Traditional medicine has been practiced since ancient times in most cultures throughout the world and has been an integral part of human evolution and development.
The evolution of Philippine traditional medicine is influenced by religion, mysticism, magic, superstition, folkloric herbalism and western medicine.
Common Philippine traditional medicine practitioners include:
- Hilot or manghihilot who acts as a midwife, a chiropractor or massage therapist to promote health and healing.
- Tawas or mangtatawas who uses alum, candles, smoke, paper, eggs, and other medium combined with prayers and incantations to diagnose the cause of illness.
- Albularyo, a general practitioner who uses a combination of healing strategies that may include prayers, incantations, mysticism and herbalism. Albularyos claim to draw healing powers from a supernatural source (similar to shamanism).
- Medico, a general practitioner similar to an albularyo who uses western medicine as well to promote healing.
- Faith healers who claim divine power bestowed by the Holy Spirit or God. A patient is required to have faith and belief in divine powers to effect healing.
These traditional medical practitioners cover a wide spectrum of practices differing from one another. Even in these modern times, traditional medicine still enjoys a large following especially in rural areas.
The Department of Health (DOH) launched theTraditional Medicine Program in 1992, which aimed to promote an effective and safe use of traditional medicine. Then President Fidel V. Ramos recognized the importance of the traditional medicine program and signed into law Republic Act 8423 (R.A. 8423) or the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997, which gave rise to the creation of Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) tasked to promote the use of traditional and alternative health care practices through scientific research and product development.
Since then the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has endorsed 10 medicinal plants to be used as herbal medicine in Philippines due to its health benefits.
The following are the 10 Medicinal Plants in the Philippines endorsed by DOH:
1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) – called “ringworm bush” and “acapulco” in English, this Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.
2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) – This Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemorrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and is currently being studied for anti-cancer properties.
3. Bawang (Allium sativum) – Garlic is a used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat infection because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties. It is also widely used to reduce bad cholesterol levels in blood.
4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) – Guava is considered as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine.
5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) – known as “Five-leaf chaste tree” and used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also used to relieve asthma, pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea.
6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) -A vine also known as “Chinese honey suckle” is used to eliminate intestinal parasites.
7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)– Blumea Camphor is used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, diarrhea, spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension
8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) – It is typically made into tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness after child birth.
9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan(Peperomia pellucida) – Effectively treats arthritis and gout.
10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) – Peppermint is used as an analgesic to relieve body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites
Types of Herbal Medicine
Medicinal plants can be used by anyone, for example as part of a salad, an herbal tea or supplement. Many herbalists often grow their own herbs. Making your own herbal medicine preparation is not only fun, but can be cost-effective. In using herbal medicine mentioned above, some may require some degree of skill. Below is a list of general ways on how to prepare your own herbal medicine. The list is not all-inclusive and you may have to refer to other sources for the herb you use so that you will know how to prepare them.
Herbal Teas
There are two methods of making herbal teas – infusion and decoction. Infusion is steeping lighter parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, light stems) in boiled water for several minutes. Decoction is boiling tougher parts, such as the roots or bark for a longer period of time. Herbal teas are often used as a home remedy as an alternative to tea and coffee.
As a general rule, unless recommended by a herbalist, prepare 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every 1 cup of water. Let it steep in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain the herbs out and drink 3 to 4 times a day.
Herbal Tinctures
Steeping a medicinal plant in alcohol extracts the alcohol-soluble principles into a liquid form that can be stored for long periods. Herbalists may mix several herbal tinctures to form an individualized prescription for each patient. Plant tinctures are also the basis for many homeopathic medicines.
To prepare your herbal tincture, you will need:
- 8 ounces of finely cut dried herbs
- 1 large glass jar that can hold 4 cups of liquid
- 2 cups of vodka
Instructions:
Put the dried herb into a large, glass jar and pour in equal amount of liquid, making sure the herbs are completely covered (this is very important). Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, preferably 4. Make sure to shake the mixture every day. When ready to use, filter the mixture using a cheesecloth bag, coffee filter, or fine cloth, capturing the tincture liquid below in another container. Store the tincture in clean, dark glass containers, out of the sun. If stored properly the tincture will be preserved for two or more years. Vinegar tinctures should be refrigerated.
Note: A drop of tincture is equal to 1 tsp of herb juice.
For vinegar tinctures, use 1 ounce of herb per 5 ounces of vinegar.
Fluid Extracts
Fluid extracts are stronger than herbal tinctures, and can be made with alcohol or glycerine.
Herbal Poultices
Poultices are a solid, vegetable fat based mixture used externally. They have the shortest life span of any herbal remedy and must be made fresh for every use.
Powdered Herbs and Tablets
Herbs that are dried and (sometimes) certain parts are separated out before being diced to powder fine consistency. Powered matter can then be compressed or put into an empty pill coating to form a tablet.
Herbal Creams/Ointments
An ointment usually is mixed with beeswax (or something similar) to make it more applicable outside the body such as a cut or scrape.
Essential Oils
The extraction of volatile liquid plant materials and other aromatic compounds from plants produces essential oils. These plant oils may be used internally in some forms of herbal medicine as well as in aromatherapy and generally for their perfume, although their medicinal use as a natural treatment (alternative medicine) has proved highly efficacious in the treatment of headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and certain skin diseases.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are commercial products in tablet or capsule form manufactured and marketed by the health food industry for sale in retail outlets to the general public, although there are some types that are sold only to healthcare practitioners for prescription. Herbal supplements are often standardized to contain stated levels of active phytochemicals. Some herbalists may not agree with the standardization of active ingredients, preferring instead to use the whole plant.
