Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature

Approximately 4 billion people and 80 percent of the world population are presently used herbal medicine for primary health care, as listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). These medicinal plants are major components in almost indigenous people as a traditional medicine from rain forests and to different places. World Health Organization notes that of 119 plants derived for pharmaceutical medicines, around 74 percent are used as a modern medicine by means of mutual used of traditional medicine in regard with native cultures. Traditional medicine is widely understood and greatly respected in Indian for integration at the same time modern drugs are also widely used particularly in urban areas. They are not only great practitioners of modern and traditional medicine but having rich sources of medicine. Himalayan Region in Kashmir, have a plenty of herbal medicine these plants reserves as a remedies. The lack of awareness about medicinal plants and widespread deforestation of areas rich in biodiversity pose and enormous threat (Haile and Delenasaw,2007). Many plant-derived pharmaceuticals are now synthetically manufactured but the use of Medicinal plants continues to grow and expected to exceed billion of US dollar by the year 2000 (Principe,1991).

There are many aspects in life of the elderly that they have to keep balanced in order to achieve total or overall health, security, and happiness. They need to improve each and every aspect to give themselves a chance for growth and development. It is not easy to achieve a balanced life but with enough determination and knowledge about how to do it, it is not impossible. Herbal medicines are being used more effectively and frequently among elderly. Although patients who use herbal medicines may be more likely than those who do not, to avoid seeking conventional diagnosis and therapy. The majority of users of alternative medicine are not rejecting medicine or abandoning traditional medicinal care. In fact, consumers of complementary and alternative medicine among the aged 60 and older are more frequently users of conventional medical care. One of the benefits around the use of herbal remedies is there are almost no negative side effects, when used correctly. It is very safe internal herb for the heart, and can be used for congestion heart failure and angina among other condition (Kennon and Aurelia Ward, 2008).

Medicinal Plants

Herbal medicine is defined as plants that are valued for their medicinal properties, flavors, and scents. Herbs have been used since ancient times for the prevention and treatment of illness. Difficult to measure accurately, Americans purchase 4 to 7 million dollars worth of herbs annually and this number increases each years. Because of the increasing costs of drugs, the use of locally available medicinal plants has been advocated by the Department of Health in the Philippines. Many local plants and herbs in the Philippines backyard and field have been found to be effective in the treatment of common ailments (Arnold Alvarez, 2008). According to the lists of the Philippine Herbal Medicine (2010). Provides common medicinal plants in the Philippines. There are many other medicinal herbs and trees, found that can be used for different illness and are more widely used as popular medicinal plants: Ampalaya (Bitter ground) Scientific name: Momordica charantia. Used to heal diabetes and now for HIV. It enhance the production of beta cells in the pancreas and it develop the bodys ability to produce insulin. One of the most excellent medicinal plants in Philippines. Tanglad (Lemon grass). Used for herbal teas and herbal soups. It is identified to treat digestion, for stomach troubles and to decrease fever. Lemon grass from Africa and Asia is used for cuisine, therapeutic and

cosmetics. Its leaves are used for food flavoring for fish and poultry. Its natural oil is for their medicinal uses. Pinya (Pineapple). It juice leaves is good for intestinal animal parasite. Ripe fruit is good for dyspepsia and digestion. The juice of a ripe fruit is good for urine flow, digestion and cooling. Its nutritional purposes are a good source of calcium, iron, vitamin A, B, and C. Luya (Ginger). Known as very effective medicinal herbal plant, can sooth the stomach, digestion, cramping and facilitates breakdown of food in the stomach. It is also effective for nausea, vomiting and known for treatment of heart disease, migraines, stroke, cough, dizziness, fever, viral infections and kidney stone. Lagundi Scientific name: Vitex negundo.Common in the Philippines. Roots are known to treat variety diseases: dyspepsia, rheumatism, and worms. The flowers are used to treat diarrhea, cholera, fever, and lever problems. Leaves are used for cough and asthma. Banaba is one more kind of medicinal plants in the Philippines. Its flower, bark and leaves can facilitate bowel movements. Roots are useful for variety of stomach problems. It has the ability to lower the blood pressure. Decoction of the leaves and flowers can be used for fever. Bayabas (Guava), its bark is used for diarrhea of the children. The fruits is good for the high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma. Known to have the best concentration of vitamin C.

Oregano its juice can treat dyspepsia, asthmas, cough and bronchitis.it contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and antiviral properties. Its leaves should be boiled and let the person with cough drink the extracts. Sambong used in the dissolution of the kidney stones. It is used for tea and can be use for coughs. Bawang (Garlic) Scientific name Allium sativum. Extracting bawang bulbs and leaves are used as treatment for fever and may also be used as an insect repellant. Garlics juice develop gangrene can be cured by applying the fluid on it. It fights bacterial infections or known as antibiotic.