Fats, Vitamins and Minerals

When we arrived at Neria’s house in Baclayon, there was this fellow single-handedly building a nipa hut just outside the back yard. It is taking him a long time - the frame of the house has taken two months - because he only gets building materials from around the area, scrounging around for fallen trees, branches, bamboo, if he is not allowed to cut wood from nearby places.

Baclayon is not our home yet but we are nearly there. Two years now - just like this house-builder, we’re taking a long time!

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.

BURNS

Among the many accidents that occur in children, burns are the most frequent and frightening.

Among the common causes of burns are:

- Scalds from liquids which may be due to spillage from hot teas, coffee, soup or hot liquid on the stove.
- Burns from fire or heat which result from playing with matches which are irresistible attractions to children or when fire breaks out due to an adult’s carelessness or a child’s mischief.
- Electrical burns

Burns could be prevented through the following measures:

- Do not allow children to play near any source of fire. Teach children the danger of playing with fire.
- Keep matches away from children.
- Keep children away from the cooking area to make sure that pots and pans are beyond their reach.
- Take the necessary precautions when dealing with occupations that involve the use of fire.

Treatment:

First aid care of burns is meant to prevent shock and to control pain.

A quick estimate of the body surface is a guide for action:

– all of one leg - 18%
– all of one arm and head - 18%
– front of the truck - 18%
– back of the trucnk - 18%

A person with 25% of the body surface burned can develop “burn shock” and may die unless he receives immediate first aid. In “burn shock”, the liquid part of the blood goes to the burned area. There may not be enough blood volume to keep the brain, heart, and other organs functioning normally.

- Superficial burns

With superficial burns, the upper layer of the skin is burned with redness, swelling and pain but without formation of blisters. The skin is not broken. Place affected area immeidately in cold water or apply cold compress to relieve the pain. Do not apply pomade, cooking oil or coconut oil.

- Burns with blister formation

If a blister forms, do nto drain. If the blister bursts, take off adjoining skin and clean with soap and water. A suggested medicinal plant may then be applied.

It would be better to leave the burned area exposed to the air. Avoid contamination by insects and flies. Never smear or grease.

If the wound cannot be kept clean, cover the burned area with a clean pad or cloth with Vaseline. If there are signs of infection such as pus formation, foul smell, fever and swollen lymph nodes, consult a physician.

- Deep or extensive burns

If the burn is severe with gaping flesh or bones, or a big body surface is burned, call a physician immeidately or bring to the nearest hospital or clinic. While awaiting medical attention, follow the tips listed above. Wrap the burned area with a clean cloth or towel.

Comfort and reassure the patient because those suffering from severe burn can experience shock. Give aspirin to reduce pain and plenty of liquid to drink.

MEDICINAL PLANT FOR SUPERFICIAL BURNS

GUMAMELA flower buds, OREGANO leaves

Preparation:

Use only one of the plant materials listed. Express the juice from enough fresh plant material.

Direction for use:

Apply the juice on the affected parts. Do this 2 times a day. Maintain cleanliness during the entire procedure.

Plant material:

SABILA leaves

Preparation:

Cut off a fresh savila eaf. Extract or collect sufficient juice to cover the affected part. The remaining juice can be extracted when needed.

Direction for use:

Apply the juice on the affected parts. Wash of the sabila juice after 15 minutes.

Do this 2 times a day. Maintain cleanliness during the entire procedure.

SPRAINS

Sprains, particularly of the wrists and ankles, rank among the most common injuries that affect man. A sudden movement or fall will stretch or over-stretch a ligament so that it tears. Fluid or blood then gets into a joint and the area swells. Frequently it is difficult to determine if a particular joint is just sprained or fractured, so that an X-ray becomes a helpful diagnostic aid.

The primary mode of therapy of sprains and fractures are almost the same. Immobilize the affected area with a strap. Application of massage will have no beneficial effect but may only worsen the sprained ligament or fractured bone.

Treatment:

If one is sure that there is a fracture:

- Apply bandage to the affected area.
- To reduce the pain and swelling, elevate the affected limb.
- Cpply cold compress or an ice bag over the affected area on the first day or injury for some 15 minutes 3 times a day to relieve the swelling. Use one of the suggested medicinal plants on the succeeding days.
- Refrain from moving the affected limb too often.

MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR SPRAINS:

Leaves of TUBANG BAKOD, IKMO, MAYANA, LANTANA, KAKAWATI

Preparation:

Use only one of the plant materials listed. Heat enough fresh plant material over a small fire. Pound.

Direction for use:

Apply the pounded plant material while warm on the sprained joint. Change the plant material 2 times a day.

ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a disease involving the joints that often affects the elderly. To date no effective cure is at hand but the following suggestions may alleviate the pain.

- Avoid heavy work and exercise. Rest painful joints.
- Place warm compress on the affected joints.
- Use the suggested medicinal plants. If the patient does not improve with herbal therapy, administer 2 aspirin tablets 4 to 6 times a day after meals or with milk. Aspirin should not be taken when a patient has peptic ulcer. If the patient complains of ringing in the ears or abdominal pains, reduce the dose of aspirin or consult a physician. Discontinue aspirin if stool becomes tarry (black).
- To keep the function of a joint or maintain its range of motion, light or simple exercise is necessary.

Seek medical advise for any of the following complaints associated with the joint pain:
- Fever
- Sore throat or difficulty in swallowing
- Sandy urine or urine with precipitates
- Red, warm and tender joints

MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR ARTHRITIS

Plant material:
LUYA rhizome, SILING LABUYO fruit, leaves of YERBA BUENA, SULASI, BALANOY, KABLING, LANTANA

Preparation:

Use only one of the plant materials listed. Heat enough fresh plant material over a small fire. Pound.

Direction for use:

Apply the pounded plant material while warm on the affected joint.

ASTHMA

Asthma is characterized by periodic attacks of difficulty breathing. Each attack begins abruptly, occurring frequently at night, waking the patient from his sleep. He has to sit up and is totally preoccupied with his efforts to breathe. Very noticeable are the retractions that his chest wall and cat-cry-like sounds (wheezing) on breathing out.

Asthma often begins in childhood and may remain in life. The disease is not contagious but may be inherited.

The following are the more common causes of asthma attacks:

- Inhalation of dust, kapok, pollen, chicken feathers or hair of cats or dogs
- Food such as shrimps, crabs and chocolates
- Changes of weather
- Colds and other respiratory infections
- Fatigue
- Emotional stress

Prevention:

- Avoid the factors triggering the attacks
- Always keep the surroundings clean
- have a change of environment if the triggering factor is traced to this
- Avoid smoking

Treatment:

- Avoid the causative factors
- Loosen secretions in the same way as treating cough
- Use any of the suggested medicinal plants
- If unimproved after the use of one dose of the medicinal plant, consult a physician
- For severe attacks consult a physician right away

MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR ASTHMA

Plant material: LAGUNDI leaves

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed:
Adult: 4 tbsp (dried) or 6 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 2 tbsp (dried) or 3 tbsp (fresh)
2-6 years: 1 tbsp (dried) or 1 1/2 tbsp (fresh)

Boil the needed amount of leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes or until 1 glass of liquid is left. Cool and strain.

Direction for use:
Divide the decoction into 3 parts. Take 1 part 3 times a day.

Plant material: TALUMPUNAY flower or leaves

Preparation:
Make a cigarette out of a dried flower or 2 small dried leaves.

Direction for us:
Smoke the talumpunay cigarettes.
Precautions: Do not use more than 1 cigarette in 6 hours.
Talumpunay may be habit forming. Its use should be limited to adults.

Preparation:
Burn a dried flower or 2 small leaves.

Direction for us:
Inhale the smoke.

COUGH

Cough is not an illness in itself but a symptom of a disease affecting the respiratory system of the body from the throat to the lungs.

Causes:

- Throat infections: laryngitis, pharyngitis
- Bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, pneumonia
- Cold, influenza
- Measles
- Diphtheria, pertussis
- TB
- Cigarette smoking
- Lung cancer or any tumor in the air passages
- Foreign bodies that lodge in the airways
- Asthma
- Some types of heart disease
- Emotional causes

Treatment:

Cough is a protective reflex of the respiratory system to rid itself of phlegm, microbes and foreign bodies that have lodged in the airways. Therefore, the aim of therapy is to loosen the cough and liquefy and expectorate the phlegm, and not to stop the cough. However, in cases when the patient is distressed by coughing and is kept awake at night, measures are taken to lessen the frequency of cough, such as giving of cough suppressants. Some guidelines to follow are:

- If the cause of the cough is known, treat and prevent the cause.
Example: Stop smoking of this is the cause of the cough.
- In order to loosen and ease cough, the patient should:
– Drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Adults can drink as much as 8 to 12 glasses of water a day.
– Breathe hot water vapors (steam inhalation) for 15 minutes 3 times a day.
– Use any of the suggested  edicinal plants. Consult a physician if there are no signs of improvement within 3 days.

- Consult a physician if there are indications of progression of the illness such as the following cases:
– The patient has distressing cough and with difficulty of breathing.
– The phlegm is foul-odored, yellow or greenish-colored, or blood-streaked.
– There is noticeable weight loss.
– Hoarseness of the voice is more than 2 weeks duration.
– Coughing episodes are frequent (more than 3 times a year).

- The patient should eat nutritious food, take plenty of rest and keep himself and his surroundings clean.

MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR COUGH

Plant material: LAGUNDI leaves

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed
Adult: 4 tbsp (dried) or 6 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 2 tbsp (dried) or 3 tbsp (fresh)
2-6 years: 1 tbsp (dried) or 1 1/2 tbsp (fresh)

Boil the needed amount of leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes or until 1 glass of liquid is left. Cool and strain.

Direction for use: Divide the decoction into 3 parts. Take 1 part 3 times a day.

Plant Material: BALANOY leaves

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed
Adult: 4 tbsp (dried) or 6 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 2 tbsp (dried) or 3 tbsp (fresh)

Preparation: As in LAGUNDI

Direction for use: As in LAGUNDI

Plant material: ALAGAW leaves

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed
Adult: 6 tbsp (dried) or 8 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 3 tbsp (dried) or 4 tbsp (fresh)
2-6 years: 1 1/2 tbsp (dried) or 2 tbsp (fresh)

Preparation: As in LAGUNDI

Direction for use: As in LAGUNDI

Plant material: OREGANO leaves

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed
Adult: 2 tbsp (dried) or 4 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 1 tbsp (dried) or 2 tbsp (fresh)

Preparation: As in LAGUNDI

Direction for use: As in LAGUNDI

Plant material: EUCALYPTUS leaves

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed
Adult: 4 tbsp (dried) or 6 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 2 tbsp (dried) or 3 tbsp (fresh)

Preparation: As in LAGUNDI

Direction for use: As in LAGUNDI

Plant material: YERBA BUENA leaves

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed
Adult: 4 tbsp (dried) or 6 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 2 tbsp (dried) or 3 tbsp (fresh)

Preparation: As in LAGUNDI

Direction for use: As in LAGUNDI

Plant material: SAMPALOK leaves

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed
Adult: 8 tbsp (dried) or 10 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 4 tbsp (dried) or 5 tbsp (fresh)
2-6 years:  2 tbsp (dried) or 2 1/2 tbsp (fresh)

Preparation: As in LAGUNDI

Direction for use: As in LAGUNDI

Plant material: LUYA rhizome

Preparation: Boil 2 thumb-sized rhizome of ginger in 4 glasses of water for 5 minutes. (For adults) Cool and strain.

For children, use half the adult dose.

Direction for use: As in LAGUNDI

Plant material: MANGGA tops

Preparation:
Amount of chopped leaves needed
Adult: 4 tbsp (dried) or 6 tbsp (fresh)
7-12 years: 2 tbsp (dried) or 3 tbsp (fresh)
2-6 years: 1 tbps (dried) or 1 1/2 tbsp (fresh)

Preparation: As in LAGUNDI

Direction for use: As in LAGUNDI