Everyday Filipino herbal medicines that can keep doctors away

Posted at 12:25 pm July 05, 2010

Tags: Family Health Concerns, Physical Wellness

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By Alexander Villafania

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PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA – It’s already an accepted fact that herbal medicines are no longer a cultural myth but are rather important and often highly recommended forms of medicine and supplements. Herbal medicines are actually effective against the diseases brought about by inclement weather.

There are already dozens of herbal medicines that are being made into a variety of supplements that are available on grocery shelves and over-the-counter pharmacies. Still, quite a number of these supplements are based on readily-available raw products that can be acquired from the grocery’s vegetable section.

Most of these are also recommended by the country’s Department of Health (DOH) in case people are looking for more organic and less expensive forms of medicines. Here are some examples.

Lagundi (Vitex negundo L) – Locally known as dangla, the lagundi is one of the most well-known herbal medicines in the Philippines. Most of this shrub’s parts can be used for a variety of diseases. The leaves and flowering top are boiled to extract the syrup that is drank for use against cough, colds, fever, and asthma. Its flowers are used for diarrhea and liver disorders. The seeds can be used to prevent the spread of poisons from animal bites. Even its leaf decoction can be applied for wounds and ulcers.

Garlic (Allium sativum) – Apart from being a staple ingredient for most sauteed Filipino dishes, the garlic, generalli called bawang, is one of the most powerful organic antibiotics. Compounds called thiosulfonates have positive effects against heart diseases. These are also powerful anti-carcinogenic compounds that wash away harmful toxins from the body. Extracts of garlic can be applied on skin against fungi and skin bacteria.

Guava (Psidium guajava) – It’s a very common fruiting tree and is available almost all-year round. The bayabas is primarily known for its antibacterial effects. The leaves of the guava tree are chewed, with the resulting extract placed on open wonds to fight against infection and even reduce pain. Chewing on the leaves also kills bacteria in the mouth, making it an effective astringent. The fruits are also high in vitamin C and fiber.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) – Ampalaya is a bitter vegetable to swallow, to so speak, but it is one of the most effective organic medicines. Having ampalaya in one’s diet reduces the development of diabetes, rheumatism, and blood pressure. Often, they are associated with the removal of intestinal worms. Both the vegetable and leaves have compounds that have antioxidizing effects and also increases the immune system.

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) – Sambong is a common shrub that is commonly used against colds and has anti-diarrhea and anti-gastralgic properties. It is also well known to be effective in dissolving kidney stones. The leaves of sambong are chopped and directly applied on open wounds and boils for pain relief and anti-bacterial effects. However, It is also commonly boiled and the used as tea.

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) – Luya is used on a variety of food, either fried, sauteed or boiled. As it is, consuming ginger helps in alleviating coughs, colds, and soar throat. It can also be smelled to relieve nausea and vomiting. Some of its compounds are extracted and are used for antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory purposes.

Healthmad.com also lists down the 10 most promoted medicinal plants in the Philippines.

Photos taken from A New Age in Herbal Medicine and HealthMad