Chapter 1: Medicinal Plants-
" Nature as Cure"
" Nature as Cure"
My first topic is about medicinal plants in the Philippines
They are those plants that can be utilized to treat an illness. First and foremost, here are the ways on proper harvesting and storing of medicinal plants.
HARVESTING
Different processes in harvesting and storing medicinal plants are things to give much consideration not just by the pharmaceutical industry but also we as health-concerned humans.
The very first thing to consider is the harvesting period. It is because plants contain lots of chemical compounds that are essential for them to be effective. But then those chemicals changes due to temperature, humidity, light and the way of handling it upon harvesting.
Take note that each plant parts have different ways of harvesting. When the active principle of the plant is found in the seed, the fruit is allowed to ripen fully before harvesting. And if it is in the whole fruit, they may be harvested even before reaching the maturity period.* The underground plant parts are mostly collected just before the stage of flowering.* It was also suggested that it is best to harvest the plants in warm, dry weather for them to have the best medicinal effect.
STORING
In terms of storing, it is very important to dry-up the plant be it for storage or extraction. It is because moist is an ingredient in the growth of molds and other microorganisms that can cause to destroy the affectivity of the drug plant. Mind you, extreme high temperature must be avoided too because it can also affect the chemical compounds of the plants that contributes to its effectiveness.
Different processes in harvesting and storing medicinal plants are things to give much consideration not just by the pharmaceutical industry but also we as health-concerned humans.
The very first thing to consider is the harvesting period. It is because plants contain lots of chemical compounds that are essential for them to be effective. But then those chemicals changes due to temperature, humidity, light and the way of handling it upon harvesting.
Take note that each plant parts have different ways of harvesting. When the active principle of the plant is found in the seed, the fruit is allowed to ripen fully before harvesting. And if it is in the whole fruit, they may be harvested even before reaching the maturity period.* The underground plant parts are mostly collected just before the stage of flowering.* It was also suggested that it is best to harvest the plants in warm, dry weather for them to have the best medicinal effect.
STORING
In terms of storing, it is very important to dry-up the plant be it for storage or extraction. It is because moist is an ingredient in the growth of molds and other microorganisms that can cause to destroy the affectivity of the drug plant. Mind you, extreme high temperature must be avoided too because it can also affect the chemical compounds of the plants that contributes to its effectiveness.
The moisture content should be only less than 10%. And lastly, dried plant drugs must be kept in plastic bags inside air-tight jars and be placed in a cool, dry place away from light.
Dosage
Proper dosage must be considered too. It has been stated that it is safe to boil a ten-gram leaf in four cups of water. But then again, plants don’t have the same dosages. That’s why, we must be observant in terms of their cautions and moderations.
Not just plant, medicine too!
There are lots of medicinal plants in the Philippines like ampalaya, guava, papaya, santol, cocaine, akapulko, ipil-ipil, acasia, banaba, lagundi, dilaw (ginger) and oregano. But the most popular (I think) is the sambong or what we call us here “lakad-bulan”. Why lakad-bulan? I just don’t know.
Anyways, here are some not so popular fruits but are also considered medicine.
ATIS (Annona squamoza L.)
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| Captured from Pioduran |
Atis or the sweet sop is also a small tree in 3-5 m high. It has hairy, oblong leaves in 8-15 cm long and has a short petiole. The fruit is large and heart shaped usually 6-9 cm long.
The poultice from its fresh leaves is used for dyspepsia and upon mixing with oil, can be used for scalp diseases. Atis crushed leaves can be applied to the nose of fainting person. Its unripe fruit and seeds have vermicidal and insecticidal properties which are useds astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. Decoction of the roots is a drastic purgative.
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