HERBAL MEDICINES & ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL TREATMENTSSalvador Isidro B Destura

UPM SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• At the end of the session, the participants will be able to:▪Describe the basic characteristics and applications of the 10

herbal medicines recommended by DOH, Philippines▪Explain the basic concepts of acupuncture, uses and

management considerations

10 HERBAL MEDICINES RECOMMENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, PHILIPPPINES• AKAPULKO (Cassia alata)

• AMPALAYA (Momordica charantia)

• BAWANG (Allium sativum)

• BAYABAS (Psidium guajava)

• LAGUNDI (Vitex negundo)

• NIYOG-NIYOGAN (Quisqualis indica l.)

• SAMBONG (Blumea balsamifera)

• TSAANG GUBAT (Ehretia microphylla lam.)

• ULASIMANG BATO (Peperomia Pellucida)

• YERBA BUENA Clinopodium douglasii)

AKAPULKO (Cassia alata)

1. Akapulko Cassia alata) - also known as "bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm bush" in English, this herbal medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections.

Contains chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat ringworm, scabies, and eczema

Contains saponin, a laxative useful in expelling intestinal parasites

Leaves-primary part use for herbal purposes

Preparation & Use:

• • For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply on affected areas.• As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnea, drink decoction (soak and boil for 10 to 15 minutes) of Akapulko leaves. The same preparation may be used as a mouthwash, stringent, and wash for eczema.• As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers, and the leaves) into a manageable size then prepare a decoction Note: The decoction looses its potency if not used for a long time. Dispose leftovers after one day.• The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative functions, specifically against ringworms.

• It should be noted that the pounded leaves of this plant may be applied thinly on the affected part twice a day. Marked improvement may be expected after two to three weeks of continuous application to the affected area(s) where the prepared Akapulko leaves were applied

Benefits & Treatment of Akapulko:

• External Use:▪ Treatment of skin diseases:

Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.

▪ Mouthwash in stomatitis• Internal use:Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnea • Alleviation of asthma symptoms• Used as diuretic and purgative • For cough & fever• As a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems.

▪ 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.

AMPALAYA (Momordica charantia)2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) - known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in English, it most known as a treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin dependent patients.

Bitter taste-distinguishing factor, due to the presence of momorcidin

Contains a mixtures of flavanoids & alkaloids that make pancreas produce more insulin

Good source of Vit A, B & C, iron, folic acid, phosphorus and calcium

Preparation & Use of Ampalaya:

• 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.

Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya:Good for rheumatism and goutAnd diseases of the spleen and liverAids in lowering blood sugar levelsHelps in lowering blood pressure Relieves headachesDisinfects and heals wounds & burns Can be used as a cough & fever remedyTreatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea Enhances immune system to fight infection For treatment of hemorrhoidsIs an antioxidant and parasiticide Is antibacterial and antipyretic

BAWANG (Allium sativum)3. Bawang (Allium sativum) - popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps control blood pressure.

Allicin-antibacterial compound; nature’s antibiotic

Efficacious in lowering blood cholesterol

Help in reducing risk of colorectal & gastric CA

Preparation of Bawang-Garlic: • 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, peal the skin and chew for several minutes. Swallow the juice.• For toothaches, crush then bite garlic.• For athlete’s foot, soak feet in salty water then apply garlic juice. Do this 3X day for a week.• 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.

Health Benefits of Bawang-Garlic:• 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 • With antioxidant & antibacterial properties• Cough and cold remedy• Relives sore throat• Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis• Helps relieve rheumatism pain • Relief of toothaches• Kills skin fungus i.e. athlete’s foot• With anticoagulant properties

BAYABAS (Psidium guajava)

• 4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "guava" in English. 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.

• Treatment of uterine hemorrhage, chronic diarrhea & ulcers

• High concentration of vitamin A & C

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. Fresh leaves may be applied to the wound directly for faster healing.• 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.

Uses of Bayabas : 

• Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic • Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba • Used to treat diarrhea, nose bleeding • 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 toothaches. Note: Bayabas can cause constipation when consumed in excess.

LAGUNDI (Vitex negundo)

5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known in English as the "5-leaved chaste tree". It's main use is for the relief of coughs and asthma.

Prevents production of leukotrienes

Contains chrysoplenol D-antihistamine & muscle relaxants

Available as Lagundi tablets (300 mg)

Preparation & Use:

• Boil half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half cup three times a day.• For skin diseases or disorders, apply the decoction of leaves and roots directly on skin. • The root is specially good for treating dyspepsia, worms, boils, colic and rheumatism

Herbal Benefits of Lagundi:

• Relief of asthma & pharyngitis• Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea • Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders• Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox • Removal of worms, and boils

NIYOG-NIYOGAN (Quisqualis indica l.)

6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". 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). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.

Preparation & Use:

Seeds of Niyog-niyogan can be taken as an anthelmintic. These are eaten raw two hours before the patient’s last meal of the day. Adults may take 10 seeds while children 4 to 7 years of age may eat up to four seeds only. Children from ages 8 to 9 may take six seeds and seven seeds may be eaten by children 10 to 12 years old.

Decoctions of its roots are also sometimes used as a remedy for rheumatism while its fruits are used as an effective way to relieve toothaches.

Benefits & Treatment of Niyog-Niyogan:

Almost all of its parts are used individually, or mixed with other ingredients, as remedy to different ailments. In the Philippines, these are taken to rid people of parasitic worms. Some also use these to help alleviate coughs and diarrhea. Medical experts, advice patients to consult their doctors as improper dosing may cause hiccups. Niyog-niyogan leaves are used to cure body pains by placing them on specific problematic areas of the body. Compound decoctions of the leaves of Niyog-niyogan are used in India to alleviate flatulence.

SAMBONG (Blumea balsamifera)

7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic that helps in the excretion of urinary stones. It can also be used for edema.

Available in 250 mg tablets (powdered Sambong leaves)

Used to treat colds and mild hypertension

Preparation & Use: • A decoction (boil in water) of Sambong leaves as like tea and drink a glass 3 or 4 times a day.• The leaves can also be crushed or pounded and mixed with coconut oil.• For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples.• Decoction of leaves is used as sponge bath.• Decoction of the roots, on the other hand, is to be taken in as cure for fever.

Health Benefits of Sambong:

• Good as a diuretic agent• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism• Treatment of colds & fever• Anti-diarrheic properties• Anti-gastralgic properties• Helps remove worms, boils• Relief of stomach pains• Treats dysentery, sore throat

TSAANG GUBAT (Ehretia microphylla lam.)8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - 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.

Used as disinfectant wash during childbirth

Available commercially in capsules, tablets and tea bags

Preparation & Use: • Thoroughly wash the leaves of tsaang gubat in running water. Chop to a desirable size and boil 1 cup of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil in low heat for 15 to 20 minutes and drain.• Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea, gastroenteritis and stomach pains.• Gargle for stronger teeth and prevent cavities.• Drink as tea daily for general good health.

Health Benefits of Tsaang Gubat: • Stomach pains• Gastroenteritis• Intestinal motility• Dysentery• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM)• Mouth gargle • Body cleanser/wash

ULASIMANG BATO/PANSIT-PANSITAN (Peperomia Pellucida)

9. Ulasimang Bato/Pansit-pansitan (Peperomia pellucida)

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).

Health Benefits of Ulasimang Bato:

Pansit-pansitan is used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of:

• Arthritis• Gout • Skin boils, abscesses, pimples• Headache • Abdominal pains• kidney problems

Preparation:

• 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).

YERBA BUENA (Clinopodium douglasii)

10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - 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.

The word Yerba Buena is Spanish for "good herb" and was the former name of the California city of San Francisco.

Preparation & Use:

• Wash fresh Yerba Buena leaves in running water. Chop to size for dried leaves, crush) and boil 2 teaspoons of leaves in a glass of water. Boil in medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.• As analgesic, take a cupful every 3 hours.• For tooth aches, pound the fresh leaves, squeeze juice out and apply on a cotton ball then bite on to the aching tooth. • Yerba Buena leaves may be heated over fire and placed over the forehead for headaches.

Health Benefits of Yerba Buena:

Yerba Buena may be used to treat:

• Arthritis• Head aches• Tooth aches• Mouth wash • Relief of intestinal gas• Stomach aches• Indigestion • Drink as tea for general good health

ACUPUNCTURE

ACUPUNCTURE

▪ One of the treatment modalities under Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

▪ Makes use of thin, solid, sterile stainless steel needles inserted into certain points of the body

▪ Acupuncture points- gateways, subtle portals of the body that can be “opened” or “closed”

DISORDERS/DISEASES THAT CAN BE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE

UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT• Acute sinusitis

• Acute rhinitis

• Acute tonsillitis

• Common colds

LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT• Acute bronchitis

• Bronchial asthma (most effective in children and most patients without complications

DISORDERS/DISEASES THAT CAN BE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE

DISORDERS OF THE MOUTH• Toothache

• Post-extraction pain

• Gingivitis

• Acute and chronic pharyngitis

DISORDERS OF THE EYES & EARS• Central retinitis• Myopia (in children)• Cataracts (without complication)• Deafness (without complication)• Tinnitus• Earaches

DISORDERS/DISEASES THAT CAN BE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS• Spasms of the esophagus & cardia

• Hiccups

• Acute & chronic gastritis

• Acute and chronic colitis

• Acute bacillary dysentery

• Constipation

MENTAL & EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS• Anxiety and stress

• Depression

• Insomnia

DISORDERS/DISEASES THAT CAN BE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE

NEUROLOGICAL & SKELETAL• Headache and migraine• Facial palsy (early stage within 6 months)

• Trigeminal neuralgia

• Cervico brachial syndrome

• Frozen shoulder• Tennis elbow

• Sciatica

GENITO-URINARY & REPRODUCTIVE• Impotence

• Infertility• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Vaginitis

• Irregular period

• Morning Sickness

DISORDERS/DISEASES THAT CAN BE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE

OTHERS• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Post-surgical recovery

• Signs of aging

• Decreased immunity

• Withdrawal from addiction (cigarette, alcohol, coffee and food)

ACUPUNCTURE

• Inhibits pain through neurological mechanism

• Directly affects the following:

• Peripheral micro-circulation

• Rhythm & stroke volume of the heart

• Blood pressure

• Levels of circulating immunoglobulins

• Gastrointestinal peristalsis

• Secretion of gastric acids

• Production of RBC & WBC (possibly by activating the homeostatic mechanism of the autonomic nervous system

ACUPUNCTURE

• Adjusts the physiological processes of the body

• Maintaining the dynamic balance and harmony of Qi (life force), blood and body fluids in the body to ensure smooth & constant movement

• Stagnation deteriorates the processes of elimination & regeneration resulting to illness

• Pain and swelling, are considered the result of congested Qi, Blood or Body fluids

• Acupuncture stir up and move the Qi to overcome stasis and restore circulation, reducing swelling, alleviating pain and promoting healing

WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION• ASSESSMENT/DIAGNOSIS• Present and past symptoms• Inherited constitution• Social & natural environment• Lifestyle• Thoughts, emotions & relationships

• PE:• Observation of the face and tongue• Physical palpation of the body & pulse• TREATMENT:• Positioning• Identify acupuncture points• Disinfect points• Actual procedure (20-30 minutes)

WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION• SENSATION DURING PROCEDURE

• Needle will penetrate from half an inch to an inch

• Minimal pain or no sensation is expected on the insertion site

• Tingling, heaviness, soreness and pressure are common & desirable since it indicates that Qi is present

• Sensations may be felt “around the Qi”

• Some may feel that Qi is moving in areas far from the insertion point

• Sense of relief of symptoms, well being and relaxation are usual right after the session or days after it

DURATION OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

• Duration and frequency vary depending on:

• the severity and duration of complaint

• Extent of which lifestyle patterns exacerbate the condition

• Session lasts about an hour and is scheduled as often as everyday or as little as 2x/month

• As symptoms improve, fewer visits are required, individual progress being the yard stick

• Colds, tension headaches & sprains if treated early can be resolved in 3 to 6 months

• Rheumatoid arthritis and asthma may require treatment over 3 months to 2 years

BEFORE AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

• Take a bath to minimize possibility of infection

• Refrain from wearing jewelries

• Wear loose clothes

• Ensure that you are not tired, hungry or full

DURING AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

• Relax

• Report to the acupuncturist any of the following sensations:

• dizziness, chills, fainting, or shortness of breath, so that the needles can be removed promptly

• The previously mentioned symptoms are due to “needle shock” which results from severe stress or anxiety of a patient during his/her first acupuncture session. This seldom happens if the patient is punctured in a supine position

AFTER AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

• Client must rest after the session

• Client should not wash or wet the punctured sites for the next 2 to 4 hours to allow re-harmonization of the Qi on the sites

OTHER METHODS OF TREATMENT WITH ACUPUNCTURE• MOXIBUSTION• Uses focused heat on acupuncture points, generated by burning “moxa”, the compressed compressed dried

leaves of mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris, suitable for extreme Yang Deficiency or Cold interventions

• TUINA• a traditional system of massage and is often used to treat infants, children and elderly who may be too

sensitive to tolerate acupuncture.

• VENTOSA OR CUPPING • uses vacuum suction with cups, and removes stagnation of Qi at an acupuncture site.

• Chinese Herbal Medicine makes use of herbs to address underlying conditions defined by Traditional Chinese Medical Diagnosis.

REFERENCES

• Researches on Herbal Medicines. Philippine Herbs and Supplements Research Database

• Ethnopharmacology. Philippine Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Health. pitahc.gov.ph

• www.pitahc.gov.ph. Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care website

• http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/doh_herbs.htm

• https://nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction

• MRC-NADA Ear Acupoints for Trauma Recovery. https://www.acudetox.com/

• Acupuncture. A primer. Integrative Medicine for Alternative Health Care Systems (INAM) Philippines, Inc. http://integratibmedisin.org/