Herbal Medicine in Community Health Nursing 1

Objectives of TAMA 1997

• Encourage scientific research related to traditional and alternative medicine.
• Advocate for the use of traditional and alternative health care methods.
• Develop and coordinate skills training courses for practitioners.
• Establish standards, guidelines, and codes of ethical practice.
• Formulate supportive health care policies.

Definitions of Terms

• Traditional and Alternative Health Care: Knowledge and practices outside of biomedicine aimed at preventing and diagnosing health issues.
• Traditional Medicine: Culture-based health practices recognized by communities to improve well-being, not explained by modern science.
• Alternative Health Care Modalities: Non-allopathic healing methods, such as reflexology and acupressure, not always passed through generations.
• Herbal Medicines: Finished products containing active plant ingredients, encompassing crude or prepared forms.
• Traditional Healers: Respected individuals with deep knowledge of traditional remedies.

Common Medicinal Plants and Their Uses

• Sambong (Blumea Balsamifera): Treats kidney stones, wounds, rheumatism, diarrhea, colds, coughs, and hypertension.
• Akapulko (Cassia alata): Known for treating tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, and scabies.
• Niyog-Niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.): Eliminates intestinal parasites.
• Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa): Used to treat skin allergies, eczema, scabies, childbirth wounds, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia): Effective for diabetes, hemorrhoids, coughs, burns, and under research for anti-cancer properties.
• Lagundi (Vitex Negundo): Relieves coughs, colds, fever, asthma, and rheumatism.
• Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida): Treats arthritis and gout.
• Bawang (Allium sativum): Possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties; reduces cholesterol.
• Bayabas (Psidium guajava): Has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cough, and antidiabetic properties.
• Yerba Buena (Mentha cordifolia): An analgesic for body aches, coughs, colds, and insect bites.

Herbal Medicine Preparation Techniques

• Herbal Teas:

  • Infusion: Steeping lighter plant parts in boiled water.
  • Decoction: Boiling tougher parts for a longer duration.
  • Recommended ratio: 1 tsp of dried herb per cup of water; steep for 10-20 minutes.

• Herbal Tinctures:

  • Made by steeping herbs in alcohol for extraction.
  • Requires finely cut dried herbs and vodka; stored in glass jars for preservation.

• Fluid Extracts: Stronger than tinctures; can be made with alcohol or glycerin.

• Herbal Poultices: Freshly made mixtures applied externally; have a short shelf life.

• Powdered Herbs and Tablets: Dried herbs turned into a powdered form for use in tablets.

• Herbal Creams and Ointments: Mixtures that apply directly to the skin for cuts or scrapes.

• Essential Oils: Extracted from plants; used in aromatherapy, effective for headaches, muscle, and joint pain.

• Herbal Supplements: Commercially available in tablet or capsule form, often standardized for active ingredients.

Conclusion

• The use of traditional and alternative medicine is supported through scientific research, skill training, and adherence to ethical standards, with a focus on the efficacy of various herbal plants and preparations.

Explore the fundamentals of DOH-approved herbal medicines in this quiz tailored for Community Health Nursing 1. Learn about their indications, uses, and preparation while understanding the importance of traditional medicine and scientific research. Enhance your skills and knowledge on the ethical practices within herbal medicine.