Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to therapies and practices applied alongside conventional medicine to improve health, relaxation and well-being. It aims to enhance coping mechanisms and reduce stress and pain. Integrative care combines both CAM and conventional modalities in a patient-centered treatment plan. Several herbal plants from the Philippines are described that are used as CAM therapies to treat infections, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and other ailments. Their properties and traditional uses are outlined.

2. • Defined as a varied group of therapies and
practices applied along with conventional
medicine to increase or attain relaxation, sustain,
improve or even renew health, and develop mind
and spirit harmony. Futhermore, it also intends to
improve coping mechanisms, lessen stress,
relieve pain and develop a person’s well-being.

3. • Composed of varied group of therapies and practices
used as a replacement of conventional medicine aiming
to increase comfort or relaxation, sustain, improve or
even renew health; and mind and spirit.
• Combination of complementary and alternative modalities
with conventional medicine is called Integrative Care,
which also includes multiple modalities in the overall
patient-centered plan of care.

4. • Also known as “bayabas-bayabasan”, “ringworm bush or
shrub” or Acapulco is a herbal plant for treating
infections, insectbites, ringworms, scabies and itchiness.

5. • Commonly known as “bitter melon or bitter gourd” is
proven to be effective in treating diabetes, haemorrhoids,
coughs, burns and scalds and as of the moment is being
examined for its anti-cancer contents.

6. • Well-known as garlic which is used to treat infection with
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-
hypertensive properties, and good to reduce cholesterol
in the blood that helps control blood pressure.

7. • Or known as guava, it is used as:
• Antiseptic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti –spasmodic, Anti-
oxidant, Anti-allergy, Antimicrobial, Antiplasmodial, Anti
cough, Anti diabetes.
• Its leaves are used to disinfect wounds, and as mouth
wash to treat tooth decay and gum infection.

8. • Also called as “Five-leaf chaste tree” and is used to treat
coughs, colds, and fever. It can be utilized as a relief for
asthma, pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia and
diarrhea.

9. • Known as “Chinese Honey Suckle” which is used to
eliminate intestinal worms most especially Ascaris and
Trichina.

10. • In English, known as Bluema camphora or Ngai camphor
that is used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts,
rheumatism, diarrhea, spasms, colds and coughs and
hypertension.

11. • It is also called ‘Wild Tea’ and is taken in a form of tea to
treat skin allergies like eczema, scabies and itchiness
wounds in child birth. It is also used as intestinal motility
and as a mouth wash due to its high fluoride content.

12. • Known as Peperomia in English, this medicinal plant is
effective in treating arthritis and gout. Its leaves are eaten
like a salad or can be taken as a tea.

13. • Commonly known as peppermint, this medicinal vine is
used as analgesic to relive body aches and pain. It is
also good for coughs, colds and insect bites.