Modern medicine has provided wonders in healing and treatment to preserve and achieve good health. Yet before the advancements, many people relied on plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments.
Herbs and plants widely used for their medicinal properties have become a household staple. For instance, garlic is a popular spice that people commonly use in their dishes to add a burst of flavor. It is one of the earliest documented herbs used to maintain health and treat diseases, like controlling cholesterol levels and regulating blood pressure.
Another medicinal shrub, or small tree, mainly distributed in the tropics and sub-tropics, is akapulko, which is also known as ringworm bush or senna. Some Filipinos can find akapulko growing abundantly in their backyards. Nearly every part of the plant has medicinal uses. Deconcoctions made from its leaves, flowers, and bark are used to treat skin diseases like eczema or pruritis, while a decoction of the wood can be used in cases of constipation.
With the abundance of medicinal herbs across the country, the Philippine government took the necessary steps to keep everyone safe from misusing medicinal herbs by publishing an approved list of what they can use. One example from the Department of Health’s list is tsaang-gubat, which goes by other names like Scorpion Bush or Fukien Tea Tree.
The leaves of tsaang-gubat are traditionally used for their anti-spasmodic properties to relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Some people also use it as a mouthwash and body cleanser.
Even vegetables have medicinal properties to maintain good health. Bitter gourds or ampalaya can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, fight free radicals, reduce blood sugar levels, and more.
Its stems and leaves can also be used in cancer treatment, viral infections, bacterial infections, a bitter digestive aid, and diabetes.
Some fruits also have some medicinal properties, adding to their list of benefits. Guava or bayabas is one such fruit. It’s a phytotherapy plant popular in folk medicine as it’s believed to have active components to treat and manage various diseases, including malaria, gastroenteritis, ulcers, and toothache, among other ailments.
There’s still an abundance of medicinal plants across the Philippines that many communities have harnessed for years, especially since they have access to nature.
While traditional medicine provides benefits to people, it’s still necessary for consumers to be careful about what they consume. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek out professional help.