INTRODUCTION

MEDICINA
L Plants
Approved by
Department Of
Health

Plants have been used in treating human diseases for

thousands of years. During recent years herbal medicine has become an
increasingly scientifically based system of healing. Due to demands from
both the public and medical establishments, studies leading to the scientific
explanation of plant therapeutic capabilities are allowing this practice to
gain increasing credibility and acceptance within the medical community.
Many plants produce special substances in their roots, leaves, flowers, or
seeds that help them to [Link] times, people have gathered these
substances to create herbal medicines to treat certain diseases.
Many of the powerful drugs used in modern medicines
originated in plants. Todays plant-based drugs treat a range of diseases,
from headaches to cancer. Healing with medicinal plants is as old as
mankind itself. Awareness of medicinal plants usage is a result of the many
years of struggles against illnesses due to which man learned to pursue
drugs in barks, seeds, fruit bodies, and other parts of the plants.
Contemporary science has acknowledged their active action, and it has
included in modern pharmacotherapy a range of drugs of plant origin,
known by ancient civilizations and used throughout the millennia.
The knowledge of the development of ideas related to the usage
of medicinal plants as well as the evolution of awareness has increased the
ability of pharmacists and physicians to respond to the challenges that
have emerged with the spreading of professional services in facilitation of
man's life.
There are TEN (10) MEDICINAL PLANTS that the
Department of Health (DOH) through its "Traditional Health Program"
have endorsed. All these herbs have been thoroughly tested and have been
clinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and treatment of
various aliments: Akapulko, Ampalaya, Bawang, Bayabas, Lagundi,
Niyog-niyogan,Sambong, Tsaang Gubat, Ulasimang Bato | PansitPansitan,Yerba Buena.

TEN (10) MEDICINAL PLANTS

[Link] (Cassia alata L.) - also known as "bayabasbayabasan" and "ringworm bush" is used to treat ringworms and skin
fungal infections.
Akapulko is used as herbal medicine and is a
shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of
Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in the
Philippines as herbal medicine. The akapulko leaves
contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used
to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and
eczema. Akapulko leaves are also known to be sudorific,
diuretic and purgative, used to treat intestinal problems
including intestinal parasites.
Akapulko is also used as herbal medicine to treat
bronchitis and asthma. Because of Akapulkos anti-fungal properties, it is a
common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines.

2. AMPALAYA (Momordica charantia)

Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) or it's scientific name,

Momordica charantia has been a folkloric cure for generations but has
now been proven to be an effective herbal medicine for many [Link]
Philippine Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya Bitter Melon
(Momordica Charantia) as an alternative herbal medicine for liver

problems. Research about Ampalaya has shown that Ampalaya increases

the production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the bodys
ability to produce insulin, that controls the blood sugar for diabetics.
Ampalaya leaves and fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin B,
iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It is also rich in beta carotene. Ampalaya is
used as herbal treatment for diabetes, HIV, coughs, skin diseases, sterility
in women, parasiticide, antipyretic and as purgative among others.

3. BAWANG (Allium sativum)

Bawang has been used as herbal medicine in many cultures for
thousands of years, dating at least as far back as the time that the Egyptian
pyramids were built. Bawang is claimed to help prevent heart disease
including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and
cancer.
Bawang contains antibacterial compound
known as Allicin, Because of this bawang or garlic
is known as nature's antibiotic. Bawang juice
inhibits the growth of fungi and viruses thus
prevents viral, yeast and viral infections.
Preliminary test shows Bawang to have some
positive results in the treatment of AIDS.
The Philippine Department of Health has endorsed Bawang as an
alternative herbal medicine for its anti bacterial properties and its efficacy
for controlling hypertension, blood cholesterol and blood sugar for
diabetics among others.

4. BAYABAS (Psidium guajava L.)

Bayabas or guava is a fruit bearing shrub or

small tree that grows in the tropical climate like
Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. Bayabas is
widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine
and is recognized by the Philippine
Department of Health for its antiseptic property.
Bayabas or guava fruit is known for being rich in
vitamin C and vitamin A. Bayabas leaves and
fruits contain eugenol, tannin, saponins,
amydalin, phenolic acids, malic acid, ash, aldehydes, catequinic
components and flavonoids.
Bayabas or guava is used in herbal medicine as:
~antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
~ anti-spasmodic and antioxidant hepatoprotective
~ anti-allergy and antimicrobial
~ anti-plasmodial and anti-cough
~antidiabetic and antigenotoxic.

5. LAGUNDI (Vitex negundo L.)

Lagundi has been traditionally used as
herbal medicine by Philippine folks. The efficacy
of Lagundi has also been verified by the Philippine
Department of Health and other Philippine based
scientists which concentrated on its use to ease
respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally used
for the treatment of coughs, asthma symptoms, and
other respiratory problems,
Lagundi is also known for its analgesic
effect that helps alleviate pain and discomfort.

Other traditional benefits that are derived from the use of Lagundi are as
follows:
-Relief of asthma & pharyngitis
-Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea
-Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary
disorders
-Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox
-Removal of worms, and boils

6. NIYUG-NIYOGAN (Quisqualis indica L.)

According to Philippine Department of Health, Niyog-niyogan has the
following folkloric health benefits.
Expels Intestinal Wormsand Parasites. The seeds of
Niyog-niyogan are dried and taken orally.
Recommended dosage is 4 to 7 seeds for Children
while 8 to 10 seeds for Adults.
Caution: Adverse reactions - diarrhea, abdominal
pain, distention and hiccups more likely if nuts are
eaten in consecutive days or when fresh nuts are
eaten.
~ Treatment of Inflammation of Kidneys, Niyog-niyogan fruits are
believed to alleviate nephritis or inflammation of the kidneys.
~ Remedy for boils and skin ulcers; Niyog-niyogan leaves are pounded
and applied to externally to skin ulcers and boils.
~ Remedy for headaches, Niyog-niyogan leaves are applied to the
head to relieve headaches.
~Remedy for Diarrhea and Fever, ripe fruits of Niyog-niyogan are
roasted and taken internally for diarrhea and fever treatment.
~ Remedy for Dysuria or painful urination.
A decoction of boiled Niyog-niyogan leaves are taken as tea to
relieve pain while urinating.

-Anti-Cancer, According to Professor Dr. Thomas Efferth of the DKFZ

who studied 76 kinds of Chinese Medicinal plants, Niyog-niyogan or the
Rangoon Creeper contains three ingredients with powerful anti-tumor
activity that suppress the growth of a specific tumor cell line that is
particularly resistant to many commonly used cytotoxins due to
overproduction of a transport protein in the cell wall. In contrast, a whole
range of standard anti-cancer drugs fail to be effective against this cell.

7. SAMBONG (Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC.)

Sambong roots and leaves are used as herbal treatment

for fevers, sambong leaves and roots are pounded then dissolved in cold
water. Applied with a soft cloth over the nape, forehead, underarms and
other body parts to bring down the body temperature.
Sambong roots and leaves are also used as herbal medicine
treatment for rheumatism. Sambong roots and leaves are pounded and
applied as poultice on the affected body part. Sambong roots and leaves
may also be boiled and are applied as warm compress onto affected area.
Sambong is also used to treat headache, sambong leaves are pounded and
applied as a poultice over the forehead.
Sambong tea are also used as herbal medicine for colds
and coughs of diarrhea and stomach spasms also cuts and
wounds.

8. TSAANG GUBAT (Ehretia microphylla Lam.)

Tsaang Gubat is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub
that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. Tsaang

gubat is
widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine.
Tsaang gubat were studied for possible antiallergic substances to counter the histamine release
from mast cells that cause type-1 reactions. The
tsaang-gubat, contains rosmarinic acid and
microphyllone which is attributed for its efficacy to
control allergy. Tsaang gubat studies also shows it
hasantibacterial, antinocicpetive and antiinflammatory properties. Study of tsaang gubat
leaves showed a mixture of triterpenes a-amyrin, amyrin and baurenol and a wide range of bioactivity.
The tsaang gubat showed analgesic, anti- inflammatory, antidiarrheal and antibacterial activities. Tsaang gubat is commonly prepared
in pills capsules and in herbal tea bags form. Tsaang gubat 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 in diameter, fleshy, with a 4-seeded stone.

9. ULASIMANG BATO (Peperomia pellucida)

Studies have shown that Yerba buena contains pulegone, menthol,

menthene, menthenone and limonene.

It is effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The leaves

can be eaten fresh (about a cupful) as salad or like tea. For the decoction,
boil a cup of clean chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20
minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup after meals (3 times day).
ULASIMANG BATO is used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of:
-Eye inflammation And Sore throat
-Diarrhea and Prostate problems
-High blood pressure And Arthritis
-Gout and Skin boils
-Wounds,Burns,Skin inflammation
abscesses,
-Pimples,Headache,Fever
-Abdominal pains,Renal problems
-Mental excitement disorder .

10. YERBA BUENA (Mentha x cordifolia Opiz ex Fresen)

Yerba buena is also know for its medicinal properties.

Yerba buena is used as herbal medicine for the treatment of many ailments
which has been traditionally used since ancient times.

Common Health benefits from Yerba buena are as follows:

-Yerba Buena tea used as body pain reliever.
Good for headache, stomach ache and tooth ache.
-Yerba Buena poultice used for Rheumatism, arthritis and headache
crush the fresh leaves squeeze sap. Massage sap on painful parts with
eucalyptus.
-Yerba Buena tea for cough and colds
Drink as tea. Acts as an expectorant.
-Yerba Buena as mouth wash for swollen gums and tooth aches
Steep 6 grams of fresh plant in a glass of boiling water for 30
minutes. Use solution as gargle.
-Yerba Buena tea for menstrual and gas pain
Drink infusion. It induces menstrual flow and sweating.
-Yerba Buena minty scent for nausea and fainting
Crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients.
-Yerba Buena leaves for Insect bites
Crush leaves and apply juice on affected part or pound leaves until
paste-like. Then rub this on affected part.

CONCLUSION
Humans have evolved with herbs and plants for hundreds of
thousands of years. Using herbal medicine brings harmony and balance
back to the body, because it allows the body to be just as responsible for
the healing as the plant.
Medicinal plants can be used by anyone, for example as part of a
salad, an herbal tea or supplement. Many herbalists, both professional and
amateur, often grow or wild craft their own herbs. Making your own herbal
medicine preparation is not only fun, but can be cost-effective. Some may
require some degree of skill, you have to use your own judgement.
Those are the 10 examples of medicinal plants approved by the
DOH or Departmant of Health which can be use safely and effectively. If
you decide to use herbal medicine. You should know how to prepare your
own herbal medicine, Know the right plant, the right dose and right use to
avoid ineffectively and toxicity of the medicine.

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Princess Magnolia F.
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Charmie E. Jimenez
Christy Joy
M. Cootauco
Sharry Jean E. Obona Camille Guelas
Baby Jane Javier