General Nursing Responsibilities when Using Herbal Medicines:

1. If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides. 2. Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid

picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.3. Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less

medicinal substances are found on young parts.4. 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.

5. 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.  

6. Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.

7. Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enameled, glass or alike utensils.

8. As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.

9. Use only one medicinal plant at a time. In treating the ailment, use only one medicinal plant - the one available to you - where several are suggested in the links below.

10.Use only stainless steel or earthen cooking utensils. Where treatment calls for boiling any medicinal plant - leaves, flowers or barks - don't boil it in an aluminum utensil. Aluminum reacts chemically with medicinal plants.

11.Don't cover cooking utensil when boiling. This is done to release toxins, if there are any.

12.Boil for a one-day supply only. Any decoction's effectivity is good for only 8 - 12 hours after boiling.

13.Take decoction either hot or cold. Strain decoction before taking it.14.Wash thoroughly any leaves, barks, flowers and roots with water before

boiling or using it as poultice.15.Does not use or boil two or more different herbal plants together, unless

instruct to do so.16.Follow instructions carefully, especially the measurements and the

dosage.17.Some individuals are sensitive and allergic to certain leaves and plants.

If symptoms of allergy are observed during and after the treatment, STOP the treatment immediately, and wash with water thoroughly (for skin applications). Symptoms of allergy are: Increased itching and swelling, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and headache. Consult a physician immediately if symptoms persist.

18.Individuals known to be allergic to some plants are not encourage to use the herbal medications. They may still use the water treatments.

MEDICINAL PLANTS(SANTA LUBBY)

Herbal medicine is defined as the use of natural herbs from plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders and the promotion of good health.

The use of herbs has been gaining popularity this past few years in the Philippines and worldwide as more clinical proof emerges that validates many of the age-old alternative medicines used by Filipino folks that has been passed on from generation to generation.

These are the ten (10) medicinal plants that the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its "Traditional Health Program" has 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 - this herbal medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections. 2. Ampalaya - it most known as a treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin dependent patients.  3. Bawang -it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps control blood pressure. 4. Bayabas - 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.5. Lagundi - It's main use is for the relief of coughs and asthma. 6. Niyog-niyogan - 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). 7. Sambong - A diuretic that helps in the excretion of urinary stones.8. Tsaang Gubat - 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. 9. Ulasimang Bato - 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 - 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.

Oregano- it is effective to ease asthma attacks and Good for the relief of cough and colds

SAMBONG

Scientific Name: Blumea balsamifera

Description: Erect, semi-woody, aromatic herb or shrub about 4 m tall; Leaves alternate, coarse, large with slightly toothed margins. Flowerheads stalked, terminal panicles, yellowish-white flowers numerous

Indication/Uses: Diuretic in hypertension; dissolves kidney stones

Preparation: Wash the leaves thoroughly and chop or cut in small pieces. Measure 2 glasses of water and 1 glass chopped leaves. Boil under low fire for 15 minutes without cover. Set aside to cool then strain.

AgeNeeded Leaves

Fresh DriedAdult 6 tbsp. 4 tbsp.

7-12 years old 3 tbsp. 2 tbsp.

Dosage: 1/3 glass 3 times a day

Nursing Responsibilities: Instruct client to avoid using with other diuretics. Inform client that when taking diuretics, they should eat at least one

banana a day.

AMPALAYAScientific Name: Momordica charantia

Description: A climbing vine and the tendrils of which grow up to 20 centimeters long. This herbal plant belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, and it is a tropical as well as a subtropical vine. Ampalaya leaves are heart-shaped, which are 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. The fruits of the ampalaya vine are fleshy green with pointed ends at length. It can never be mistaken for any other variety because its ribbed and wrinkled surface had always been ampalaya’s distinct physical structure. The bitter taste of the ampalaya fruit had also been the distinguishing factor from the rest of the fruits with medicinal value, and this is due to the presence of a substance known as momorcidin. It is primarily used to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels (mild non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)

Preparation and Uses:  

• 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.

Nursing Responsibilities: Caution should be observed in taking this herbal medicine as it can

be toxic in large doses. Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly. The native variety

with small bitter fruit is recommended.

NIYOG-NIYOGAN

Scientific Name: Quisqualis Indica L.Description: Niyog-niyogan is a ligumeneous vine that can reach from 2.5 meters to up to 8 meters. The leaves are elliptical with an acuminate tip and a rounded base. They grow from 7 to 15 centimeters and their arrangement is opposite. The flowers are fragrant and tubular and their color varies from white to pink to red. The 30 to 35 mm long fruit is ellipsoidal and has five prominent wings. The fruit tastes like almonds when mature. The niyog-niyogan is usually dispersed by water.

Indication/Uses: Anti-helminthic

Preparation: The seeds are taken 2 hours after supper. If no worms are expelled,

the dose may be repeated after one week. Caution: not to be given for children below four years old.

Adult 8-10 seeds7-12 years 6-7 seeds6-8 years 5-6 seeds4-5 years 4-5 seeds

Dosage: Consume seeds 2 hours after meal. If the first dose has no effect, repeat the same dose after one week.

Nursing Responsibilities:

Instruct client to follow recommended dosage. Overdose causes hiccups, abdominal pain and distention, diarrhea.

TSAANG-GUBAT

Scientific Name: Carmona retusaDescription: Shrub or much-branched small tree 1 – 4 m tall. Leaves simple, coarse, alternate, toothed towards the apex, gradually narrowing towards base, sometimes two or three arising from the same point. Flowers white, small, axillary, one to four from a common stalk. Fruit round, 4 – 5 mm in diameter, yellow-orange when ripe.

Indication/Uses: Diarrhea, Stomach ache. Pills, leaf decoction for gastroenteritis; as gargle to prevent cavities.

Preparation: Diarrhea- boil the following amount of chopped leaves in 2 glasses

of water for 25 minutes or until amount water goes down to 1 glass. Cool and strain. Divide decoction into 4 parts.

Dried leaves Fresh leavesAdult 10 tbsp 12 tbsp7-12yrs 5 tbsp 6 tbsp2-6 yrs 2 ½ tbsp 3 tbsp

Stomachache: wash leaves and chop. Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for 15 minutes. Cool and filter/ strain and drink.

Dosage: Let patient drink 1 part every 3 hours.

Nursing Responsibilities: Safety in pregnant and lactating women had not been established.

Store at temperature not exceeding 30oC.

AKAPULKO 

AKAPULKO

Scientific name: Cassia alata L.Description: A shrub 3 meters in height. The oblong shaped leaf measures 5-15 centimeters in length. Yellow flowers can be found at the tip of its branches. Seeds are small and placed in long pods. Its fruit is teratogenic.

Indication/Uses: Ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin

Preparation: Pound sufficient amount of fresh, mature leaves

Dosage: Apply extracted juice on affected area of the skin 1-2 times a day.

Nursing Responsibilities: Inform client to apply thinly twice daily on affected part.

Improvement should occur 2 – 3 weeks after treatment. If the person develops an allergy while using the above preparation,

prepare the following: Put 1 cup of chopped fresh leaves in an earthen jar. Pour in 2

glassfuls of water. Cover it. Bring the mixture to a boil until the 2 glassfuls of water

originally poured have been reduced to 1 glassful. Strain the mixture. You must use this strained liquid while it is

warm.

Apply the warm decoction on the affected area 1 to 2 times a day.

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.

LAGUNDI

Scientific Name: Vitex negundoDescription: Lagundi is an erect, branched tree or shrub, that grows to as much as 5 m high. Lagundi has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk and is usually seen in swamps of the Philippines. Lagund leaves appear palmately, in the form of five pointed leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. Lagundi leaves are 5-foliate, rarely with 3 leaflets only. Lagundi leaves are 4-10 cm long, slightly hairy beneath. The lagundi flowers are blue to lavender, 6-7 mm long bearing fruit globose of about 4mm in diameter that turns black when ripe.

Indication/Uses: Asthma, cough and fever, Dysentery, Skin diseases(dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema) Headache, Rheumatism, Aromatic bath for sick patient

Preparation: Asthma, cough and fever- boil chopped raw fruits or leaves in 2

glasses of water left for 15 minutes until the water left in only 1 glass (decoction).

Dysentery - boil a handful of leaves and flowers in water to produce a glass full of decoction three times a day

Skin diseases(dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema)- prepare a decoction of leaves. Wash and clean the wound/skin with the decoction.

Headache- crushed leaves may be applied on the forehead

Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites- pound the leaves and apply on the affected part

Aromatic baths for sick patients –prepare leaf decoction for use in sick and newly delivered patients.

Dosage: Adults: 1/2 cup, 3 times a day Children:

(Babies) 1 table spoon, every 4 hours (2-6 yrs.) 1/4 cup, every 4 hours (7-12 yrs.) 1/2 cup, every 4 hours

One tea bag can be used 3x within 24 hours. 1 cup of Lagundi infusion 3x a day.

Nursing Responsibilities: Make sure to have the five-leaved varieties, as there are other

varieties of lagundi.

ULASIMANG BATO

Scientific Name: Peperomia PellucidaDescription: Small fleshy herb up to 30 cm tall. Stem initially erect, rooting at nodes, glabrous. Leaves spirally arranged, simple and membranous when dry. Flowers bisexual, without a stalk, floral bracts rounded. Fruit fleshy, one-seeded

Indication/Uses: Lowers uric acid (rheumatism and gout)

Preparation: Wash the leaves well. One and a half cup leaves are boiled in tow glassfuls of water over low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain.

Dosage: Divide into three parts and drink each part three times a day after

meals.

Nursing Responsibilities: Avoid using with other pain relievers and diuretics.

BAYABAS

Scientific Name: Psidium GuajavaDescription: Bayabas or guava is a tropical plant, which is locally known for its edible fruit. In the backyards of Filipino homes in the country, this plant is commonly seen, and grown because of its many uses as fruit and as traditional remedy to treat various ailments. As shown by many research studies, almost all of the parts of this plant have medicinal qualities and value, and thus, making it as one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines. Bayabas is a small tree that can grow up to 3 meters tall with greenish-brownish smooth bark. The round globular bayabas fruit starts as a flower and is usually harvested and eaten while still green. The fruit turns yellowish-green and soft when ripe.

Indication/Uses:

• Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic • Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba• Used to treat diarrhea, nosebleeding• For Hypertension, diabetes and Asthma• Promotes menstruationThe 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 toothache.

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. • 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.

Nursing Responsibilities:

Bayabas can cause constipation when consumed in excess.

BAWANG

Scientific Name: Allium sativum

Description: Erect, low, annual herb, 30-60 cm high. Leaves flat, or V-shaped in transverse section, alternate, arranged in two opposite rows, arising from underground bulbs. Cloves enclosed by papery protective coats. Flowers often imperfect or absent

Indication/Uses: 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 Its juices inhibit the growth of fungi and viruses 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: 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.

Aside from being an alternative herbal medicine for hypertension, arteriosclerosis and other ailments, garlic is also recommended for maintaining good health - eat raw garlic bulbs if you can, and include bawang regularly in the food you eat. Garlic is healthy and taste good on a variety of dishes.

Dosage: Two pieces three times a day after meals.

Nursing Responsibilities: Take on a full stomach to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers.

YERBA BUENA

Scientific Name: Mentha corfdifeliaDescription: A small, multi-branching herb with small elliptical leaves

Indication/Uses: for pain in different parts of the body as headache, stomach ache

Preparation: Boil and chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Cool and strain.

Dried leaves Fresh leaves Adult 6 tbsp 4 tbsp6-12 yrs ½ tbsp Dosage: Divide decoction into two parts and drink one part every three hoursNursing Responsibilities:

Should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, in children, or in those with known hypersensitivity to this herb or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

OREGANOScientific name: Origanum vulgare

Description:This erectly spreading plant has strong aromatic characteristics, with leaves and stems that are fleshy. The leaves of oregano are heart-shaped, with toothed edges, an which, grow for up to 9 meters in length. In other countries, plant is primarily used as a culinary ingredient, However, in countries like the Philippines, Oregano is known herbal medicine for its strong anti-oxidant properties.

The most useful parts of this plant are its leaves. Oregano contains a rosmarinic acid compound, thymol, and carvacrol that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.

The anti-oxidant properties of oregano helps fight free radicals in the body that cause cellular damage and accelerate ageing. Free radicals are believed to be involved with many degenerative and heart diseases, to name a few.

Indication:

Good for cough and cold relief Helps prevent degenerative arthritis Has Anti-aging properties Helps relieve rheumatism and osteoarthritis Bronchitis herbal remedy Ease asthma attacks Relieves upset stomach

Treatment of urinary tract problems Relief for dyspepsia or indigestion Healing wounds, insect bites & stings Cure for sore throat Avoid infection caused by childbirth by taking decoctions of the leaves

by the recent mother. For general good health

Preparation:

Boil one cup of fresh leaves in 3 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half a cup 3 times a day for common colds.

For a concentrate, juice the oregano leaves and take 1 tablespoon every hour to relieve chronic coughs, rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, and dyspepsia.

For Insect bites, wounds and stings, apply the leaves as a poultice directly on the afflicted area.

For sore throat, boil 2 tablespoonfuls of dried oregano leaves in a pint of water, take 2 hours before or after meals.

To prevent degenerative arthritis & for general good health drink oregano decoction daily.

Dosage: ORALLY

Dried or fresh leaf of oregano can be made into a tea by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 grams) in hot water for ten minutes. This tea can be consumed three times a day. If taken in large amounts internally, it can localized irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

TOPICALLYThe oil (50% or greater dilution) may be applied topically 3-4 times day to areas affected by athlete’s foot or other fungal infections. The affected are should be covered by the oil with each application. One of the most effective and efficient means of application of it is to the bottoms of the feet: 3-5 drops, applied 3-4 times daily. It may be put directly to the skin over the urinary bladder as well. Please keep out the eyes.

Nursing Responsibilities: Do not use Oregano during pregnancy or lactation. Not for use in small children. It may irritate sensitive skin, especially when not diluted in olive oil (If

irritation occurs, discontinue use) Avoid in case of allergy to the Lamiaceae family of plants. Avoid in case of liver or kidney disease. Do not use in high doses

Keep out of the eyes A potential interaction may exist with blood thinners; therefore, do not

use oregano oil if you are taking them

SAN FERNANDO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MEDICINAL

PLANTS

PROJECT IN:SCIENCE AND HEALTH

Submitted by:

JERICKO S. BANAG

Submitted to:

MRS. M. EVANGELISTA