The Philippines is home to literally hundreds of different types of medicinal plants and herbs that can be discovered around the country. An additional piece of uplifting knowledge is that everyone of you has the potential to produce your very own medicinal garden right in the comfort of your own backyard. Simply conduct a search for plants that have a good chance of surviving when grown in pots. Exploring the many different channels available on YouTube is an excellent way to generate many fantastic ideas.
Medicinal plants in the philippines
Prior to the birth of modern medicine, people placed a significant amount of importance on the information on medicinal plants that had been handed down within their families from one generation to the next. Poultices were used to treat wounds and bruises, while tinctures and oils that had been concentrated were used to treat ailments. Herbal medicine has been utilized for an unknowable amount of time, and its applications have included everything from these treatments.
It is common knowledge that ancient civilizations recognized the efficacy of herbal remedies, and there is evidence to suggest that both the Sumerians and the Ancient Chinese practiced herbal medicine at one point or another in their respective histories. Since it has been demonstrated that herbal therapy is effective, it has been able to withstand the test of time. Alternative medicine relies heavily on the use of medicinal plants and herbs, which are still a key component of modern practices in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world.
In a nation like the Philippines, where there is an abundance of diverse plant species, it is common for the natives to make use of herbal remedies for the treatment of minor ailments such as cough, colds, flu, infections, and various skin disorders. In addition, the Philippines is home to a number of islands that are home to a wide variety of tropical plants.
In spite of the fact that there are still a significant number of Filipinos who are skeptical regarding the efficacy of these plants, research and studies conducted in the field of medicine have already acknowledged their value in the context of the medical sector. After it was proven that these herbal remedies may be successful in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced their suggested list of herbal plants that can be found in the Philippines and the health advantages that they bring. The plants on this list can be found in the Philippines. The significance of complementary and alternative medicine in the provision of health care was thereby bolstered even further by this development.
9 List of medicinal plants in the philippines
We have included in this page some of the most well-known herbal and medicinal plants in the Philippines, along with the conditions that they have been found to be effective against, as well as the folk medicinal applications for those plants. In addition, we have included the conditions that they have been proved to be successful against.
Lagundi
Among lagundi's therapeutic applications and benefits include its ability to put an end to coughing, ease the symptoms of asthma, promote the expulsion of phlegm, and reduce fever associated with the common cold or the flu. It can help ease the discomfort of a toothache or a headache.
This is how to cook lagundi leaves, which are effective against cough, asthma, and fever. Prepare lagundi leaves by boiling them for 15 minutes in enough water to fill two glasses. In the lexicon of professionals, this brew is known as a "decoction." A half glass of the decoction should be taken three times day to alleviate coughing. To further aid in loosening phlegm, drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
Take a third of a glass of the decoction three times daily if you have asthma. If your asthma doesn't improve after taking the decoction once, or if the attack is particularly severe, you should see a doctor straight once.
Half a glass of the decoction should be taken every three hours, or as needed, to reduce fever. To ease a headache, wilt a sufficient number of fresh lagundi leaves over a fire. Then, make a poultice by crushing the leaves and using it on your forehead and temples. Secure the leafs with a bandage. If it's been more than four hours, change the dressing.
Although Lagundi leaves are commonly used to treat coughs, new research suggests that the blooms may also play a significant role in treating diarrhea. Extract the juices from the Lagundi flowers and take them till your diarrhea subsides to utilize Lagundi as a treatment.
Ampalaya
Ampalaya leaf juice has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for fever and cough due to its antitussive and antipyretic properties. Coughs can be relieved by drinking a daily glass of juice made from ground up ampalaya leaves. Take a daily dose of ampalaya leaf juice, which is extracted and concentrated. However, it is recommended that you see a medical professional before considering ampalaya as a therapy option during pregnancy.
Tawa-Tawa
Tawa-tawa, often spelled "gatas-gatas," is a potent Philippine herbal remedy used to cure the symptoms of viral illnesses such the common cold, cough, and fever. Tawa-tawa is well-known for its antiviral qualities, but it is also effective against germs, fungi, and inflammation. If you have a cough or asthma, you can utilize this herb by boiling the leaves and drinking the resulting tea.
Sambong
Sambong is a powerful antipyretic that can help bring down elevated body temperatures caused by fevers. Sambong leaves can be used after being soaked in cold water and squeezed dry. Wrap the leaves in clean towels and place them on the armpits and forehead of the person who has a fever.
Sambong is a popular Philippine herbal remedy for its ability to dissolve kidney stones and heal wounds and cuts. In addition to relieving symptoms associated with rheumatism, colds, coughs, and diarrhea, it also has anti-spasmodic properties.
Sambong tea is an excellent option if you're looking for a natural and relaxing treatment for diarrhea. Sambong tea is made by steeping fresh sambong leaves in hot water for 10 minutes; it is used to relieve stomach cramps and spasms and to aid in bowel regularity. Have up to four cups of sambong tea daily and see if that helps your symptoms.
In the treatment of hypertension, diuretics like sambong are commonly carried by patients with kidney difficulties. It's also effective at preventing gout because of the way it controls uric acid levels in the body.
Crush or grind sambong leaves into a paste and apply it directly to your aching joints and muscles to relieve arthritis pain.
Yerba Buena
The anti-inflammatory qualities of Yerba Buena can help alleviate arthritic discomfort. Fresh Yerba Buena leaves are pounded into a paste after being heated over a fire. Apply the poultice to your sore joints while it's still warm. The Yerba Buena leaf pastes should be covered with a bandage and changed every four hours.
Pansit-Pansitan
Pansit-pansitan's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have been demonstrated to be effective in combination treatments for arthritic pain, according to scientific investigations. In addition to these benefits, this Philippine herbal plant can help maintain a healthy uric acid level, making gout less likely to occur.
You can eat this plant raw in salads, prepare it with other vegetables, or drink it as a tea called pansit-pansitan. Gather some fresh leaves and boil them for around 15 minutes to make your own pansit-pansitan tea. Pour the resulting tea through a strainer and consume a quarter cup three times day.
Tsaang-Gubat
The Philippine plant tsaang-gubat, also known as kalabonog, maramara, semente, and buyo-buyo, is used to cure diarrhea and LBM. Tsaang-gubat can be used to treat LBM if two glasses of water containing dried or fresh leaves are boiled for 15 minutes. When cold, drain and portion into four servings. Take one serving every two hours (or as needed) until constipation sets in.
Tsaang-gubat is a highly adaptable plant that, depending on how it is processed, can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments. This medicinal plant native to the Philippines has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, making it useful for accelerating the recovery from wounds. To prepare this herb, just boil tsaang-gubat leaves for 10 to 15 minutes before pounding them. Tea, once cooled, can be used as a periodic wound cleanser and disinfectant.
Niyog-Niyogan
Niyog-niyogan, also called the Rangoon Creeper, is an effective treatment for diarrhea and other forms of loose bowel movement and has many other uses. The ripe fruits of this Philippine shrub can be harvested and used medicinally by simply roasting them. You should swallow them till your symptoms improve. Parasites and worms in the digestive tract may also be expelled with the help of this plant. Take four to seven dried niyog-niyogan seeds daily.
Bayabas
For as long as anybody can remember, bayabas leaves have been used to disinfect wounds and treat bacterial infections thanks to their antiseptic characteristics. The boiled, cooled leaves of this Philippine medicinal plant can be used to make an astringent and antibacterial wash. Apply the bayabas "tea" to the wound two or three times a day until it has healed.
The Philippines' Herbal Plants Have Many Other Applications
Herbal therapy has been shown to be beneficial in treating a variety of illnesses and problems, but herbal plants have many other potential applications as well. Both nutritional supplementation and general cleanliness fall under this category. Some traditional Filipino herbal plants also have the following additional functions:
Use it like you would a mouthwash. In the Philippines, Yerba Buena is used as a mouth wash to freshen breath and remove plaque, in addition to helping with arthritis and gout. Tsaang-Gubat, like Yerba Buena, has antibacterial qualities that may slow down odor-causing microorganisms in the mouth, which is surprising.
To help nursing women produce more milk. Malunggay is a well-liked herb because to the high nutrient density of its leaves, which have earned it the nickname "miracle tree." Malunggay is one of the most well-known galactogogues in Asia because of its popularity among breastfeeding moms and its function in nutritional supplements.
To help with dengue fever. Dengue fever is a major health problem in the Philippines because of the country's tropical location. Asthma plant (Tawa-Tawa) was recommended by the Department of Health in 2014 as a successful dengue fever treatment due to its capacity to boost platelet count. Because it has been shown to hasten dengue patients' recoveries, Tawa-tawa is now widely regarded as a valuable herbal medication in the Philippines.
Used to alleviate tooth pain. It has been shown that Lagundi can help with both coughs and toothaches. The discomfort can be relieved by giving the patient a half glass of Lagundi decoction every three hours.
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