Herbal Medicines in the Philippines Approved by the Department of Health

If you are looking for the list of herbal medicines in the Philippines and particularly looking for those plants that are approved by the Department of Health, here they are:

Acapulco (Cassia alata)

• Used to treat fungal infections
• The leaves are known to be sudorific, diuretic, and purgative which are used to treat intestinal problems and used to get rid of intestinal parasites
• Used to treat bronchitis
• Because of Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines.
  

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

• Ampalaya contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin that controls the blood sugar in diabetics.
• Best known to treat diabetes
• Good for rheumatism and gout
• Helps in lowering blood
• Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
  
• Is an antioxidant, parasiticide, antibacterial & antipyretic
• Helps prevent some types of cancer

Bawang or Garlic (Allium sativum)

• significant protective action against a fat induced increase in serum cholesterol and plasma fibrinogen and in fibrinolytic activity.
• Used as a carminative, aphrodisiac, expectorant, and stimulant
• Human population studies show that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer
• Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal activity, it may work against some intestinal parasites
• Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure
• It stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices
• It is an excellent agent as a worm expeller
• Garlic has also been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders Pimples disappear without scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day

Bayabas or Guava (Psidium guajava)

• Contains quercetin which is an antioxidant that blocks enzymes that are responsible for building sorbitol, the sugar that forms the cloudy white clusters that cause cataracts
• Rich in folate which helps to fight bad breath that causes gum disease gingivitis.
• Very rich in astringents (compounds those make your gums feel tighter and fresh after you chew guava leaves or eat a raw guava or use some toothpaste) which binds up loose bowels in diarrhea.
• One of richest in vitamin-C and iron which are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections
• Can help improve your skin texture and avoid skin problems more than the best of beauty creams or skin toner gels can do
• Helps reduce cholesterol in blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure.
• Very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising with their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber

Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

• It has been clinically tested and studied to be effective for colds, flu, asthma and chronic bronchitis.
• The seeds are boiled and eaten to prevent the spread of toxins from the poisonous bites of animals
• The flowers are used for diarrhea, cholera and liver disorders.
• The saps from the crushed leaves are used for colds and sore throat.
• Leaf decoction of lagundi are used for wounds, ulcers, treat gastric colic, flatulence and it can also help those lactating mothers to produce more milk for their babies.

Niyog - Niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.)

• It is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina
• Only the dried matured seeds are medicinal -crack and ingest the dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds for adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.
  

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)

• Sambong is known for its remarkable treatment for kidney stones or nephrolithiases, urolithiases, a diuretic and other diseases
• Leaves of sambong can be infused and used as a substitute for tea and also used for colds
• Can also be used for heart diseases and hypertension
• It is also high in essential oils and contains considerable amounts of camphor oil

Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.)

• Used for stomach pain
• Effective for gastroenteritis
• Used as mouth gargle since the leaves of this plant has high flouride content
• Also used as body cleanser and body wash

Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)

• It is an aromatic plant used as herbal medicine worldwide.
• Has been consumed as tea and herbal medicine as a pain reliever
• Effective alternative medicine for aches and pain
• Effective for minor ailments such as headaches, toothaches and joint pains
• Used as mouthwash
  

The worst form of ignorance we have about herbal medicines is they maybe growing right in our own backyard and we only think of them as useless weeds. We fail to recognize them because we don’t know or understand what they are. In fact, studies show that our country is home to around 8,000 to 12,000 species of herbal plants. Imagine if we could develop their full potential to help give us a healthy and long life.