Top 10 Doh Herbal Medicine
Top 10 Doh Herbal Medicine
Top 10 Doh Herbal Medicine
These is the list of the ten (10) medicinal plants that the Philippine Department of Health (DOH)
through its "Traditional Health Program" have endorsed. All ten (10) herbs have been thoroughly
tested and have been clinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and treatment of
various aliments:
3. Bawang (Allium sativum) - popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the
blood and hence, helps control blood pressure.
5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known in English as the "5-leaved chaste tree". It's main use is for
the relief of coughs and asthma.
7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic that helps in
the excretion of urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema.
8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - Prepared like tea, this herbal medicine is
effective in treating intestinal motility and also used as a mouth wash since the leaves of this
shrub has high fluoride content.
10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, this vine is used
as an analgesic to relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally as a decoction or
externally by pounding the leaves and applied directly on the afflicted area.
Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:
• Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or
nuts during and after heavy rainfall.
• Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are
found on young parts.
• After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or
air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors.
• Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight
preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other plant parts that are
prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to six months.
• Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.
• Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass
or alike utensils.
• As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in
low flame.
• Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh
during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
• Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.