Herbal Plants Recommended by the Philippine’s Department of Health (DOH)
In 1997, President Fidel V. Ramos realized the value of the traditional medicines in the Philippines and signed into law Republic Act 8423 (R.A. 8423), also known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997.
The law created the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) whose mandate is to promote and advocate the use of traditional and alternative health care modalities through scientific research and product development.
1. Sambong or Blumea camphor (Blumea balsamifera)
It is a very popular Philippine herbal flowering plant used as medicine to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti-spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension. It is also used for infected wounds, respiratory infections, and stomach pains. Sambong is very popular among people with kidney problems because of its diuretic qualities. It can be taken as an early afternoon tea to maintain a healthy urinary tract.
Endorsed by the Philippine’s Department of Health as a diuretic treatment for hypertension. Sambong helps flush uric acid as well.
The Philippine National Kidney and Transplant Institute recommend taking Sambong for patients with renal problems. Studies noted that it may help to delay dialysis and other kidney problems. Sambong has also antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Sambong is best for: Maintaining healthy kidneys.
2. Akapulko or Ringworm Bush or Acapulco (Cassia alata)
Also known as Bayabas-Bayabasan, Akapulko is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies, and itchiness. The leaves can be pounded and its extract directly applied to the affected skin problem. The leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal or skin infections. The leaves extract can also be used in homemade soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
Akapulko is best for: Relieving scabies or insect bites.
3. Ampalaya or Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)
A very popular vegetable in the Philippines, it is eaten along with fish dishes or plainly sauteed. Known as one of the ‘King of Bitters’, this Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemorrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties.
Even the leaves has curative effects and is said to affect alleviate rheumatism and gout. But it is known more as a food supplement for diabetic patients and lowering of blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Ampalaya is also available in capsule and is commercially available as tea.
Ampalaya is best for: Diabetics
4. Bawang or Garlic (Allium sativum)
Bawang is a the most common form of herbal medicine in the Philippines. Widely used to cook any dish, it has medicinal properties that may treat infection. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antihypertensive properties. Some take it raw, contained in a capsule as a supplement to reduce cholesterol levels. It has a spicy and strong pungent flavor that is aromatic for many Asians.
In the Philippines, garlic is known for its significant impact on reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. Eating garlic regularly helps boost the immune system and when raw can be used as an antibacterial topical rub for skin unsightly blemishes.
Bawang is best for: Regulate blood pressure and as anti inflammatory supplement.
5. Bayabas leaves or Guava (Psidium guajava)
Although more popular with its delicious fruit, Bayabas leaves is classified as a very effective herbal medicine used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine. The leaves are boiled and the cooled down tea like liquid is used wash the wound. It helps dry the wounds faster, even on open wounds because of its antibacterial qualities.
The liquid is also used traditionally for “labatiba or lavativa” or enema. The cooled down liquid is pumped through the rectum and in minutes should be flushed, cleaning the intestine. Traditionally, it helps to keep a healthy intestine.
Bayabas Leaves is best for: Natural antiseptic ritual for wounds.
6. Lagundi or Five-leaved Chaste Tree (Vitex negundo)
very popular leaves in the Philippine used to treat cough, colds, and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea. Because of its known qualities, local Pharmaceutical companies have developed convenient capsule forms of Lagundi. It has become the most popular alternative medicine to drug cough syrup in the Philippines.
Lagundi leaves is best for: Coughs and asthma
7. Niyog-niyogan or Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica L.)
It is a type of vine known as “Chinese honeysuckle” not to be mistaken as coconut. This Philippine herbal medicine is used to eliminate intestinal parasites. The Philippine Department of Health recommends this Philippine herb for its deworming property. Although it is also known to affect ulcers, headaches, diarrhea, fever, painful urination, and said to be anticancer, its extract is more popular as an alternative deworming medicine.
Niyog-niyogan is best for: Deworming
8. Tsaang Gubat or Scorpion Bush (Ehretia microphylla)
It is known as “wild tea” in the Philippines herbal medicine, taken as a tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in childbirth. It also has properties that is helpful to eczema or mild psoriasis, scabies and itchiness. Said to have been introduced from China, the plant is widely used as ornamental bushes in the Philippines because it is pliable and easy to grow and maintain.
Tsaang Gubat is best for: Skin allergy
9. Pansit-Pansitan / Ulasimang Bato or Clear Weed or Silver Bush (Peperomia pellucida)
It is a Philippine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating arthritis and gout. It is also popular as folklore medicine for eye inflammation, high blood pressure, arthritis, gout, skin boils or wounds, pimples, renal or kidney problems among others. It is best taken as part of a meal or salad. Many are not familiar with the healing properties of this weed, as it is commonly found in creeks and is considered as plant pest rather than medicinal food.
Pansit-Pansitan is best for: Gout and arthritis
10. Yerba Buena or Mint (Clinopodium douglasii)
Commonly known as Peppermint, it is used as analgesic to relieve body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds, insect bites. As pain reliever which is also good for stomach, tooth, and headache. It can be taken as tea to relieve rheumatism, arthritis, cough and colds, nausea and fainting. Smelling the leaves gives instant relief from stress and headache.
Yerba Buena is best for: Instant relief from cough related headache.
11. Malunggay or Horseradish Tree (Moringa Oleifera)
Traditionally used in chicken soups and cooking beans, this super-food has always been known among Filipinos to increase milk in lactating women. The leaves is a good source of phosphorus and iron. It can also be used to treat hiccoughs, asthma, gout, lumbago, rheumatism, enlarged spleen or liver and other deep-seated inflammations. It can be used to clean wounds and sores.
Moringa Oleifera has strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It is a rich alternative to meat protein and is a significant source of Vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and Vitamin C. Best added in soup dishes. Although it is more effective raw, the bitter taste is undesirable.
Malunggay is best for: Antioxidant and Vitamin C
12. Tawa-Tawa or Asthma Plant (Euphorbia Hirta)
Although the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) have not officially endorsed it as treatment for dengue fever, in 2014 it was included in the list of herbal Plants that DOH recommends for certain sickness, particularly dengue. Many Filipinos have seen its benefit when it comes to upper respiratory problems and faster recovery from Dengue that immediately increases blood platelet count.
Tawa-Tawa or literary laugh-laugh is nothing to laugh about because it has valuable medicinal properties that are not limited to Dengue but also include asthma, infections, anxiety, diarrhea, and fever. It can be taken as regular tea as it helps boost the immune system.
Despite a recent University of the East Ramon Magsaysay (UERM) study that showed some dengue patients recovered faster with Tawa-Tawa treatment, DOH welcomes the results but cannot at this time recommend its use. According to the UERM study, Tawa-Tawa increases the platelet count of a dengue patient, which helped the patients recover from Dengue faster.
Tawa-Tawa is best for: Asthma, Immune system and Dengue
Banaba or Giant Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa)
Although not listed in the recommended herbal plants, it is a very popular Philippine herbal plant leaves used to treat diabetes and kidney failure, obesity and high fever. It is popular in other countries such as India where it is used to treat diabetes. Its leaves and flowers contain corrosolic acid, a substance being studied for its insulin like effect of lowering the glucose in the body. Also used for weight loss it is rich in vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fibers.
Folkloric uses of Banaba herbal medicine include the treatment for diarrhea, constipation, inflammation of kidneys, dysuria and other urinary dysfunctions. The Banaba leave can be boiled and drank as a tea.
Banaba is best for: Kidney health
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on scholarly articles from Wikipedia, the Department of Health, and long-held traditional knowledge of this folk medicines. Laminine is not related nor its ingredient has any of these plants, thus it is not an herbal supplement. This article merely reflects what some herb plants may do to the body.
mali po ang picture ng inyong sambong from the Philipppines
Thank you for your comment, the sambong plant here is from another variety not usually found in the Philippines though, we will just replace it to justify the title.
Sa paligid ng bahay ganyan ang sambong sa amin. I am from Leyte.
sa tingin k tama naman po ung picture ng sambong.
parehas lng po..
Tama yan maliliit lang ang dahon may malalaki kasi Nyan marami samin nyan sa bikol kaya kilala ko ang sambong..
ganyan ang sambong dito sa amin sa bulacan
Tama po ang picture ng Sambong, ganyan po dito sa region 02. tsaka kung ang pinagtamnan mo ay maayos na lupa lalaki sila pero kung medyo may kalumaan na ang lupa at matigas pa, maliliit sila.
Is there any herbal medicine that can help subside or cure swollen and burning sensation of feet.. Thanks
You must have it checked first to know what’s causing it. An organ maybe affected in your body (such as kidney). Popular herbal plants for inflammation is Turmeric (luyang dilaw). It has curcumin is most known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Thanks for sharing your time and effort ☺
My son is a testimony of the benefits of tawa tawa. My son had dengue fever and with after 2 days of high fever and 2 days no fever, he had fever again on the 5th day and platelet although dropped but not significantly alarming since he was taking tawa tawa boiled and made it as his water althroughout the course of the virus on him since day 2 when we suspected him of dengue. On the second phase of his fever on the 5th day of having dengue, he was adviced already for admission to the hospital since it’s a different kind of strain I think of dengue, although platelet count was sporadically going up and down it was not a problem the lowest he had was 128 after the fever subsided on the 6th day, we know that it’s the critical stage of dengue when the fever subsides and that’s where platelet drops and blood concentration or the thickening of blood occurs. That was the lowest on my son 128 but the next day it went up to 158 and went up again to 201! But sadly my son had complication of myocarditis which is inflammation on the muscles of the heart due to the virus, giving us a hint that may be the type of dengue virus my son had was a strain maybe not atypical. So there, if it wasn’t for the tawa tawa I am definelty sure it will be not a speedy recovery for my son, we were admitted only 3 days since his platelet and hematocrit values increases everyday to within the normal values.
Subok ko napo ang tawa tawa nanguha ako nyan at pinatuyo at ginawa kng tea.dati po ang mama at papa ko laging masama ang pakiramdam umpisang pina inom ko sila sa awa ng diyos malakas po sila at 70yrs old na sila.ang papa ko dati na mild stroke at ang mama ko acute sa bato at kilangan na raw ipa opera walang ibang iniinom ang mama ko kundi tawa tawa at sambong..
I think the picture of bayabas was wrong! I think that was banana! If you could zoom the picture you would see a twitched-like branch that appears on banaba
Mahina mata mo iho
Opo malabo na nga ang mata nya kilangan nyo po kumain ng pansit pansitan.ang mama ko po 71 na kumakain din sya ng pansit pansitan nakakabasa pa sya.
gamot ba sa uric acid ang pansit pansitan?
it s not a banana ,banana leaves are long and the bayabas leaves are not really short
what herbal medicine that is best for treating trigeminal neuralgia?
There are no known herbs that aids Trigeminal Neuralgia. However monounsaturated fats may help. These include nuts and avocados, grape seed oil, nut oil (sesame, corn, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews and peanuts). Omega fatty acid is also known to alleviate the pain.
Thank you for this information. It helped me with my research.
Do u have the Visaya names of these leaves?
Do you have cure for GERD/Hyperacidity?
You can take probiotic/prebiotic supplements like LifePharm Digestive to help aid the acidity by natural means.
Sharing:
I have experienced some kind of Acid Reflux for sometime particularly during bedtime. Increasing the height of my pillows did give me some relief but the problem’s kind of recurring time and again. Somebody told me to try taking “Yakult” before bedtime and now my problem’s gone.
Probiotic and prebiotic supplements like Yakult is good for acid reflux. We have Laminine Digestive for that too.
Aloe vera can be used. Fillet the inside part of the plant and juice it.
Thank you for the information ☺
saan po makikita ang sambong?
my question is, all the herbal here that I read, I’ve never seen or read herbal plants for hepatitis.
There are no known herbal plants for Hepatitis. It is a virus that can be fought through antibiotics. However, a person with hepatitis can acquire some organs, like kidney to be damaged. You will need a food supplement for this, that repairs the kidney.
Wala po ba kayong article about
1.)Madre Cacao o Kakawate.
2.)Mayana
3.)Jetropa
4.)Sampaguita
Salamat po.
What kind of plant can Cure for heart disease?
Lemon po. Research niyo po yung benefits ng lemon.
anu po yung ” sambong or blumea camphor”
In the Philippines, where it is most commonly known as sambong, Blumea balsamifera is used in traditional herbal medicine for the common cold and as a diuretic. It is also used for infected wounds, respiratory infections, and stomach pains in Thai and Chinese folk medicine.
I believe in herbal plants, boiled guava leaves save my dog from dying of parvo disease. Sambong leaves also cured my hands due to “pasma”.
Mayroon po na kayong Chinese medicinal dried plants na puede mabili
How to use this plants?
Paano po umorder ng yerba buena leaves?
hello,
I where can I buy TAwa tawa leaves, urgent coz my sister has dengue right now
anong name po pwede kong ilagay sa Author? para lang po sa research ty
Althea Distributor
saan po makakabili ng pansit-pansitan?
ano po vhang herbal o plants ang pang pa linaw ng paningin .. kso lng kaya lumabo ang paningin dahil my diabetis cya tpox kya na apektuhan iyang paningin..
For diabetes, bitter plants are the best. The person can also take a special supplement that naturally helps control sugar levels.
Pano po ung mskitbubg balakang nya po ano po b ang pwdi n inomin my ubo dn po kc
Mam ano po b dpt gawn mskit po ung biwang nya tpos my ubo po xa
in-text citation and list of references please. para mas maging reliable yung claims 🙂
Comment: Puwede ko po bang gawing product sa research yung Eurphorbia Hirta.
Thank you
Ang marigold po ba ay available sa pilipinas? Pwede po b ang banaba sa tonsil stones? Thanks
Marigold is available here in benguet, we use that for mosque to repellant
Hello, I live in UK but my friend in the Philippines has trouble sleeping. Is Passiflora available as tea or tincture there, and if so does anyone know where? Or any local herb that helps sleep? Many thanks
For sleeping problems or disorder, you can consider Laminine food supplement, an egg protein that helps increase serotonin levels, naturally.
Althea Group can I ask more questions about herbal medicines ? For our thesis.
napakaangAS
anu pong plant nakak gamot ng bee sting?
What herbs can help to heal/cure Peptic Ulcer Disease and at the same time with Urinary Tract Infection?
Where can i buy organic guava leaves here in quezpn city philippines ?
I mean organic dried guava leaves …sorry…
Mali po ang dahon ng banana
Where can an lady purchase dandelion herb or teas in Philippines what stores? Asking for a lady. Where can she go for a supply of different herbs? Does Philippines have iridologist that she can go to?
This blog about 13 Philippines Herbs & Plants Recommended by DOH. Has helped me enormously, is a very good topic.
I have learned so much in this information. Thank you so much
Many good info. Thx. God bless