General Nursing Responsibilities when Using Herbal

Medicines:
1. If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when
using dried parts.
5. Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use
earthen, enameled, glass or alike utensils.
6. As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not
cover the pot, and boil in low flame.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Don't cover cooking utensil when boiling. This is done to release toxins,
if there are any.
10.Boil for a one-day supply only. Any decoction's effectivity is good for
only 8 - 12 hours after boiling.
11.Take decoction either hot or cold. Strain decoction before taking it.
12.Wash thoroughly any leaves, barks, flowers and roots with water before
boiling or using it as poultice.
13.Does not use or boil two or more different herbal plants together, unless
instruct to do so.
14.Follow instructions carefully, especially the measurements and the
dosage.
15.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.
16.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.
Needed Leaves
Age
Fresh Dried
Adult 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.
 AMPALAYA
Scientific 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 seeds
7-12 years 6-7 seeds
6-8 years 5-6 seeds
4-5 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 retusa
Description: 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 leaves
Adult 10 tbsp 12 tbsp
7-12yrs 5 tbsp 6 tbsp
2-6 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 negundo
Description: 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 Pellucida
Description: 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 Guajava
Description: 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 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
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 corfdifelia
Description: 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 tbsp
6-12 yrs ½ tbsp
Dosage: Divide decoction into two parts and drink one part every three
hours
Nursing 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).
 OREGANO
Scientific 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.

• TOPICALLY
The 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