Guidelines on the Use of Medicinal Plants
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Guidebook on the Proper Use of Medicinal Plants
National Science and Technology Authority
Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila
Acknowledgement
The School Health and Nutrition Center wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the National Science and Technology Authority for their approval of the Center’s request to reproduce the “Guidebook on the Proper Use of Medicinal Plants” which will be distributed to the different schools.
To the staff and members of the NSTA-UP Research Project no. 8003 Md., our sincere gratitude.
School Health and Nutrition Center
Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, Manila
GENERAL GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS
Identification
Determine the proper identity of the medicinal plant that you intend to use for a particular disease or symptom since there are local names that refer to more than one kind of plant.
Harvesting
Know the right time to collect the medicinal plant materials.
- The leaves are best collected when the plant is about to bloom.
- The flowers are collected just before or shortly after opening.
- The seeds are collected after the fruits have matured completely.
Majority of the plant materials are best collected during the dry season.
Post-Harvest Handling
- Select and separate the desired plant part and remove dirt and other foreign substances.
- If washing is necessary, do it as quickly as possible.
- Dry the plant materials in a well-shaded and well-ventilated place until crumbly. If the plant material is succulent, cut it into small pieces.
- Keep the dried plant materials in plastic or bottle containers. Brown colored bottles are preferred. Cover tightly and keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Charcoal may be placed inside the bottle to absorb moisture, thus maintaining the dryness of the plant materials.
- Label the container properly with the name of the plant and the date when ut was collected.
-Well-dried and well-stored plant materials can be used up to 6 months after the collection. Discard the plant material if there are molds or other signs of decay.
Preparation
- Observe cleanliness in the preparation of medicinal plant materials.
- In the absence of a weighing scale, use the tablespoon to measure the desired amount of plant material which have been cut into small pieces. One tablespoon of plant material would mean one heaping scoop.
- Decoction is prepared by boiling the plant material in a given amount of water for 15 minutes. Start timing when the water begins to boil and not upon putting the container on the stove.
– Use an earthenware pot and take the cover off while boiling.
– Keep the decoction in a cool pace or refrigerate.
– Use the decoction within 12-24 hours.
- Infusion is prepared by soaking the plant material in a given amount of water for 30 minutes. As in decoction, use only freshly prepared infusion.
- Juice and poultice should be prepared just before use.
Actual Use
- Use only the plant part suggested.
- Follow the recommended dosage and direction for use for each particular symptom or disease.
- Use only one kind of medicinal plant for each symptom or disease.
- Defer the use of medicinal plant should any untoward reaction or side effect occurs.
- If there are no signs of improvement after 2 or 3 administrations of the medicinal plant, consult a physician.
