HERBAL MEDICINES

What are Herbal Medicines?

Products made from plants (botanicals) used to treat diseases or maintain health.

Republic Act No. 8423

Known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997; promotes the use of traditional and alternative medicine in the Philippines.

The Ten DOH-Approved Herbal Medicines

- Sambong

- Akapulko

- Ampalaya

- Niyog-niyogan

- Tsaang Gubat

- Bayabas

- Lagundi

- Ulasimang Bato

- Yerba Buena

- Bawang

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)

Used as anti-edema, diuretic, and for kidney stones. Boil chopped leaves for 15 minutes; drink 1 part TID.

Akapulko (Cassia alata)

Used for fungal infections like ringworm, athlete's foot, and scabies. Pound fresh leaves and apply as soap once or twice daily.

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

Lowers blood sugar in mild, non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Boil young leaves in water; take 1/3 cup TID after meals.

Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica)

Anti-helminthic (for intestinal worms). Eat raw seeds 2 hours after dinner; adults 10 seeds, children 4-7 yrs: 4 seeds, 8-12 yrs: 6-7 seeds.

Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa / Ehretia microphylla)

For diarrhea and stomachache. Boil chopped leaves for 15 minutes; cool and strain before drinking.

Bayabas (Psidium guajava)

For washing wounds, toothache, and diarrhea. Boil chopped leaves; use decoction as mouthwash or wash for wounds.

Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

For cough, asthma, fever, colds, and wounds. Boil leaves or fruits for 15 minutes; drink or use for washing wounds.

Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida)

Lowers uric acid; used for gout and rheumatism. Boil or eat as salad, divided into 3 parts TID.

Bawang (Allium sativum)

For hypertension, toothache, and lowering cholesterol. Fry, roast, or soak in vinegar; take 2 pieces TID after meals.

Yerba Buena (Mentha cordifolia)

For pain, cough, colds, insect bites, and toothache. Boil leaves for 15 mins or soak 10 leaves in hot water and drink as tea.