Safeguarding health with safe and organic food comes easy with a herbal garden or a herbal nursery. During this pandemic when our community members find difficulty in reaching clinics and rural health units, the Mariano Marcos State University, through the School-on-the-Air (SOA) program takes part in promoting health literacy through propagation and responsible use of medicinal plants.

            These information were drawn from the lecture of Prof. Maura Luisa Gabriel, a retired professor at the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) on the Establishment of Herbal Garden, accessible at https://bit.ly/2Yprbg7 and Other Medicinal Plants accessible at https://bit.ly/2Yvapfe .

Why Herbal Garden/ Nursery? 

            According to Prof. Gabriel, a herbal garden is a nursery of plants with medicinal properties. It can be a backyard where these plants are planted as a source of immediate aide for injuries, burns, bruises, and other small injuries. Opting for a natural and organic medicine with herbal medicines reduces cost for over-the-counter medicines and eliminate side effects, if any.

            In small gardens, herbal plants can be planted alongside ornamental plants. Aside from being a source of immediate medicine, a herbal garden adds value to community gardens to help establish accessible and affordable medicines for all. For uncommon medicinal plants, these can be sold to neighbours and serve as additional source of income and generating funds for the propagation of the plants.

Is it difficult to establish a herbal garden? 

            Establishing a herbal garden is just like setting up a typical garden. A small lot will be fine, a bigger one for the community is better. To maximize a small area, one may opt to recycle and upcycle some materials available in the area. An idea on vertical landscaping can be adopted if suitable to the garden space.

            With some passion and learning in gardening, one is set to go. The following are key pointers to consider in planting and propagating herbal plants as shared by Prof. Gabriel.

            One key tip in herbal gardening is the soil. Prof. Gabriel shared that plants grow better in garden soil and compost. This mix is a breathable and friable combination that drains water very well, retain moisture like a sponge, and promote root growth. Friable soil is usually rich in carbon and minerals, ideal for growing a variety of plants. When the soil is too compact, root growth is hampered, hence, unable to grow much.

            Second is the propagation technique. Medicinal plants can be grown from seeds, mature stems, leaves, by grafting, and root growth promotion. It is important to note, however, that newly planted plants need a shady area for recovery and growth. Once they recover and has grown some roots, they can be gradually relocated to areas with better sun exposure.

            Organization also needs to be considered. Sunlight requirement of the plants must be held in mind to optimize the growth and development of the herbal plants. To maximize a small lot, smaller plants can be propagated in pots and may be sold to interested neighbours and friends. Bigger plants that provide shade can also be maximized for those with young leaves and shoots.

            Last is the growth of the plants. While maintaining a luscious and robust garden, medicinal plants that are easy to grow and propagate and can harvest from at a regular basis to strengthen the immune system are recommended. In as much as one may also accommodate the rare herbs and medicinal plants, it is also recommended that those common injuries or ailments be considered when planting.

What can I plant in my herbal garden? 

            There are a variety of herbal plants we can propagate in our gardens. But according to Prof. Gabriel, having these ten (10) medicinal plants approved by the Department of Health (DOH) should be the first to find their spot in one’s garden.

• Lagundi. Commonly known as dangla, lagundi is good for treating cough, fever, and asthma because of its broncho-dilator property that expands the respiratory channels of the body. It also has anti-inflamatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties.
• Sambong. Locally known as subusob, sambong is ideal for individuals with problems in urination and kidney stones because of its anti-urolithiasis property. It also has anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties.
• Bitter Gourd (Makiling variety). Locally known as paria or ampalaya, bitter gourd are effective in lowering blood sugar and anti-diabetes. It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
• Garlic. An expectorant, garlic complements healthy diet because of its anti-cholesterol properties
• Guava. The bayabas is good in cleansing wounds because of its antiseptic properties. For children with body odor, this can be boiled and used in bathing to control bacteria in nooks and crevices of the body.
• Tsaang-gubat. The itsa iti bakir or itsa nga atap is a good mouthwash and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Yerba Buena. This herb is good for headache and body pains because of its analgesic or anti-pyretic properties. Bitter to taste but good for ladies with menstrual problems.
• Honey suckle. Also called niog-niogan or tartaraok, this plant is ideal in deworming because of its anthelmintic properties.
• Acapulko. So called andadasi, this plant is good for skin diseases because of its anti-fungal properties
• Ulasimang-bato. Also known as pansit-pansitan or linlinnaaw, this plant is good for swelling joints and arthritis because of its anti-gout or anti-hyperusemia property. This can be blanched for salad or boiled, with the tea for consumption upon cooling.

            These plants have been scientifically validated to ensure safety and efficacy, and endorsed by DOH-Philippine Institute of Traditional Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) under RA 8423.

What other plants can I plant? 

            Aside from the ten mentioned above, these plants can add color and beauty to one’s herbal gardens.

            For additional greens, citronella, basil, and rosemary can be planted to beautify the landscape. Their scent also detracts mosquitos around the abode since they abhor repulse strong scents.

            For cuts and burns rescue, especially among children, aloe vera can also be planted. Their fresh color also adds beauty to the garden. Chili may also be planted alongside other plants and especially for those with arthritis. To use it, it needs to ground, mixed with oil, and applied to joints and swells. Luyang dilaw or the typical ginger are also good for sore throat.

            At most, just like any Ilokano abode, marunggay or malunggay can be used for fencing and anchor for vines. For local dishes such as miki and arrozcaldo, kutsay is a sure scent to complete the meal. Good thing, its bright colored flowers add up to the beauty of the garden while serving as a ready kit for sprains. Oregano is also a good deal for cough.

            Gardens may also be spiced up with local vines and plants with medicinal properties such as alugbati, pako, jute, guyabano, pandan, tarragon, balimbing, kalamansi, camantigue, and samsamping or the blue ternate flower, and other plants that can be consumed as tea or juice.

            Samsamping, a blue-violet flowered vine that grows in almost all areas in Ilocos Norte, is also a good choice for beauty and its health benefits. In Ms. Flor G. Tarriela’s Weedibles ken Weedicinals, Plus Edible Flowers and More published by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) - Regional Training Center IV-A, samsamping, or blue ternate flower, has antioxidant properties and in keeping the eyes healthy. It also helps combat diabetes, lower blood pressure, and maintain heart health. It also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and has anti-aging properties.

How to manage pests? 

            Pests and diseases may still occur in the garden, even if utmost care is tendered. To ensure that the herbal medicine is safe and healthy for consumption, Prof. Gabriel recommends botanical pesticides, and other safer alternatives than commercial pesticides. Usually, ants and aphids are the common pests in home gardens. If the population is not too much to handle, hand picking is recommended. For unmanageable population, the following may be tried out to control ants and aphids.

• To prepare, ground three pieces of siling labuyo and mix in ½ litre of water.
• Mix a tablespoon of gas and some dishwashing liquid to serve as adhesive.
• If gas is unavailable or undesirable, vinegar may be added to dishwashing liquid. In a ½ litre of water, mix ¼ cup of vinegar and two tablespoon of dishwashing liquid.

            Herbal gardening, just like farming, is a therapeutic activity. It allows the body to relax and be engaged with nature and releases stresses and anxieties. While natural calamities may be occurring from time to time, a goal set in focus, activities set in motion, and inspiration set attuned are always a spring to start anew.

For more information on how medicinal plants can be prepared, visit:   https://extension.mmsu.edu.ph/news/show/201/herbal-medicines-hit-active-engagement-on-air

SOA Airing accessible at https://bit.ly/3m0wfPi and https://2Pi3fqg.

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