The practice of using medicinal plants by local herbalists in Cavite, Philippines

Abstract

Medicinal plants are widely spread all over the Philippines and the knowledge of their utilization is held by various distinct local groups. This study was conducted to document this oral tradition which is threatened to be lost due to rapid urbanization. This paper aims to provide a documentation of the local knowledge and practices on medicinal plant utilization in the urban province of Cavite, Philippines. Ninety-four informants were identified and interviewed. A total of 106 medicinal plants that belong to 50 families, mostly represented by Lamiaceae were documented. Most of these plants are cultivated herbs in which leaves are in the highest preference for the used plant organ. Also, medicinal preparations are usually employed internally as decoctions. This study demonstrates wide range of plant species of medicinal value in Cavite and the role that these traditional knowledge and practices are playing in supporting the local health care system. More importantly, the medicinal uses reported in this study could be scientifically tested for safety and efficacy for possible pharmaceutical applications in the future.