Herbs Remedies | Alternative Herbal Medicine
This site is a guide to the medicinal uses of plants particularly, Philippine medicinal plant - An economical alternative medicine to treat many ailments which is beneficial to many Filipinos specially in this economic crisis. But take note that these herbal medications are similar to over the counter medicine that if symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
Before You Ever Do Anything…..
For each ailments shown in this site, there are several water and herbal treatments suggested to cure or alleviate suffering from it using medicinal plants. (You can find the links to the said pages in the bottom by scrolling down) So before you do anything, just follow the general rules below for guideline:
For each ailments shown in this site, there are several water and herbal treatments suggested to cure or alleviate suffering from it using medicinal plants. (You can find the links to the said pages in the bottom by scrolling down) So before you do anything, just follow the general rules below for guideline:
1. Use only one medicinal plant at a time. In treating the ailment, use only one medicinal plant – the one available to you.
2. 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.
3. Don’t cover cooking utensil when boiling. This is done to release toxins, if there are any.
4. Boil for a one-day supply only. Any concoction’s effectiveness is good for only 8 – 12 hours after boiling.
5. Take concoction either hot or cold. Strain concoction before taking it.
6. Wash thoroughly any leaves, barks, flowers and roots with water before boiling or using it as poultice.
7. Do not use or boil two or more different herbal plants together, unless instructed to do so.
8. Follow instructions carefully, especially the measurements and the dosage.
9. 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.
10. Individuals known to be allergic to some plants are not encourage to use the herbal medications. They may still use the water treatments.
Tips on Preparation for Intake of Herbal Medicines:
o Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.
o Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike utensils.
o As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.
o Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
o Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.
Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:
o If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically – without pesticides.
o Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.
o Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on young parts.
o 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.
o 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.