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.