Herbal Medicine Utilization among Batangueños

This study aimed to determine the DOH- approved herbal plants utilization among Batangueños. Specifically, it determined the level of awareness of the ten DOH approved herbal plants including its preparations. It also identified the extent of use of ten DOH approved herbal plants; determined the reasons and factors affecting usage of herbal plants; identified herbal plants used not approved by DOH; and formulated finally an Information Education Communication (IEC) material that will enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitude on how to utilize herbal plants. The study utilized a descriptive type of design, wherein a self-made questionnaire was utilized through purposive sampling. Results showed that most of the Batangueños are aware of the ten DOH approved herbal plants and its proper preparations. Based on the obtained results, it was found out that the respondents were most familiar with bayabas, ampalaya, and sambong among the approved herbal plants and ulasimang-bato/pansit-pansitan, akapulko, and niyog- niyogan were the herbal plants that they were least familiar. Ampalaya, bayabas, and lagundi were the most utilized herbal plants among the DOH approved herbal plants and ulasimang-bato/ pansit-pansitan, niyog- niyogan, and yerba buena were the least used. Results also revealed that Batangueños were most familiar with tawa-tawa, oregano, and luyang dilaw among the non- approved herbal plants and lubigan, gingko, and luyang dilaw were the herbal plants that they were least familiar. An Information Education Communication (IEC) material has been formulated to enhance the chosen respondent’s knowledge, skills, and attitude on how to utilize the different herbal plants.

Keywords – Herbal Medicine, Utilization, Batangueños