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Traditional and Complementary Medicines

Oct 03, 20243 min read

Reference

Nies, M., McEwen, M. (2020). Primary Health Care. In Community and Public Health Nursing (2nd Philippine ed., pp. 191-204). C&E Publishing, Inc.

Republic Act 8423, titled the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) institutes the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) under the DOH to improve the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people through the development of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care. Today, these methods are called T&CM, Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

Herbal Medicines

The use of plants or derivatives from plants for the treatment of specific conditions. In the Philippines, it is one of the most popular modalities of complementary medicine. Currently, the DOH recommends ten such medicines:

  1. Lagundi:
    • Use: Cold, cough, fever, asthma, dysentery, pain, skin diseases, wounds
    • Preparation: Decoction, Wash affected site with decoction
  2. Yerba Buena:
    • Use: Headache, stomachache, cough and colds, rheumatism and arthritis
    • Preparation: Decoction, Infusion, Massage Sap
  3. Sambong:
    • Use: Antiedema, antiurolithiasis
    • Preparation: Decoction
  4. Tsaang Gubat:
    • Use: Diarrhea, Stomachache
    • Preparation: Decoction
  5. Niyog-niyogan:
    • Use: Anthelminthic
    • Preparation: Seeds are used
  6. Bayabas:
    • Use: Washing wounds, diarrhea, gargle, toothache
    • Preparation: Decoction
  7. Akapulko:
    • Use: Antifungal
    • Preparation: Poultice
  8. Ulasimang Bato; Pansit-pansitan:
    • Use: Lowers blood uric acid, rheumatism and gout
    • Preparation: Decoction, eaten raw
  9. Bawang:
    • Use: Hypertension, lowers blood cholesterol, toothache
    • Preparation: Eaten raw or fried, applied on part (for toothache)
  10. Ampalaya:
    • Use: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, increases insulin sensitivity
    • Preparation: Decoction or Steamed Baby Leaves
PreparationProcedure
DecoctionThe recommended part of the plant material is boiled in water. The recommended boiling time is 20 minutes.
InfusionThe plant material is soaked in hot water, much like making tea. The recommended soaking time is 10 to 15 minutes.
PoulticeDirectly apply the recommended plant material on the part affected, usually used on bruises, wounds, or rashes.
TinctureMix the plant material in alcohol.

Other Traditional Alternative Healthcare

TerminologyDefinition
AcupressureA method of healing and health promotion that uses the application of pressure on acupunture points.
AcupunctureA method of healing using special needles to puncture and stimulate specific anatomical points on the body.
AromatherapyThe art and science of the sense of smell whereby essential aromatic oils are combined and then applied to the body in some form of treatment.
ChiropractyA discipline of the healing arts concerned with the pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, and prophylaxis of functional disturbances, pathomechanical states, pain syndromes, and neurophysiological effects related to the static and dynamics of the locomotor system, especially of the spine and pelvis.
Phytomedicine/Herbal MedicineFinished, labeled, medicinal products that contain as active ingredients aerial or underground parts of the plant or other materials or combination thereof, either in the crude state or as plant preparations.
MassageA method wherein the superficial soft parts of the body are rubbed, stroked, kneaded, or tapped for remedial, aesthetic, hygienic, or limited therapeutic purposes.
Nutritional TherpayThe use of food as medicine and to improve healthy by enhancing the nutritional value of food components that reduces the risk of a disease. It is synonymous with nutritional healing.
Pranic HealingA holistic approach of healing that follows the principle of balancing energy; the Yin-Yang balance was mentioned here by the lecturer.
ReflexologyThe application of therapeutic pressure on the body’s reflex points to enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms and balance body functions. It is based on the principle that internal glands and organs can be influenced by properly applying pressure to the corresponding reflex area on the body.

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