HERBAL PLANTS RECOMMENDED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WITH SPECIFIC
INDICATIONS FOR HUMAN DISEASES
NAME
AKAPULCO
AMPALAYA
BAWANG
BAYABAS
LAGUNDI
NIYUG-NIYOGAN
SAMBONG
TSAANG GUBAT
YERBA BUENA
ULASIMANG BATO
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON
INDICATIONS
Cassia alata L
Eczema, Scabies, Skin
fungal infections
Momordica charantia
NIDDM (mild)
Allium sativum
Decreases
blood
cholesterol level
Psidium guajava L.
Gingivitis, tooth decay,
wound disinfectant
Vitex negundo L.
Asthma, Cough, Fever
Quisqualis indica L.
Ascariasis
Blumea balsamifera (L) Diuretic, anti-urolithiasis
DC.
Carmona retusa (Vahl) Anti-diarrheal
(antiMasam
spasmodic)
Mentha x cordifolia Opiz Analgesic
ex Fresen
Peperomia pellucida
Anti-gout
Note: Studies were done by the Department of Health (previously spearheaded by Dr.
Eliseo Banaynal of the Traditional Medicine Programme)
Source: National Policy on Traditional Medicine and Regulation of Herbal Medicines,
2005
GENERAL GUIDELINES ON THE PROPER USE OF MEDICINAL
PLANTS
HARVESTING PLANTS MATERIALS
1. Gather leaves when plant is about to bloom;
2. Gather flowers before or shortly after opening;
3. Gather seeds when fruits are ripe;
4. Gather most plant materials during dry season.
MATERIALS HANDLING
1. Select and separate specified plant part (stem, leaves, flowers, seeds, bark or
roots or rhizomes), remove dirt, and foreign matters.
2. Wash quickly.
3. If storage is needed for later use, dry them in well-shaped and well-ventilated
place; dry them until crumbly. If plant is succulent, cut into small pieces before
drying.
4. Keep dried plant materials in sealed plastic bags or airtight bottles or jars
(preferably brown-colored). Store in cool, dry place away from sunlight; charcoal
may be placed inside bottle or jar to remove moisture.
5. Label container with the name of the plant and date collected.
6. Properly dried and stored materials may last 6 months. Discard moldy and
decaying materials.
PREPARATION AND USE OF MATERIALS
1. Large leaves should be cut and tough herbs should be finely chopped;
2. Use only one kind of medicinal plant at a time;
3. Decoctions and infusion should be freshly prepared. A day’s dose can be
prepared and kept in a thermos or refrigerator;
4. When no specific dose is recommended, take 2 to 3 wineglasses of infusion or 1
cup of decoction daily;
5. If there are any untoward reactions or side effects, stop or defer medication;
6. Stop herbal treatment after 3 days if it is not effective, try another specified herb
and repeat the procedure. If nothing still happens, you may consult a physician.