Philippine Medicinal Plants: Uses, Benefits, and Healing Properties

Officially Recognized Philippine Medicinal Plants

Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

• Approved by DOH for coughs, asthma, bronchitis.

• Leaves boiled into tea or decoction.

• Anti-inflammatory, bronchodilating properties.

  
  

Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)

• Recognized diuretic for kidney stones, hypertension.

• Used for urinary tract health.

• Contains essential oils with antimicrobial benefits.

  
  

Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla)

• Traditional tea for diarrhea, stomachaches.

• Also used for skin allergies and itching.

• Mild antimicrobial activity.

  
  

Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)

• Analgesic for headaches, toothaches, muscle pain.

• Peppermint-like plant with menthol compounds.

• Used as tea or applied topically.

  
  

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

• Bitter melon fruit and leaves for diabetes management.

• Lowers blood sugar, rich in antioxidants.

• Also used for coughs and colds.

  
  

Guava (Psidium guajava)

• Leaves used as antiseptic wash for wounds.

• Decoction for diarrhea and oral health.

• Rich in tannins and flavonoids.

  
  

Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa)

• Traditional remedy for diabetes, urinary issues.

• Contains corosolic acid for glucose regulation.

• Tea made from dried leaves.

  
  

Akapulko (Senna alata)

• Known as “ringworm bush.”

• Leaves used for fungal skin infections.

• Contains chrysophanol with antifungal activity.

  
  

Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica)

• Seeds used as traditional deworming medicine.

• Effective against intestinal worms.

• Usually given to children in rural areas.

  
  

Bawang (Allium sativum)

• Garlic widely used for cardiovascular health.

• Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

• Antimicrobial, immune-boosting.

Other Common Philippine Medicinal Plants

Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)

• “Miracle tree,” rich in vitamins and minerals.

• Increases milk production for mothers.

• Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune support.

  
  

Duhat (Syzygium cumini)

• Fruit and leaves used for diabetes management.

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

  
  

Balbas Pusa (Orthosiphon aristatus)

• Kidney support, diuretic, detoxification.

• Tea used for urinary health.

  
  

Gatas-gatas (Euphorbia hirta)

• Traditional treatment for dengue fever support.

• Also used for asthma and cough.

  
  

Bayabas-bayabasan (Plectranthus amboinicus)

• “Oregano” of the Philippines.

• Decoction for coughs and colds.

• Antimicrobial, aromatic leaves.

Traditional Uses and Applications

• Teas and Decoctions: leaves and roots boiled for internal conditions.

• Poultices: crushed leaves applied to wounds, skin infections.

• Oils and Balms: infused with coconut oil for massage and pain relief.

• Baths and Steams: aromatic herbs for colds, relaxation.

• Food Medicine: malunggay, garlic, ampalaya incorporated into daily diet.

Healing Categories of Philippine Medicinal Plants

Respiratory Health

• Lagundi, oregano, sambong.

  
  

Digestive Health

• Guava, tsaang gubat, ampalaya.

  
  

Skin and Wounds

• Akapulko, guava, aloe vera.

  
  

Kidney and Urinary Health

• Sambong, banaba, balbas pusa.

  
  

Cardiovascular Health

• Garlic, ampalaya, malunggay.

  
  

Immune and General Wellness

• Malunggay, duhat, gatas-gatas.

Benefits of Philippine Medicinal Plants

• Accessible, affordable, culturally rooted.

• Validated by modern science (many studied in PubMed and ScienceDirect).

• Preserve culture and traditions.

• Provide alternatives where pharmaceuticals are expensive or unavailable.

• Support sustainable, eco-friendly healthcare.

Safety and Considerations

• Proper identification essential to avoid toxic plants.

• Dosage varies by plant — overuse may cause harm.

• Some interact with modern medications (ampalaya with anti-diabetic drugs, bawang with anticoagulants).

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek professional guidance.

• Always balance ancestral knowledge with modern medical advice.

Cultural Importance

• Herbal medicine intertwined with Filipino ancestral spirituality.

• Albularyo (folk healer) often first point of contact in rural communities.

• Herbal knowledge passed through generations orally.

• Indigenous communities safeguard unique plant traditions.

• Modern institutions like PITAHC support integration of traditional and scientific medicine.