10 Herbal Medicines Approved by DOH

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:

1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) – also known as “bayabas-bayabasan”and “ringworm bush”

in English, this herbal medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections.
Benefits & Treatment of Akapulko:

• External Use:
Treatment of skin diseases: Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and
itchiness.
• Mouthwash in stomatitis

• Internal use:
Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea
• Alleviation of asthma symptoms
• Used as diuretic and purgative
• For cough & fever
• As a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems.

Note:
A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an abortifacient. Pregnant women should not take
decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.

Preparation & Use:

• For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply on
affected areas.
• As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea, drink decoction (soak and boil for 10 to 15
minutes) of Akapulko leaves. The same preparation may be used as a mouthwash, stringent, and
wash for eczema.
• As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers, and the leaves) into a manageable size then
prepare a decoction Note: The decoction looses its potency if not used for a long time. Dispose
leftovers after one day.
• The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative functions, specifically against ringworms.

It should be noted that the pounded leaves of this plant may be applied thinly on the affected
part twice a day. Marked improvement may be expected after two to three weeks of continuous
application to the affected area(s) where the prepared Akapulko leaves were applied.

2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

– known as “bitter gourd” or “bitter melon” in English, it most known as a treatment of diabetes
(diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin dependent patients.

Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and abortifacient. Herbal Benefits
of Ampalaya:
• Good for rheumatism and gout
• And diseases of the spleen and liver
• Aids in lowering blood sugar

Levels:

• Helps in lowering blood pressure

•Relives headaches
• Disinfects and heals wounds & burns
• Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
• Helps prevent some types of cancer
• Enhances immune system to fight infection
• For treatment of hemorrhoids • Is an antioxidant and parasiticide • Is antibacterial and
antipyretic

Preparation & Use of Ampalaya:

• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes, juice Ampalaya leaves and drink a spoonful daily.
• For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can both be juiced and taken

Orally.

• For headaches wounds, burns and skin diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted area. •
Powdered leaves, and the root decoction, may be used as stringent and applied to treat
hemorrhoids.

• Internal parasites are proven to be expelled when the ampalaya juice, made from its leaves, is
extracted. The ampalaya juice and grounded seeds is to be taken one spoonful thrice a day, which
also treats diarrhea, dysentery, and chronic colitis.
3. Bawang (Allium sativum)
-popularly known as “garlic”, it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps control
blood pressure.

Health Benefits of Bawang-Garlic:

• Good for the heart

• Helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL)
• Aids in lowering blood pressure
• Remedy for arteriosclerosis
• May help prevent certain types of cancer

• Boosts immune system to fight infection

• With antioxidant properties
• Cough and cold remedy
• Relives sore throat, toothache
• Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis
• Helps relieve rheumatism pain
• With anticoagulant properties

Preparation of Bawang-Garlic:

• For disinfecting wound, crush and juice the garlic bulb and apply. You may cover the afflicted
area with a gauze and bandage.
• For sore throat and toothache, peal the skin and chew. Swallow the juice.
• Cloves of garlic may be crushed and applied to affected areas to reduce the pain caused by
arthritis, toothache, headache, and rheumatism.
• Decoction of the bawang bulbs and leaves are used as treatment for fever.
• For nasal congestion, steam and inhale: vinegar, chopped garlic, and water.

4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava)–

“guava” in English. It is primarily used as an antiseptic, to disinfect wounds. Also, it can be used
as a mouth wash to treat tooth decay and gum infection.

Uses of Bayabas:
•Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic
• Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba
•Used to treat diarrhea, nosebleeding
• For Hypertension, diabetes and Asthma
•Promotes menstruation

The fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing of wounds and cuts. A decoction (boiling in
water) or infusion of fresh leaves can be used for wound cleaning to prevent infection. Bayabas
is also effective for toothaches.

Note: Bayabas can

cause constipation when consumed in excess. Preparation:

• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.

• Use decoction as mouthwash gargle.

• Use as wound disinfectant – wash affected areas with the decoction of leaves 2 to 3 times a
day. Fresh leaves may be applied to the wound directly for faster healing. • For toothaches, chew
the leaves in your mouth.
• For diarrhea, boil the chopped leaves for 15 minutes in water, and strain. Let cool, and drink a
cup every three to four hours.
• To stop nosebleed, densely roll Bayabas leaves, then place in the nostril cavities

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.

Herbal Benefits of Lagundi:

• Relief of asthma & pharyngitis

•Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea
• Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders
• Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox
• Removal of worms, and boils Preparation & Use:
• Boil half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink
half cup three times a day.
• For skin diseases or disorders, apply the decoction of leaves and roots directly on skin.
• The root is specially good for treating dyspepsia, worms, boils, colic and rheumatism.

A decoction (boiling in water) of the roots and leaves of Lagundi are applied to wounds, and
used as aromatic baths for skin diseases. Boiled seeds are eaten in order to prevent the spreading
of toxins and venom from bites of poisonous animals. Juice extracted from the flowers of lagundi
is taken in as an aid for disorders like fever, diarrhea, liver disorders, and even cholera. While a
decoction of the plant leaves is suggested to be taken by individuals to help increase the flow and
production of milk, as well as to induce menstruation.
6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis Indica L.)
– is a vine known as “Chinese honey suckle”. It is effective in the elimination of intestinal
worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina. Only the dried matured seeds are medicinal
-crack and ingest the dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds
for adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.

Benefits & Treatment of Niyog-Niyogan:

Almost all of its parts are used individually, or mixed with other ingredients, as remedy to
different ailments. In the Philippines, these are taken to rid people of parasitic worms. Some also
use these to help alleviate coughs and diarrhea. Medical experts, advice patients to consult their
doctors as improper dosing may cause hiccups. Niyog- niyogan’s leaves are used to cure body
pains by placing them on specific problematic areas of the body. Compound decoctions of the
leaves of niyog-niyogan are used in India to alleviate flatulence.

Preparation & Use:

Seeds of niyog-niyogan can be taken as an anthelmintic. These are eaten raw two hours before
the patient’s last meal of the day. Adults may take 10 seeds while children 4 to 7 years of age
may eat up to four seeds only. Children from ages 8 to 9 may take six seeds and seven seeds may
be eaten by children 10 to 12 years old.

Decoctions of its roots are also sometimes used as a remedy for rheumatism while its fruits are
used as an effective way to relieve toothaches.

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.

Health Benefits of Sambong:

• Good as a diuretic agent
• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism
• Treatment of colds & fever
• Anti-diarrheic properties
• Anti-gastralgic properties
• Helps remove worms, boils
• Relief of stomach pains
• Treats dysentery, sore throat
Preparation & Use:
• A decoction (boil in water) of Sambong leaves as like tea and drink a glass 3 or 4 times a day.
• The leaves can also be crushed or pounded and mixed with coconut oil.
• For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples.
• Decoction of leaves is used as sponge bath.
• Decoction of the roots, on the other hand, is to be taken in as cure for fever.

8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretiamicrophylla 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.

Health Benefits of Tsaang Gubat:

• Stomach pains
• Gastroenteritis
• Intestinal motility
• Dysentery
• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM)
• Mouth gargle
• Body cleanser/wash

Preparation & Use:

• Thoroughly wash the leaves of tsaang gubat in running water. Chop to a desirable size and boil
1 cup of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil in low heat for 15 to 20 minutes and drain.
• Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea, gastroenteritis and stomach pains.
• Gargle for stronger teeth and prevent cavities.
• Drink as tea daily for general good health.

9. Ulasimang Bato (Peperomiapellucida)

– also known as “pansit-pansitan” it is effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The leaves can be
eaten fresh (about a cupful) as salad or like tea. For the decoction, boil a cup of clean chopped
leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup after meals
(3 times day).
10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodiumdouglasii)
– 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.

Yerba Buena may be used to treat:

• Arthritis
• Head aches
• Tooth aches
• Mouth wash
• Relief of intestinal gas
• Stomach aches
• Indigestion
• Drink as tea for general good health.

Preparation & Use:

• Wash fresh Yerba Buena leaves in running water. Chop to size for dried leaves, crush) and boil
2 teaspoons of leaves in a glass of water. Boil in medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
• As analgesic, take a cupful every 3 hours.
• For tooth aches, pound the fresh leaves, squeeze juice out and apply on a cotton ball then bite
on to the aching tooth.

• Yerba buena leaves may be heated over fire and placed over the forehead for headaches. Stems
of Yerba Buena may be crushed and applied directly to bruises. Folkloric use include poultice
preparation and the oil extracts from its stems are suggested to be a remedy for cancerous
tumors. Caution should be observed in taking this herbal medicine as it can be toxic in large
doses.