Medicinal Plants in Filipino Culture
Long before modern pharmacies, Filipino families relied on plants growing in their backyard to treat common ailments. This tradition of herbal medicine - known locally as "hilot" or "albularyo" practice - has been passed down through generations. The Department of Health (DOH) has formally recognized 10 medicinal plants through the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (Republic Act No. 8423) and included several in the Philippine National Formulary.
These 10 plants are not folk myths. They have been the subject of scientific studies that support their traditional uses. Growing them at home gives you a natural first-aid garden that can help with coughs, headaches, skin problems, digestive issues, and more. Most of these plants thrive in the Philippine tropical climate and require minimal care.
Important disclaimer: The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for serious medical conditions. Do not replace prescribed medications with herbal remedies without professional guidance.
1. Lagundi (Vitex negundo)
Common uses: Cough, asthma, fever, headaches, and rheumatism
Lagundi is arguably the most well-known medicinal plant in the Philippines. Its effectiveness for respiratory ailments is so well-documented that lagundi-based cough syrups are widely sold in Philippine pharmacies as over-the-counter medicine. The DOH has endorsed lagundi leaf preparations for cough and mild asthma symptoms.
- How to prepare: Boil 6 to 8 fresh leaves in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink half a cup, three times daily for adults
- Growing tips: Lagundi is a hardy shrub that grows 2 to 5 meters tall. It prefers full sun, tolerates poor soil, and needs minimal watering once established. Plant in the ground or a large container (20+ liters)
- Cautions: Not recommended for pregnant women. May cause mild stomach upset in some individuals
2. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)
Common uses: Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and edema (water retention)
Sambong is recognized as an effective diuretic and has been studied for its ability to help dissolve kidney stones. Sambong leaf tablets are available in Philippine pharmacies as an over-the-counter supplement. It works by increasing urine output, which helps flush small kidney stones and reduce fluid retention.
- How to prepare: Boil a handful of fresh or dried leaves in 1 to 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink one cup three times daily
- Growing tips: Sambong grows into a large shrub, up to 3 meters tall. It prefers moist soil and partial to full sun. Best planted directly in the ground due to its size. Propagate from stem cuttings during the rainy season
- Cautions: Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with existing kidney conditions should consult a doctor before use
3. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)
Common uses: Headaches, body pain, toothache, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps
Yerba Buena is the Filipino mint - a fragrant creeping herb that has been used as a natural pain reliever for centuries. Its analgesic properties make it a go-to remedy for headaches and body pain. It is also commonly used as a tea for its calming effects.
- How to prepare: Crush fresh leaves and apply directly to the forehead for headaches. For tea, steep 6 to 8 fresh leaves in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily
- Growing tips: Yerba Buena is a low-growing creeper, perfect for containers and hanging baskets. It prefers partial shade and moist soil. Pinch the growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth. Very easy to propagate from cuttings - just stick a stem in moist soil
- Cautions: Generally very safe. Excessive consumption may cause mild stomach irritation in sensitive individuals
4. Bayabas / Guava (Psidium guajava)
Common uses: Wound disinfection, diarrhea, toothache, and sore gums
Bayabas leaves have strong antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. A decoction of the leaves is traditionally used to wash wounds and as a gargle for tooth and gum problems. The fruit itself is packed with vitamin C and dietary fiber.
- How to prepare: For wound washing, boil a handful of fresh leaves in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Let it cool and use as a wash. For diarrhea, chew 3 to 4 young leaves thoroughly and swallow
- Growing tips: Bayabas grows into a tree 3 to 10 meters tall but can be kept smaller with regular pruning. It thrives in full sun, is drought-tolerant once established, and produces fruit within 2 to 3 years from planting. Can be grown in large containers (30+ liters) for small spaces
- Cautions: Safe for external use. For internal use, do not exceed recommended amounts. May cause constipation if too many leaves are consumed
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Common uses: Deworming (intestinal parasites), particularly roundworms and pinworms
Niyog-niyogan is a climbing vine with colorful flowers that change from white to pink to red as they mature. The dried seeds are traditionally used as an anthelmintic (dewormer) for children. This is one of the few plants specifically endorsed by the DOH for a very targeted use.
- How to prepare: Collect mature dried seeds. For children aged 4 to 7, give 4 to 5 dried seeds. For ages 8 to 12, give 6 to 7 seeds. Seeds should be eaten 2 hours after a meal, followed by plenty of water. Repeat for 3 consecutive days
- Growing tips: This is a vigorous climbing vine that needs a sturdy trellis, fence, or wall to grow on. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Beautiful ornamental flowers make it a dual-purpose plant
- Cautions: Do not eat seeds on an empty stomach as they may cause diarrhea, nausea, or hiccups. Not recommended for children under 4 years old. Seeds should be dried and never consumed raw
6. Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa)
Common uses: Diarrhea, stomach pain, and mouth sores
Tsaang Gubat, which translates to "forest tea," is a small tree whose leaves make a pleasant-tasting tea. It has been studied for its antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties, making it effective against diarrhea and digestive cramps.
- How to prepare: Boil a handful of fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Drink as tea, half a cup three times daily. For mouth sores, use as a gargle after cooling
- Growing tips: Tsaang Gubat is a compact shrub (1 to 4 meters) that works well as a hedge or container plant. It prefers partial to full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established and easy to shape with pruning
- Cautions: Generally safe when consumed in traditional amounts. Excessive consumption is not recommended
7. Akapulko (Cassia alata)
Common uses: Ringworm, fungal skin infections, scabies, and eczema
Akapulko is the go-to plant for skin fungal problems in Filipino folk medicine. Its leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a compound with proven antifungal activity. It is used exclusively as an external application.
- How to prepare: Crush fresh mature leaves and extract the juice. Apply directly to the affected skin area twice daily. Alternatively, pound fresh leaves and use as a poultice. Continue application for 1 to 2 weeks
- Growing tips: Akapulko grows into a large shrub, 2 to 4 meters tall, with distinctive candle-like yellow flower clusters. It needs full sun and adapts to most soil types. Best planted directly in the ground. Propagate from seeds, which germinate easily
- Cautions: For external use only - do not ingest. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Do a small patch test before applying to large areas
8. Ulasimang Bato / Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida)
Common uses: Gout, arthritis, and elevated uric acid levels
This small, translucent-stemmed plant is often found growing wild in shaded, moist areas. Despite its unassuming appearance, ulasimang bato has been studied for its ability to lower uric acid levels, making it valuable for people suffering from gout and arthritis.
- How to prepare: Wash 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh leaves and stems. Eat raw as a salad (the taste is mild and slightly peppery) or boil in 2 cups of water and drink as tea. Consume once daily
- Growing tips: One of the easiest medicinal plants to grow. It thrives in shade, loves moisture, and often self-seeds in gardens. Grows well in small pots on shaded windowsills. Barely needs any care - just keep the soil moist
- Cautions: Consult a doctor if you are already taking medication for gout or high uric acid. Excessive consumption may lower blood pressure
9. Ampalaya / Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)
Common uses: Blood sugar management, diabetes support, and mild laxative
Ampalaya is both a common vegetable and a recognized medicinal plant in the Philippines. Its bitter taste comes from compounds like charantin and polypeptide-p, which have been studied for their ability to lower blood sugar levels. It is widely recommended as a dietary supplement for people with Type 2 diabetes.
- How to prepare: For medicinal use, wash and slice 1 to 2 fresh fruits (including seeds). Boil in 6 cups of water until the liquid reduces to about 2 cups. Drink half a cup before meals, three times daily. Fresh ampalaya juice (2 tablespoons) can also be taken daily
- Growing tips: Ampalaya is a climbing vine that needs a trellis. Plant in rich, well-drained soil with full sun. Water regularly and feed with compost every 2 weeks. Fruits are ready to harvest 60 to 70 days after planting. Grows well in large containers (15+ liters) with a bamboo trellis
- Cautions: May cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if taken with diabetes medications. Pregnant women should avoid medicinal doses as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Safe as a regular vegetable dish in normal amounts
10. Malunggay / Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Common uses: Nutritional supplement (iron, calcium, vitamins A and C), lactation support for nursing mothers, and anti-inflammatory
Malunggay is often called a "miracle tree" due to its extraordinary nutritional profile. The leaves contain more iron than spinach, more calcium than milk (gram for gram), and significant amounts of protein, vitamins, and amino acids. It is the most versatile plant on this list - serving as both food and medicine.
- How to prepare: Add fresh leaves to soups and dishes (tinola, sinigang, and monggo are classic combinations). For tea, steep a handful of fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Nursing mothers traditionally eat malunggay-rich dishes to improve milk production
- Growing tips: Malunggay grows extremely fast - up to 3 meters in the first year. It thrives in full sun, tolerates poor and dry soil, and needs almost no maintenance. Plant from seeds or stem cuttings (use a branch at least 1 inch thick and 1 meter long). Can be grown in large containers but performs best in the ground. Prune regularly to keep it manageable and to encourage leaf production
- Cautions: Generally very safe as food. Avoid consuming roots and bark in large quantities as they contain potentially harmful compounds. Pregnant women should consume only in normal dietary amounts
Complete Comparison Table
| Plant | Primary Use | Preparation | Container-Friendly | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagundi | Cough, fever | Leaf decoction (tea) | Large container only | Easy |
| Sambong | Kidney stones, UTI | Leaf decoction (tea) | Not ideal (too large) | Easy |
| Yerba Buena | Headache, body pain | Crushed leaves or tea | Excellent | Very easy |
| Bayabas (Guava) | Wounds, diarrhea | Leaf wash or chew | Large container | Easy |
| Niyog-Niyogan | Deworming | Dried seeds eaten | Needs trellis | Moderate |
| Tsaang Gubat | Diarrhea, stomach pain | Leaf decoction (tea) | Good | Easy |
| Akapulko | Ringworm, skin fungus | Crushed leaf poultice | Not ideal (too large) | Easy |
| Ulasimang Bato | Gout, uric acid | Raw salad or tea | Excellent | Very easy |
| Ampalaya | Blood sugar support | Decoction or juice | Good (with trellis) | Moderate |
| Malunggay | Nutrition, lactation | Cooked in dishes or tea | Large container | Very easy |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 10 medicinal plants approved by the DOH in the Philippines?
The Department of Health (DOH) has endorsed 10 medicinal plants for use in the Philippine National Formulary: lagundi, sambong, yerba buena, bayabas (guava), niyog-niyogan, tsaang gubat, akapulko, ulasimang bato (pansit-pansitan), ampalaya (bitter gourd), and malunggay (moringa). These have been studied for safety and effectiveness in treating common ailments.
Can I grow medicinal plants in containers or pots?
Yes, most of the 10 medicinal plants can be grown in containers. Herbs like yerba buena, ulasimang bato, and tsaang gubat thrive in pots. Larger plants like lagundi and bayabas can be grown in big containers (15 to 20 liters) but do better when planted directly in the ground where their roots can spread.
How do I prepare lagundi leaves for cough relief?
Wash 6 to 8 fresh lagundi leaves thoroughly. Boil them in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and let it cool to a drinkable temperature. Adults can drink half a cup three times a day. For children, use half the adult dosage. Always consult a healthcare provider for persistent or severe symptoms.
Are there any risks with using medicinal plants?
While generally safe when used in traditional dosages, medicinal plants can cause side effects or interact with prescription medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using any herbal preparation. Never use herbal remedies as a substitute for professional medical treatment of serious conditions. Always verify plant identification before use to avoid poisonous look-alikes.