RP forests are one big ‘drugstore’ — DENR

To those in the know, forests are one big "drugstore". Fact is, many tree species possess medicinal and herbal properties.

"Forest tree species have been found to have potential therapeutic values that could meet the medicinal needs of people in the rural areas and those in the uplands," stated Director Celso Diaz of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB).

Diaz added that people do not have to depend on exorbitantly priced commercial or "modern" medicines in the drugstore to cure certain ailments.

Along this line, ERDB has published "Forest Tree Species with Medicinal Uses," the 11th series of the DENR Recommends.

The publication lists down some forest tree species found to have curative properties based on observations and actual experiences of many people. The data were compiled by Maximo Lanting Jr. and Concepcion Palaypayon.

For example, a decoction of the bark of African tulip is used for constipation, gastrointestinal troubles, and dysentery.

A decoction of agoho’s bark is used as emmenagogue (promotes menstration) and ecbolic (alleviates menstruation pain).

Other facts compiled by ERDB:

• The flowers of bani can be used to treat diabetes; the juice of its roots with coconut milk and lime water is used as remedy for gonorrhea.

• A narra root extract is applied on syphilitic sores.

• The bark, leaves, and flowers of banaba are used as a purgative.

• The fresh leaves of hauili are used as sudorific (induces sweating) and for headaches.

• Ipil fruit, when eaten, is laxative.

• The bark of kalios is chewed as an antidote to snakebite and poisoning.

• A decoction of mahogany bark serves as a antyipyretic (reduces fever).

• Roots of acacia are prescribed for cold, fever, influenza, and snakebite.

• A decoction of the wood of white lauaan inhibits tumor. – Rudy Fernandez