Guidelines on the Proper Use of the Medicinal Plants 1. HARVESTING PLANT MATERIALS
* Gather leaves when flower is about to bloom.
* Gather flowers before or shortly after the flowers have fully bloomed.
* Gather seeds from ripe fruits.
* Select and separate specified plant part (stem, leaves, flowers, seeds, bark or roots); remove dirt, insects and unhealthy plant part.
* Wash quickly
2. STORING PLANT MATERIALS FOR LATER USE
* Gather most plant materials during summer so that the materials can be dried properly.
* Dry specified plant materials in a well-shaded and well ventilated place. It usually takes 4 days to dry the plant materials during summer or 2 weeks during the rainy season.
* Keep dried plant materials in sealed plastic bags or in tightly covered brown containers.
* Store in cool, dry place away from sunlight.
* Label container with the name of the plant and the date of collection.
* Keep away from children's reach.
* Properly dried and stored materials can last for 6 months.
* Discard materials that have molds.
3. PROPER USE OF MATERIALS
* Use only 1 kind of medicinal plant at a time. Do not mix different medicinal plants.
* Decoctions should be freshly prepared. A few day's dose can be prepared and kept in a thermos. This can last for 3 days. Discard the decoction if the color has changed or molds are present.
- decoction - is prepared by boiling the specified plant portion
* Use a regular empty bottle of softdrink to measure 1 glassful of water that is neede in preparing decoction.
* Stop herbal treatment after 3 days if the patient's symptom has not improved or has becomes worse. Consult a doctor immediately.
* Use earthenware pot in preparing decoctions. Never use plastic, metal or aluminum containers because the chemicals may remain in the solution.
Source: www.doh.gov.ph
Philppine herbal plants: Akapulko
ReplyDeleteAmpalaya
Balanoi
Banaba
Bayabas
Bawang-Garlic
Carrot | Karot
Ginger-Luya
Gumamela
Lagundi
Mabolo
Malunggay
Makabuhay
Niyog-Niyogan
Oregano
Pandan
Pansit-pansitan
Sabila
Saluyot | Jute
Sambong
Silymarin
Tanglad-Lemon Grass
Tsaang Gubat
Virgin Coconut Oil
Yerba Buena
Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:
ReplyDelete• If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.
• Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.
• Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on young parts.
• After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors.
• Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to six months.
Tips on Preparation for Intake of Herbal Medicines:
ReplyDelete• Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.
• Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike utensils.
• As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.
• Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
• Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.