10 DOH Herbs
Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:
10 Herbal Medicines in the Philippines
Approved by the Department of Health (DOH)
These is the list of the ten (10) medicinal plants that the
Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its
"Traditional Health Program" have endorsed. All ten (10)
herbs have been thoroughly tested and have been
clinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and
treatment of various aliments:
1. Akapulko (Cassia Alata) - also known as "bayabas-
bayabasan" and "ringworm bush" in English, this herbal
medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal
infections.
2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) - known as "bitter
gourd" or "bitter melon" in English, it most known as a
treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-
insulin dependent patients.
3. Bawang (Allium Sativum) - popularly known as
"garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and
hence, helps control blood pressure.
4. Bayabas (Psidium Guajava) - "guava" in English. It
is primarily used as an antiseptic, to disinfect wounds.
Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth
decay and gum infection.
5. Lagundi (Vitex Negundo) - known in English as the
"5-leaved chaste tree". It's main use is for the relief of
coughs and asthma.
6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis Indica) - is a vine
known as "Chinese honey suckle". 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.
7. Sambong (Blumea Balsamifera)- English name:
Blumea Camphora. A diuretic that helps in the
excretion of urinary stones. It can also be used as an
edema.
8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia Microphylla Lam.) -
Prepared like tea, this herbal medicine is effective in
treating intestinal motility and also used as a mouth
wash since the leaves of this shrub has high fluoride
content.
9. Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia Pellucida) - also
known as "pansit-pansitan" 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).
10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium Douglasii) - commonly
known as Peppermint, this vine is used as an analgesic
to relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally
as a decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and
applied directly on the afflicted area.
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● If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically -
without pesticides.
● Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny
mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during
and after heavy rainfall.
● Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before
harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on
young parts.
● After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable
to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on
screens above ground and never on concrete floors.
● Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown
bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably
with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal.
Leaves and other plant parts that are prepared
properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to six
months.
Tips on Preparation for Intake of Herbal
Medicines:
● Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts
like leaves when using dried parts.
● Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling
decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike
utensils.
● As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other
plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.
● Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of
decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day,
keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
● Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if
any sign of allergic reaction develops.
Key to Nutritional Healing
Free Radicals - The Cause of Aging and Disease
Free radicals are produced from normal body functioning.
Chemicals in the water and food we drink and eat, and
emotional and mental stress from our lifestyle. The most
damaging free radicals are the superoxide, hydroxyl,
peroxide and peroxynitrate.
Anti-Oxidants
Dr. James Balch in his book "The Super Anti-oxidants"
said that while the damage from oxidation cannot be
minimized, the body can be armed with means of dealing
with the problem of oxidation. These are the anti-
oxidants.
Anti-oxidants perform the following health functions:
1. Scavenge from radicals.
2. Intercept the chain reaction between different
oxidants.
3. Breakdown free radicals into more easily synthesized
compounds.

The key to nutritional health is to provide the body with
anti-oxidants. The anti-oxidants needed by the body are
made up of several types:
1. Amino Acids, 2. Enzymes, 3. Beta Carotenes 4.
Bioflavonoids 5. DHEA 6. Co-Enzymes
Micronutrients
These anti-oxidants can all be found in the food we eat.
Being healthy is basically founded on proper nutrition,
i.e., a diet of fresh fruits, grains and vegetables. These
foods contain the micronutrients which interact in the
body as anti-oxidants. Most of these micro-nutrients are
lost in the processing and cooking of food. new ways to
provide supplemental micronutrients are needed.
Nutraceutical
Nutraceutical is a term coined by Dr. Stephen L. DeFelice,
M.D., Chairman of The Foundation for Innovation in
Medicine, over a decade ago "to describe any food or
food part taken for health benefits". Products in this
industry include soups, beverages, processed cereals,
and of course, herbal supplements.
Important Plant & Fruit Base Of Nutraceuticals:
1. Beta-Carotene from yellow to red fruits and
vegetables.
2. Bioflavonoids from red to purple plants and fruits.
3. Enzymes from fruits such as Papaya, Pineapple,
Guava etc.
4. Anti-oxidants from specific plants such as Green tea,
Broccoli, Berries etc.
Health Benefits of Bioflavonoids
Studies have identified fruits with blue-to-purple colors
as the Bioflavonoids, an anti-oxidant which provides
protection against cancer, fights high cholesterol,
strengthens blood vessel cell walls, fights viruses and
inflammation, improves vision, protects against radiation,
speeds healing of bleeding gums and varicose veins.
lowers blood pressure and alleviates rheumatism.
These blue-to-purple fruits are rich in enzymes which are
helpful in the treatment of stomach problems, liver
conditions and in lowering sugar levels in diabetics.
Anti-Oxidant Enzymes
All living things have enzymatic activity. Enzymes make
your body work. As long as our body make enzymes, we
live. Although there are variations among individuals, our
body's enzymatic activity generally begins to decline
somewhere between the ages of 16 and 20, as our
growth activity peaks.
A number of factors in our day to day lives can inhibit
and destroy important enzymes in our bodies. These are:
food additives, preservatives, coloring agents, flavoring,
flavoring enhancers and pesticides in food.
Since every activity in our bodies require enzymes,
replenishing the enzyme supply lost with aging can
restore your body's natural enzyme balance and in turn,
help fight disease and improve one's health condition.
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Flavanoids & Carotenoids
It has been only recently that flavanoids and carotenoids
have received any appreciable attention. The great
importance of flavanoids and carotenoids lies in their
anti-oxidant and anti-free radical properties.
Flavanoids and carotenoids are found in the beautiful
colors of fruits and vegetables. Chlorophyll provides the
greens, yellows, oranges and reds which are carotenoids.
The blues, purples, emerald green and some reds are
flavanoids. Certain flavanoids appear to posses
cholesterol lowering effects. Flavanoids retard the
oxidation of low-density lipoprotein which is considered
involved in atherosclerosis.
Berries which are red to purple in color are rich in
flavanoids. Recent studies show that the anthocyanin
(the red pigment found in berries) is a strong anti-
oxidant. The darker the berry, the stronger the protective
pigments are against cancer and cellular damage to the
body.
Luyang Dilaw
Herbal Medicine: Luyang Dilaw -Ginger (Zingiber
officinale)
As a herbal medicine, Luyang Dilaw or Ginger Root
(scientific name: Zingiber officinale) has long been used
as a cold, cough, fever and sore throat remedy. It helps
in the digestion and absorption of food, lowering of
cholesterol, alleviating nausea and vomiting. Luyang
dilaw has antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and anti-
inflammatory properties.
Benefits:
• Relieves rheumatic pains & muscle pains
• Alleviates sore throat, fever, nausea
• Intestinal disorders and slow digestion
• Treat intestinal worms
• Hinder diarrhea, gas pains
• Relieve indigestion (dyspepsia), toothaches
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Aids treatment of tuberculosis
Preparation:
 Boil the root in water and drink. The more
concentrated the better.
 For sore throat and tooth ache, remove the skin
and chew small portions.
 For cuts & bruises, apply the juice directly to the
skin.
 For rheumatism and muscle pains, pound the
root and apply to painful areas -can be mixed
with oil for easy application
Akapulko
Philippine Herbal Medicine: Akapulko /
Acapulco (Cassia Alata)
Akapulko or Acapulco in English is a shrub found
throughout the Philippines. A medicinal herb that
contains chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to
treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and
eczema. Akapulko also contains saponin, a laxative
that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.
The extracts from the Akapulko plant is commonly
used as an ingredient for lotions, soaps
and shampoos.
Uses of Akapulko:
 Treatment of skin diseases:
Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms,
eczema, scabies and itchiness.
 • Internal:
Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea,
mouthwash in stomatitis, alleviation of asthma
symptoms, used as diuretic and purgative, for
cough & fever, as a laxative to expel intestinal
parasites and other stomach problems. A strong
decoction of the leaves is an abortifacient.
Preparation:
 For external use, pound the leaves of the
Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply on
affected areas.
 For internal use: cut the plant parts into a
manageable size then soak and boil for 10 to 15
minutes let cool and use as soon as possible.
Note: The decoction looses its potency if not
used for a long time. Dispose leftovers after one
day.
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Ampalaya
Herbal Medicine: 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 aliments. Most
significant of which is for Diabetes. The Philippine
variety has proven to be most potent. Ampalaya
contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids
make the Pancreas produce more insulin that
controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from
Ampalaya's medicinal value, it is good source of
vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous
and calcium.
Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese
for centuries. The effectively of Ampalaya as an
herbal medicine has been tried and tested by many
research clinics and laboratories worldwide. In the
Philippines, the Department of Health has
endorsed Ampalaya as an alternative medicine to
help alleviate various ailments including diabetes,
liver problems and even HIV.
Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya:
• Good for rheumatism and gout
• And diseases of the spleen and liver
• Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
• Helps in lowering blood pressure
• Relives headaches
• Disinfects and heals wounds & burns
• Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
• Helps prevent some types of cancer
• Enhances immune system to fight infection
• Is an antioxidant, parasiticide, antibacterial &
antipyretic
Preparation of Ampalaya:
• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes,
juice the Ampalaya leaves and drink a spoonful
every day.
• For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can
both be juiced and taken orally.
• For headaches wounds, burns and skin
diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted area.
Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a
purgative and abortifacient.
Banaba
Herbal Medicine: Banaba (Lagerstroemia
Speciosa)
Banaba has
been used
in Filipino
folkloric
herbal
medicine
for the
treatment
of diabetes for centuries. It is now gaining
popularity and getting recognition as a herbal
medicine not only in the Philippines but
worldwide. Banaba is also known as Queen's
Flower, Crepe Myrtle and the Pride of India. In
India, Banaba has also been used to cure
diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time.
Recent studies and laboratory test showed that it's
active ingredient, corosolic acid is a potent
compound that has insulin like effect to lower
glucose in the body and is effective in treating
diabetes. Initial findings also shows that Banaba
extract may delay and reduce the absorption of
carbohydrates in the body and promote weight
loss.
Aside from the medicinal value of Banaba, as a
herbal medicine, it is also good for the health.
Banaba contains high concentrations of dietary
fiber and minerals such as zinc and magnesium.
The leaves can be boiled and taken daily as tea.
There have been no findings of any negative side
effects when taking Banaba extract orally.
However, caution is advised against taking Banaba
with any diabetic drug or any other drug. Always
consult with a qualified physician or a medical
practitioner before taking any medication or any
herbal medicine.
Benefits & Treatment of Banaba:
• Diabetes
• Fights obesity
• Helps regulate blood pressure
• Good for the kidneys
• Aids the digestive system
• Helps ease urination
Preparation & Use
Note: Fresh leaves, dried leaves, flowers, ripe fruit,
root and bark of Banaba can all be used.
 Wash the leaves in running water (if fresh).
Cut into smaller pieces if desired.
 Boil Banaba (one cup Banaba to cup of water)
for 30 minutes.Drink like tea.
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Bawang-Garlic
Herbal Medicine: Bawang, Bauang / Garlic
(Allium Sativum)
Bawang or Garlic
(scientific name: Allium
Sativum) is one of the
most widely used herbal
medicine in the
Philippines. The
Philippine bawang
variety is more pungent
than the imported ones.
It's medicinal properties
has been known for a long time and has been specially
proven during World War II. Because of Bawang's
antibacterial compound known as Allicin, lives were saved
by preventing wounds from having infection and later
develop into gangrene when the juice of Bawang or garlic
was applied to the wounds.
Bawang/garlic is known as nature's antibiotic. It's juices
inhibits the growth of fungi and viruses thus prevents
viral, yeast and viral infections. Preliminary test also
shows some positive results in the treatment of AIDS.
Several clinical test and published studies have shown
the efficacy of bawang in lowering cholesterol in the
blood and is beneficial to the circulatory system of the
body. Today as more research is done with bawang,
more medicinal and therapeutic properties become more
evident.
After thorough research and test, the Philippine
Department of Health has endorsed bawang as one of the
ten Philippine herbs with therapeutic value and
recommends it's use as an alternative herbal medicine.
Benefits of Bawang:
• Good for the heart
• Helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL)
• Aids in lowering blood pressure
• Remedy for arteriosclerosis
• May help prevent certain types of cancer
• Boosts immune system to fight infection
• With antioxidant properties
• Cough and cold remedy
• Relives sore throat, toothache
• Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis
• With anticoagulant properties
Preparation of Bawang:
 For disinfecting wound, crush and juice the garlic
bulb and apply. You may cover the afflicted area
with a gauze and bandage.
 For sore throat and toothache, peal the skin and
chew. Swallow the juice.
 Aside from being an herbal medicine for
hypertension, arteriosclerosis and other ailments,
garlic is also recommended for maintaining good
health - eat raw garlic bulb, and include bawang
regularly in the food you eat. It's healthy and taste
good in a variety of dishes.
Bayabas –Guava
Herbal Medicine: Bayabas or Guava (Psidium
Guajava)
Bayabas or guava is one of the most popular
therapeutic plants in the Philippines. Bayabas is a
small tree that can grow up to 3 meters tall with
greenish-brownish smooth bark. The round globular
bayabas fruit starts as a flower and is usually
harvested and eaten while still green. The fruit turns
yellowish-green and soft when ripe.
As a herbal medicine, the bayabas fruit, bark and leaves
are used. The bark and leaves can be used as astringent.
The most common use of the leaves is for cleaning and
disinfecting wounds by rinsing the afflicted area with a
decoction of the leaves. The fruit, aside form being
delicious, contains a very high concentration of vitamin
C.
Uses of Bayabas:
• Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic
• Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba
• Used to treat diarrhea in children
• For Hypertension, diabetes and Asthma
• Promotes menstruation
The fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing of
wounds and cuts. A decoction or infusion of fresh
leaves can be used for wound cleaning to prevent
infection. Bayabas is also effective for toothaches.
Preparation:
• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of
water for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
• To use as mouthwash, gargle.
• To use as wound disinfectant, wash affected areas 2
to 3 times a day.
• For toothaches, chew the leaves in your mouth.
Note: Bayabas can cause constipation when consumed in
excess.
Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn)
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Gumamela is a shrub that grows from one meter up to 4
meters high. Gumamela is also known as: Hibiscus,
China Rose and Shoeflower. In the Philippines, gumamela
is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The gumamela
flower comes in many colors: red, yellow, orange, white,
purple, pink and other color combinations.
Gumamela leaves, usually blended with Rose Hip has
long been used in the Middle East and Okinawa as herbal
tea. Today, the use of gumamela tea is gaining worldwide
popularity - including Asia. Gumamela (Hibiscus) is
associated with longevity.
Gumamela as Herbal Medicine
As herbal medicine, gumamela flower, leaves and roots
are used. Gumamela has the following medicinal
characteristics: expectorant, diuretic, emollient, anti-
infectious, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anodyne and
refrigerant.
Preparation & Use of Gumamela:
There are two ways to utilize gumamela as herbal
medicine. One is dried and the other is fresh. For Dried
gumamela, collect the flower, leaves and/or roots. Wash,
then cut into small pieces and sun dry. To use as
decoction, boil the dried gumamela parts (1/4 cup dried
gumamela in 1 glass of water).
To make a decoction from fresh gumamela, Wash
gumamela flower and/or leaves, cut into small pieces and
boil (1/3 cup in 1 glass of water), let cool and drink.
Use Gumamela as Poultice:
Poultice is the use or fresh or dried herbs that is mashed,
crushed or pounded - often heated (boiled in water to
soften and heat the herb) and applied directly to the skin.
A clean cloth or gauze can be used to help the poultice
stay in place.
Gumamela is used for the treatment of:
• Bronchitis - as an expectorant
• Coughs, sore throat
• Fever - as refrigerant drink
• Treats dysentery
• Urinary tract infection, bladder infections
• High blood pressure
• Prevention of constipation
• Headaches
• Boils, swelling & abscesses, mumps
Application of Gumamela:
• Decoction is used to treat: Bronchitis, coughs,
fever, dysentery, urinary and bladder infections, high
blood pressure and constipation.
• Poultice is applied externally on the afflicted area.
This is used to treat: headaches (on the forehead),
boils, swelling, abscesses and mumps.
• Intake of gumamela (alone or mixed with papaya or
papaya seeds) specially in large quantities can be an
abortifacient.
Lagundi (Vitex Negundo) Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)

Herbal Medicine:

Lagundi (scientific
name: Vitex
Negundo) is a
shrub that grows
in the Philippines.
It is one of the Oregano (Scientific
ten herbal name: Origanum
medicines vulgare) it is also
endorsed by the known as Wild
Philippine
Marjoram, Mountain Mint, Origanum,
Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine
with proven therapeutic value. Lagundi has been Wintersweet and Winter Marjoram. Oregano is
clinically tested to be effective in the treatment of a known herbal medicine for its strong anti-
colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and oxidant properties. Oregano contains a
pharyngitis. Studies have shown that Lagundi can rosmarinic acid compound, thymol and
prevent the body's production of leukotrienes which carvacrol that are responsible for it's anti-
are released during an asthma attack. Lagundi inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-
contains Chrysoplenol D. A substance with anti- fungal and anti-viral properties. Oregano also
histamine properties and muscle relaxant.
contains flavinoids, triterpenoids, sterols,
vitamin C and vitamin A.
The leaves, flowers, seeds and root of Lagundi can all
be used as herbal medicine. A decoction is made by
boiling the parts of the plant and taken orally. Today, The volatile oils in oregano and its properties
Lagundi is available in capsule form and syrup for are believed to be responsible for slowing the
cough. process of spoilage of food and thus minimizing
the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria, parasites
Plant Description: The Lagundi plant can grow up to and fungi.
five meters tall. It can be described as a cross
between a shrub and a tree with a single woody stem The anti-oxidant properties of oregano helps fight
(trunk). Lagundi's distinctive feature are the pointed free radicals in the body that cause cellular
leaves with five leaflets set like a hand.
damage and accelerate ageing. Free radicals are
believed to be involved with many degenerative
Lagundi tablets (300 mg) are available from the
Department of Health's Philippine Institute of Traditional
diseases like osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis and
and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) Telephone # (632) heart diseases, to name a few.
727-6199. Benefits of Oregano:
Benefits:
 • Good for cough relief
• Relief of asthma & pharyngitis  • Helps prevent degenerative arthritis
• Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, • Has Anti-aging properties
boils, diarrhea
• help relieve osteoarthritis
• Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other
bronchopulmonary disorders  • Healing wounds, insect bites & stings
• Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox  • Ease asthma attacks
• Removal of worms, and boils  • Relieves upset stomach
Preparation:  • Treatment of urinary tract problems

• For boil half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in
1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half cup
three times a day.
• The lagundi flowers are also good for diarrhea and
fever. Boil as with the leaves.
• The root is specially good for treating dyspepsia,
worms, boils, colic and rheumatism.
Preparation of Oregano Leaves:
 Boil one cup of fresh leaves in 3 cups of
water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half a
cup three times a day for colds.
 For the prevention of degenerative arthritis
and general good health drink oregano
decoction daily.
 For Insect bites, wounds and stings, apply
the leaves as a poultice or a compress
directly on the afflicted area.

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Sabila - Aloe Vera
Herbal Medicine: Sabila or Aloe Vera (Aloe
Barbadensis Miller Liquid)
Sabila (scientific
name: (Aloe Barbadensis Miller Liquid) Aloe Vera
can be used externally for the treatment of acne,
pimples burns, insect bites and for moisturizing &
hydrating the skin. It be taken internally for its
many nutrients. Sabila contains vitamins B1, B2,
B6, vitamin C, choline, niacin amide and 18 amino
acids. You can mix the Aloe Vera extract with fruit
juice and other drinks. Aloe Vera is also an anti-
oxidant in which it prevents oxidation of certain
fats and gene cells which prevents tumors and
cancers. Since Sabila is an anti-oxidant, it has
anti-aging properties. It also reduces free radicals
which can damage the arteries. Aside from being a
herbal medicine, Aloe Vera is good for the health
and can be taken internally or applied externally.
Benefits:
• Treatment of acne, pimples & psoriasis
• Analgesic properties for inflammation of skin
• Helps reduce high blood pressure
• Anti-aging properties
• Heals insect bites minor burns & sunburns
• Arthritis, diabetes
• Helps prevent cancer & tumors
• Eases Constipation
• Antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic & antibiotic
properties
Preparation:
• For treatment of skin inflammation, acne,
pimple, insect bites, minor burns etc., remove
the skin of a leaf then rub Sabila (Aloe Vera)
juice on your skin and leave for at least 30
minutes.
• For hypertension, arthritis diabetes,
constipation etc., remove the skin and take
internally. The jell liquefies a after a few
minutes and can be mixed with other drinks.
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Sambong
Herbal Medicine: Sambong (Blumea
Balsamifera L.)
Sambong (scientific name: Blumea
Balsamifera) is a amazing medicinal plant. It is
a antiurolithiasis and work as a diuretic. it is
used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders.
The Sambong leaves can also be used to treat
colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a
diuretic, it helps dispose of excess water and
sodium (salt) in the body. Sambong is one
herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the
Philippine Department of Health (DOH) in
treating particular disorders.
Powdered Sambong leaves are available in 250 mg
tablets at the DOH's Philippine Institute of
Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)
Telephone # (632) 727-6199.
Benefits:
• Good as a diuretic agent
• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism
• Treatment of colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic & Anti-gastralgic properties
• Helps remove worms, boils
• Treats dysentery, sore throat
Preparation:
• Boil the leaves as like tea and drink 3 or more
times a day.
• The leaves can also be crushed or pounded
and mixed with coconut oil.

Tsaang Gubat
Herbal
Medicine:
Tsaang Gubat
or Wild Tea
(Ehretia
Microphylla
Lam.)
Tsaang Gubat is one of the 10 herbs that is endorsed
the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an
antispasmodic for abdominal (stomach) pains. And is
registered as a herbal medicine at the Philippine
Bureau of Food & Drug (BFAD).
Tsaang Gubat is a shrub (small tree) that grows
(from 1 to 5 meters) abundantly in the Philippines. In
folkloric medicine, the leaves has been used as a
disinfectant wash during child birth, as cure for
diarrhea, as tea for general good heath and because
Tsaang Gubat has high fluoride content, it is used as
a mouth gargle for preventing tooth decay. Research
and test now prove it's efficacy as an herbal
medicine. Aside from the traditional way of taking
Tsaag Gubat, it is now available commercially in
capsules, tablets and tea bags.
Tsaang Gubat is also knows as: Wild Tea, Forest Tea,
Alibungog (Visayas Region), Putputai (Bicol Region) and
Maragued (Ilocos Region). Scientific name: Ehretia
Microphylla Lam.
Benefits & Treatment of :
• Stomach pains
• Gastroenteritis
• Intestinal motility
• Dysentery
• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM)
• Mouth gargle
• Body cleanser/wash
Preparation & Use
 Thoroughly wash the leaves in running water.
Chop to a desirable size and boil 1 cup of
chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil in low
heat for 15 to 20 minutes and drain.
 Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea,
gastroenteritis and stomach pains.
 Gargle for stronger teeth and prevention of
cavities.
• Drink as tea daily for general good health.
8
Yerba Buena
Herbal Medicine: Yerba Buena (Mentha
Spicata)
Yerba Buena is a herb of the mint family. It is an
aromatic plant used as herbal medicine worldwide. It
has elongated leaves and in summer bears small
whitish or purplish flowers. The word Yerba Buena is
Spanish for "good herb" and was the former name of
the California city of San Francisco.
Yerba Buena has been consumed for centuries as tea
and herbal medicine as a pain reliever (analgesic).
Native American Indians used it even before the
"white men" colonized the Americas. Today, this folk
medicine's efficacy has been validated by scientific
research. In the Philippines, Yerba Buena is one of
the 10 herbs endorsed by the Department of Heath
(DOH) as an effective alternative medicine for aches
and pains.
As an herbal medicine, a decoction (boil leaves then
strain) of Yerba Buena is effective for minor ailments
such as headaches, toothaches and joint pains. It can
also relive stomach aches due to gas buildup and
indigestion. The fresh and dried leaves can both be used
for the decoction. And because Yerba Buena belongs to
the mint family, soaking fresh leaves in a glass of water
(30 to 45 minutes) makes for a good mouth wash for a
clean, fresh smelling breath.
Benefits & Treatment of :
• Arthritis
• Head aches
• Tooth aches
• Mouth wash
• Relief of intestinal gas
• Stomach aches
• Indigestion
• Drink as tea for general good health.
Preparation & Use
 Wash fresh Yerba Buena leaves in running water. Chop
to size for dried leaves, crush) and boil 2 teaspoons of
leaves in a glass of water. Boil in medium heat for 15
to 20 minutes.
 As analgesic, take a cupful every 3 hours.
 For tooth aches, pound the fresh leaves, squeeze juice
out and apply on a cotton ball then bite on to the
aching tooth.
 Leaves may be heated over fire and placed over the
forehead for headaches.
Philippine Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)
oils are also hydrogenated which increases the serum
cholesterol levels and thus is bad for the heart.
While virgin coconut oil, being pure, unadulterated
and unhydrogenated retains it's pleasant coconut
taste, smell and all the health benefits of coconut oil.

About Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)
VCO is now getting global reputation as the healthiest
and versatile oil in the world. The Philippines is one of
the best sources of virgin coconut oil and it's
popularity in the country is legendary. Although not
an herb, we decided to make an article about VCO
because of the growing interest on the oil and after
receiving several inquiries from our visitors.
Virgin coconut oil and regular coconut oil is rich in
Lauric Acid, an essential fatty acid that is only found
in high concentrations in mother's milk. When taken
internally, Lauric Acid turns into a compound known
as Monolaurin. It is this compound that is believed to
fight viral pathogens that protects the body from
bacteria, viruses and infections from parasites.
Coconut oil also causes the metabolic rate to
increase, hence helps reduce weight and is safe and
beneficial for diabetics.
Much research still has to be done on the benefits of
virgin coconut oil but preliminary findings and
anecdotal reports are very promising. This may well
be the much needed medicine to restore to health the
ailing Philippine coconut industry.
Benefits of VCO
● A boost to the body's immune system
● A good source of saturated medium chain
triglycerides
● VCO helps regulate blood sugar
● Lowers the viral load of AIDS patients.
● Has anti-viral & anti-microbial properties
● Helps hepatitis C, herpes patients
● Helps maintain healthy thyroid function
● Maintain LDL & HDL cholesterol levels
● Heals & nourishes the skin, hair & scalp

For many years, coconut oil has been discredited

(specially in the west) because of it's high saturated
fat content. But recent studies have shown that not
all saturated fats are the same. The medium chain
triglycerides of which virgin coconut oil is classified,
does not elevate LDL (the bad cholesterol) in our
body compared to other polyunsaturated vegetable
oils such as canola and sunflower oil which is widely
produced in the west.

How Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is Made

First, the husk and the shell is removed from fresh

coconuts, then the meat of the coconut is shredded
-a process called "Wet Milled", then the meat is "Cold
Pressed" to get the coconut milk without any
chemicals. The milk is then fermented in containers
for a day or two. After which, oil is produced. This oil
is carefully filtered and separated from the curd. You
now have what is called, virgin coconut oil. A more
modern way of separating the oil from the curd is
through centrifugal force.

The second method of producing virgin coconut oil

(VCO) is using quick dried coconut meat and then
processed in the same way. But the preferred manner
by most is still the "Wet Milled" process.

Difference between Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)

and Regular (RBD) Coconut Oil

RBD stands for Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized.

Ordinary coconut oil usually comes from copra -
coconut meat that is dried by either smoke, kiln or
placing under the sun. Because the process itself is
not sanitized, the oil must be further refined. To get
more oil from copra, chemicals are usually used. RBD
process is required to make the oil clear, odor free
and tasteless. This procedure also removes the anti-
oxidant and other properties of the oil. Some coconut