As the government aims to provide universal health care for Filipinos, the Department of Health (DOH), through the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), is reintroducing and promoting the use of alternative and complementary medicines and treatments.

Helen Posilero of the DOH-Ilocos Center for Health Development said that the promotion of alternative and traditional medicines and treatments adds to the viable healthcare options that the public can avail.

Aside from the scale of effectiveness,  alternative and traditional medicines are also cheaper and more accessible. 

"Nowadays, these alternative medicines are abundant in our communities and even readily available at home but some of us are unaware that we can use them as herbal medicines," Posilero said. 

Garlic, lagundi, sambong, akapulko, ampalaya, guava, tsaang gubat, and niyog-niyogan  are just some of the herbal plants approved by the DOH-PITAHC. 

For instance, garlic as an herbal medicine has anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties while ampalaya has agents for the management and treatment of diabetes. 

On the other hand, guava is traditionally used for gastrointestinal infections. 

Posilero disclaimed, "We can integrate the use of alternative and complementary medicines with the western medical treatment we can avail in hospitals, no need to neglect one for another or vice versa."

Further, there are also alternative practices such as acupressure, aromatherapy, ventosa, “hilot”, and even steam inhalation. 

Posilero cited acupressure which can relieve headaches and steam inhalation which can loosen up mucus in the sinuses. 

"Also, steam inhalation or what we call ‘suob’ in Ilocano is an example of a traditional remedy which was revived and popularized during the peak of COVID-19 infection," Posilero shared. 

More than relaxation, these practices can offer various health benefits.

Maybe it’s high time to revisit the traditional treatments and methodologies of our country. 

When fully integrated into the modern technologies that we have today, we can further strengthen our health care system making it more accessible and affordable for every Juan and Juana. (JCR/AMB/CGCC/PIA Region 1)