

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the Department of Health (DOH) approved medicinal plants in the Philippines, including their scientific names, uses, and preparation guidelines according to RA 8423.

Republic Act 8423

Otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 (TAMA), which created the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).

PITAHC

The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care, established to accelerate the development of traditional and alternative health care in the Philippines.

Herbal Medicine Preparation Rule (Vessel)

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

Dried vs. Fresh Parts Dosage

Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts (like leaves) when using dried parts.

Decoction Shelf-life

Decoctions lose potency after some time and must be disposed of after one day; they can be kept lukewarm in a flask or thermos during the day.

Sambong

Scientific name: Blumea balsamifera. Used as an anti-edema, diuretic, and anti-urolithiasis agent; it is not a medicine for kidney infection.

Akapulko

Also known as Ringworm Bush or Bayas-bayasan (Scientific name: Cassia alata). Used as an anti-fungal for Tinea Flava, Ringworm, Athlete's Foot, and Scabies.

Niyog-niyogan

Also known as Chinese Honey Suckle (Scientific name: Quisqualis indica L.). Used as an anti-helmintic to expel parasitic worms.

Niyog-niyogan Dosage (Adults)

Adults may take $10$ seeds eaten raw two hours before the patient's last meal of the day.

Tsaang Gubat

Also known as Forest Tea or Wild Tea (Scientific name: Carmona retusa). Used to treat diarrhea and stomach ache.

Ampalaya

Also known as Bitter Gourd or Bitter melon (Scientific name: Momordica charantia). Used to lower blood sugar levels in mild non-insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

Lagundi

Also known as 5 Leaved-Chaste Tree (Scientific name: Vitex negundo). Used for asthma, cough, fever, dysentery, colds, pain, and skin diseases.

Ulasimang Bato

Also known as Silver bush, Shiny bush, or Pansit-pansitan (Scientific name: Peperomia pellucida). Used to lower uric acid in cases of Rheumatism and Gout.

Bawang

Also known as Garlic (Scientific name: Allium sativum). Used for hypertension, toothache, and lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

Bayabas

Also known as Guava (Scientific name: Psidium guajava). Used for washing wounds, toothache, and diarrhea.

Yerba Buena

Also known as Peppermint (Scientific name: Mentha cordifelia). Used for various pains (headache, stomach ache, menstrual), rheumatism, arthritis, cough, cold, and nausea.

Herbal Treatment Duration Rule

If signs and symptoms are not relieved after $2$ or $3$ doses of herbal medication, a doctor should be consulted.