T h e C a p a b i l i t y o f G i n g e r ( Z i n g i b e r o f f i c i n a l e ) a n d Y e r b a B ue n a ( C l i n o p o d i u m d o u g l a s i i ) a s

the main components of the organic balm

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter includes the introduction, background of the study,

significance of the study, statement of the problem, definition of terms,

hypothesis, assumption, scope and limitations and paradigm of the study.

Introduction

Nowadays, people perform a lot of jobs to improve their way of life.

Many tiresome jobs are done by most of the Filipino citizens giving them

a stressful day. Regarding this matter, they try to look for solutions to

soothe the pain like balms, ointments and liniments. However, they do not

know that there is an alternative way to relieve the pain an eccentric way

by using organic materials which can be gathered around. Knowing about

this alternative will be helpful to the people that are working hard. Hence,

the researchers resolute to manifest something that can help to inform

people about this thing, and it is to use available resources in our

surroundings.

The capability of alternative like plants or any organic materials

will help to improve the quality of the balm. Regarding this, a cheap, yet

reliable alternative will make them save some money and relieve the pain

easily, making them work better.

 Knowing that the Philippines is abundant of medicinal plants, what

kind of organic materials are capable in producing an organic balm? This

investigation will determine the capability of ginger and yerba buena as

the main components of the organic balm.

Background of the Study

Easing the pain and relaxing from a tiresome job is important

practice that should not be overlooked. Ordinary people experience heavy

works and because of that, people are looking forward to relax and to rest.

Ginger can be used as an alternative for the components of the

organic balm since it is available almost everywhere. It serves as the

heating agent of the organic balm.

Yerba Buena is analgesic that can relieve headache and other

muscle pain. Yerba Buena is one of the ten herbal medicinal plants that

were approved by the Department of Health because it can treat headaches

and other muscle pains. It is abundant mostly in coastal areas. It also

contains camphor that can help to improve the quality of the balm in terms

of its cooling effect.

Would these materials can be used as the main components of the

organic balm? This question is the main concern of the study.

Significance of the study

Determining the capability of ginger and yerba buena as the main

components of the organic balm has an enormous significance to the

pharmaceutical industry, to the farmers and to the future researchers.

This study will be of huge significance to the pharmaceutical

industry. Through the use of organic materials in producing a balm, the

balm costs may reduce but still will provide good quality of the product.

This is also significant to the farmers. Since the materials was used

in making the balm are organic and agricultural, the productivity of these

materials will increase.

The study may also relevant to the future researchers who will

continue to improve the quality of the balm using organic materials.

Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to produce an organic balm from ginger and yerba

buena. This research was designated to answer the question.

1. Are ginger and yerba Buena effective components of the organic

balm in terms of:

• odor

• texture

• cooling effect
Definition of terms

In conducting the study, the researchers used the following terms.

1. Organic balm – refers to the product produced in this research study.

2. Respondents – refers to the twenty five (25) teachers of Bacoor

National High School Molino – Annex who answered the survey.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis below was formulated by the researchers.

1. Ginger and yerba buena are not effective components of the organic

balm in terms of:

• odor

• texture

• cooling effect
Assumptions

In conducting this study, the researchers have the following

assumptions.

1. The respondents answer the survey truthfully.

Scope and Limitations

The study was done to determine the capability of the ginger and

yerba buena as the main components of the organic balm. The researchers

tested the product through conducting a survey to twenty – five (25)

teachers of Bacoor National High School Molino - Annex. The study was

conducted in Bacoor National High School Molino – Annex, year 2008-

2010.

The study did not focus on getting the chemical composition of the

ginger and yerba buena. Comparing the organic balm and commercial balm

is not the concern of the study.

Paradigm of the study

Organic materials such as ginger and yerba buena can produce an

organic balm. These organic materials can also make a balm which is less

in cost but the quality of it may be improved. Furthermore, people who are

using this balm apprehend safe effect of the product. This study was
conducted to determine the capability of ginger and yerba buena as the

main components of the organic balm.

The framework below shows the inputs and process used to produce

an organic balm.

Experimental Design
Collecting the materials
Wash the materials
Extraction of ginger and
Ginger and yerba buena.
Filtering the mixture to Organic
Yerba remove the residues. balm
Buena Mixing the candle wax
on the mixture.
Solidifying the product.
 T h e C a p a b i l i t y o f G i n g e r ( Z i n g i b e r o f f i c i n a l e ) a n d Y e r b a B ue n a ( C l i n o p o d i u m d o u g l a s i i ) a s

the main components of the organic balm

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter includes related studies which were conducted by

authorities and some known people in this field. This served as a basis of

pursuing this study.

Traditional medicine provides essential healthcare to the people and

long before modern medicines were introduced, herbal medicines have

been widely used in the Philippines. Today, the use of analgesics has

expanded and gained tremendously with wide global acceptance and

popularity. Considering the expensive medical treatments, which most

people could not afford, they usually rely on cheap, yet effective

medications. This knowledge and skill has been handed from several

generations.

A balm is an analgesic in the form of an ointment. It is used to

relieve pain in muscles and other body parts by external application. It is

made of different materials such as herbs with painkilling properties and

an emulsion usually made of a combination of oils and water.

In 1890, Tom McCreary was diagnosed as having incurable,

cancerous tumors on his neck by physicians. After that, he manually

formulated a black salve composed of bloodroot, burdock root, graviola,

chaparral, and a substance which they call as “Compound X” to treat his

cancer. By applying it to the tumor, he was cured within a month. After

that his son was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was cured by taking
1
the black salve internally.

The research also shown that ginger inhibits cell growth and

modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer. Ginger, which is often

used as a cure to minor ailments, was proben to contain antioxidant and

anticarcinogenic properties and gingerol which has anti-inflammatory

effects through mediation of NF-kB. The results of the research were

established by determining the effects of ginger and its components to the

growth of epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. According to the results of

the research, the use of dietary agents such as ginger may have potential

in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer.

In 2009, it was found that ginger is useful for treating chemotherapy

associated nausea. The study involved 644 patients who were already

taking antiemetics to reduce nausea but this drug is not effective enough.

Because of that, they used ginger in addition to the drugs and it reduces

nausea by 40%. The study researchers from the University of Rochester

2
also stated that ginger acts by reducing inflammation in the GI tract.

Ginger’s essential oils treat fever, migraine, headaches,

inflammation, and various skin infections. A warming liniment or a hot

1
Tom McCreary, “Balm of Gilead (Black Salve)/ Salves”, http://www.annieappleseedproject.org,
January 2004.
2
Julie Ryan, “Ginger Calms Chemotherapy Related Nausea”, Insider, May 15, 2009.
ginger compress is an excellent remedy for other muscle pains and

cramps.

Researchers found out that ginger destroys herpes virus on the skin,

a virus that causes various infection in human including cold sores,

chickenpox, and in fact even various cancers in a different manner than

drugs.

Researchers assume that it help cells build a protective envelope

rather than directly killing the infections caused by the virus.

Together with the ginger is the Yerba Buena which is considered as

the one of the important factor because of its medicinal composition that

contributes to the cooling effect of the balm.

According to Marc Cohen, MD, PhD, Department of Complementary

Medicine Faculty of Life Sciences, RMIT University, and principal

investigator of this study. The observed gradual and continual

improvement in pain scores is likely due to the camphor and glucosamine

content. It is because of the anesthetic property of the Camphor which is

readily absorbed through the skin causing the pain to lessen and produce a

feeling of coolness similar to that of menthol. Also, there are anti-itch gel

and cooling gels with camphor as the active ingredients of it. The active

preparation was a water-soluble cream mainly containing camphor,

glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate. 3

3
Marc Cohen, M.D., “Topical Camphor/glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate Effective For
Osteoarthritis Knee Pain”, http://www.activexamerica.com, March 3, 2003.
 The Chinese use camphor as an inhalant to revive people from faints

and other unconscious states. It is because of the aromatic smell of the

camphor that causes the respiratory and nervous conditions to be stable

and decrease blood pressure. That’s why a person that used to inhale

camphor feels less tense and less rigid.

 T h e C a p a b i l i t y o f G i n g e r ( Z i n g i b e r o f f i c i n a l e ) a n d Y e r b a B ue n a ( C l i n o p o d i u m d o u g l a s i i ) a s

the main components of the organic balm

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter includes research design, experimental procedure,

research instruments, variables, respondents, testing procedures and

statistical treatment.

Research Design

The researchers conducted this study using experimental design.

Experimental design approaches that the study is in the future when

certain variables are carefully manipulated in a form of problem solving.

An experimental design is applicable in natural science such as botany and

medicine which is related in the study. There are several types in an

experimental design but the researchers used the one shot case study. Like

all experimental designs, the goal is to determine if the treatment had any

effect on the outcome. Since the study’s main concern is to determine the

capability of ginger and yerba buena as the main components of the

organic balm, the experimental design was used.

The researchers in this study will be tested the product using a

survey on teachers of different schools. The results that will be gathered

will help to know if this product is effective and acceptable.

Experimental Procedure

The balm is made of organic materials which can be easily gathered

in the surroundings or purchased in dry markets. These raw materials were

processed and mixed together to produce the product. The following steps

were done:

1.) The yerba buena leaves were collected inside the school’s

medicinal garden while the ginger was purchased from the

market.

2.) The yerba buena leaves were washed and then sliced into small

pieces. The peelings of the ginger were removed and then sliced

into small pieces.

3.) The mass of each component were obtained using the weighing

scale. The measurements are listed below:

100 grams of Yerba Buena

200 grams of Ginger

50 grams of candle wax

4.) To get the extracts, the herbs were heated in oil at a constant

temperature of 140°C until the mixture looked brown in color.

5.) The heated herbs were filtered to remove the residues of the

herbs and placed in a container. Then it was set aside to cool

down.
 6.) The extracts were mixed with the candle wax in a heated pan at a

constant temperature of 140°C. When the mixture was already

heated, it was placed in another container.

7.) The mixture in the container was placed in the refrigerator to

solidify the product.

Research Instrument

The researchers used the 4 – point rating scale, normative survey

and a score sheet. The 4 – point rating scale served as the basis of the

respondents in evaluating the product of the study which four (4) is the

highest and one (1) is the lowest. The score sheet was used to record the

respondent’s ratings on the balm.

Variables

The independent variables are:

• odor

• texture

• cooling effect

The dependent variable is the capability of ginger and yerba buena

as the main components of the organic.

Respondents

Selected twenty five (25) teachers of Bacoor National High School

Molino – Annex are the respondents of the study.

Testing Procedures

The product was used for testing. A 10g sample of the balm was

tested to the respondents. They were asked to apply the sample on a

certain part of their skin to test its cooling effect. Then, the respondents

were asked to smell the balm’s odor, and to feel the balm’s texture to test

its effectiveness in terms of smell and texture respectively. The product

was evaluated based on its independent variables which are the odor,

texture and cooling effect. Thus it was rated by considering the Likert

Scaling Technique of Summative Rating

Statistical Treatment

Chi-square was used as the statistical treatment of the study to

interpret the data gathered. Chi-square is a statistical tool only used to

describe a one group data and qualitative data in the study. This tool is

used to describe two or more independent variables. The treatment was

used to determine if the respondents’ ratings on the survey fit to each

quality of the balm which are odor, texture and cooling effect.
 The formula to get the chi-square is:

x² = ∑ ( O-E)
 T h e C a p a b i l i t y o f G i n g e r ( Z i n g i b e r o f f i c i n a l e ) a n d Y e r b a B ue n a ( C l i n o p o d i u m d o u g l a s i i ) a s

t h e M a i n C o m p o n e n t s o f t he O r g a n i c B a l m

Chapter IV

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION

AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

This chapter presents the ratings gathered from the respondents

which were carefully analyzed and interpreted. The data were primarily

derived from the results of the survey collected from the teachers of

Bacoor National High School – Molino Annex who served as the primary

respondents.

The table below shows the responses of the respondents regarding

the odor of the organic balm. Its aim is to show the ratings of the

respondents in terms of the balm’s odor.

Table 1
The Ratings of the Respondents in Terms of Odor

Ratings Number of Respondents Percentage

4 25 100%
3 0 0%
2 0 0%
1 0 0%
Total 25 100%

Legend:
4- The balm is pleasant
3- The balm’s scent is not bad
2- The balm is odorless
1- The balm has bad odor
 Table 1 shows the twenty-five (25) respondents who rated the

organic balm in terms of odor. Twenty-five (25) of the respondents or 100

percent of them rated it 4 and none rated it 3, 2, or 1.

There was a graph presented below for more understanding about

the ratings of the respondents in terms of odor. The shaded region

indicates the rating of the respondents on the balm’s odor.

Figure 1

It can be inferred from Figure 1 that according to respondents,

ginger and yerba buena extracts have good effect in odor when used as the

main components of the organic balm. The odor of the balm based from

the respondents is pleasant.

Table 2 indicates the ratings inferred from the respondents which

are the teachers of Bacoor National High School – Molino Annex

regarding the texture of the balm. Its aim is to show the ratings of the

respondents in terms of the texture of the organic balm.

Table 2
Ratings of the Respondents in Terms of Texture

Ratings Number of Respondents Percentage

4 22 88%
3 3 12%
2 0 0%
1 0 0%
Total 25 100%
Legend:
4- The balm is smooth and silky
3- The balm is smooth
2- The balm is slightly rough
1- The balm is rough

Table 2 shows the twenty-five (25) respondents who rated the

organic balm in terms of texture. Twenty-two (22) of the respondents or

88 percent of them rated it 4, three (3) of the respondents rated the balm 3

and none rated it 2 or 1.

Figure 2 shows the illustrative representation of data to visualize

more the ratings of the respondents regarding the texture of the balm. The

shaded regions indicate the ratings of the respondents on the balm.

 Figure 2

Figure 2 shows the ratings of the respondents on the balm’s texture.

The number of respondents is indicated on y axis and the ratings are

indicated on the x axis. It shows that twenty-two (22) of the respondents

rated the balm’s texture 4 which means that the texture of the balm is

smooth and silky.

It can be inferred from Figure 2 that the texture of the organic balm

was said to be smooth and silky since most of the respondents rated the

balm 4.
 Table 3 shows the ratings gathered from the respondents who rated

the cooling effect of the balm. Its aim is to show the ratings of the

respondents in terms of the cooling effect of the organic balm.

Table 3
Ratings of the Respondents in Terms of Cooling Effect

Ratings Number of Respondents Percentage

4 2 8%
3 22 88%
2 1 4%
1 0 0%
Total 25 100%
Legend:
4- The balm’s cooling effect soothes deeply
3- The balm’s cooling effect s o o t h e s a v e ra g e l y
2- The balm’s cooling effect was slightly felt
1- The balm’s cooling effect was not felt

Table 3 shows the twenty-five (25) respondents who rated the

organic balm in terms of cooling effect. Two (2) of the respondents or 8

percent of them rated it 4, twenty-two (22) of them or 88 percent of the

respondents rated the balm 3, one (1) of the respondents or 4 percent rated

it 2 and none of them rated the balm 1.

.Figure 3 shows the graphical representation of the data in Table 3

to visualize more the ratings of the respondents regarding on the balm’s

cooling effect. The shaded region on the graph indicates the ratings of the

respondents on the balm.

 Figure 3

Figure 3 shows the ratings of the respondents on the balm’s cooling

effect. The number of respondents is indicated on y axis and the ratings

are indicated on the x axis. The graph shows that twenty-two (22) of the

respondents rated the balm’s cooling effect 3 which means that the

cooling effect soothes averagely on the skin.

It can be inferred from Figure 3 that the cooling effect of the

organic balm was said to be soothes averagely on the skin since most of

the respondents rated the balm 3.

The data gathered were computed by the researchers. The

researchers constructed a Chi-square table that shows the respondents’

observation on the balm’s odor. The table was shown below.

Table 4
 Chi-square Table of the Respondents’ Observation
On the Balm’s Odor

Level of
4 3 2 1
Agreement
Frequency 25 0 0 0
∑=75 α=0.05 df=3 CV=7.82

Table 4 shows the Chi-square table of the respondents’ observation

on the balm’s odor. The computed tabulated value is 75. The level of

significance is 0.05 and the degree of freedom is 3. The critical value is

7.82, which was derived from the table of values of Chi-square.

It can be inferred from the Table 4 that the ginger and yerba buena

can make the balm’s odor pleasant since t-value which is 75 is greater

than the critical value which is 7.82. Hence, the null hypothesis is

rejected.

The data gathered regarding the texture of the balm were computed

by the researchers. The researchers constructed a Chi-square table that

shows the respondents’ observation on the balm’s texture. The table was

shown below.

Table 5
Chi-square Table of the Respondents’ Observation
On the Balm’s Texture

Level of
4 3 2 1
Agreement
Frequency 22 3 0 0
∑=53.88 α=0.05 df=3 CV=7.82
 Table 5 shows the Chi-square table of the respondents’ observation

on the balm’s texture. The computed tabulated value is 53.88. The level of

significance is 0.05 and the degree of freedom is 3. The critical value is

Level of
4 3 2 1
Agreement
Frequency 2 22 1 0
∑=53.24 α=0.05 df=3 CV=7.82
7.82, which was derived from the table of values of Chi-square.

It can be derived from Table 5 the obtained value of the chi-square

which denotes that the ginger and yerba buena can make the balm’s

texture smooth and silky since the t-value which is 53.88 is greater than

the critical value which is 7.82. Hence, the null hypothesis is rejected.

The data gathered regarding the cooling effect of the balm were

computed by the researchers. The researchers constructed a Chi-square

table that shows the respondents’ observation on the balm’s texture. The

table was shown below.

Table 6
Chi-square Table of the Respondents’ Observation
On the Balm’s Cooling Effect

Table 6 shows the Chi-square table of the respondents’ observation

on the balm’s cooling effect. The computed tabulated value is 53.24. The
level of significance is 0.05 and the degree of freedom is 3. The critical

value is 7.82, which was derived from the table of values of Chi-square.

It can be inferred from the Table 6 the obtained value of the chi-

square which denotes that the ginger and yerba buena can make the balm’s

cooling effect is effective since the t-value which is 53.24 is greater than

the critical value which is 7.82. Hence, the null hypothesis is rejected.

T h e C a p a b i l i t y o f G i n g e r ( Z i n g i b e r o f f i c i n a l e ) a n d Y e r b a B ue n a ( C l i n o p o d i u m d o u g l a s i i ) a s

t h e M a i n C o m p o n e n t s o f t he O r g a n i c B a l m

Chapter V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the brief statements of important findings, conclusions of

the researchers and the researchers’ recommendations.

Summary of Findings

This study aimed to determine the capability of ginger and yerba buena as the

main components of the organic balm. Experimental method of research was used as

design. The survey sheet and 4-point scale method were used as the instruments for

gathering data. Twenty – five (25) teachers of Bacoor National High School – Molino

Annex were the respondents. The data were quantified using chi – square.

To summarize the findings of the capability of ginger and yerba buena as the main

components of the organic balm, the question was answered:

1. Are ginger and yerba buena effective of being the components of the organic

balm in terms of:

 cooling effect

 odor

 texture

The researchers constructed the following tables to answer the query.

Chi-square Table of the Respondents’ Observation

On the Balm’s Odor
Level of
4 3 2 1
Agreement
Frequency 25 0 0 0
∑=75 α=0.05 df=3 CV=7.82

..
 The number of degrees of freedom is 3 at the level of significance

of 0.05. The computed t value is 75 and the critical value is 7.82.

Chi-square Table of the Respondents’ Observation

On the Balm’s Texture
Level of
4 3 2 1
Agreement
Frequency 22 3 0 0
∑=53.88 α=0.05 df=3 CV=7.82

The number of degrees of freedom is 3 at the level of significance

of 0.05. The computed t value is 53.88 and the critical value is 7.82.

Chi-square Table of the Respondents’ Observation

On the Balm’s Cooling Effect

The number of degrees of freedom is 3 at the level of significance

of 0.05. The computed t value is 53.24 and the critical value is 7.82.

Level of
4 3 2 1
Agreement
Frequency 2 22 1 0
∑=53.24 α=0.05 df=3 CV=7.82

Conclusion

Based from the obtained results of the study, the researcher settled

the following conclusions.

 1. The ginger and yerba buena are effective components of the organic balm in

terms of:

 cooling effect

 odor

 texture

Recommendations

For the development of the observed problems from the result of the

study, the researcher recommends the following:

1. Other material such as sambong is recommended to be included

in the materials to create more effective balm.

2. More extracts of yerba buena leaves should be added to uplift the

aromatic scent of the whole product.

3. A comparative study of other components should be conducted.

This may increase the effectivity of the balm in terms of its cooling

effect.