CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Background

Medicine is the science and art of maintaining and or restoring human health

through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. The term is derived from the

Latin ars medicina meaning the art of healing. Medicine has different branches which

specialize in certain fields to be able to render the best quality of care to the patients. One

sub-specialty of medicine is herbal medicine which is also known as herbalism,

phytomedicine, botanical medicine, and herbology. Herbal medicine refers to the use of

any plant’s seeeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers for medicinal purposes

(Wikipedia, 2007).

The use of herbal medicine has been practiced to cure diseases, ease pain and heal

bodily discomforts and ills. For example, ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings

describe medicinal plant uses. No one knows exactly when people first began using

plants for medicine, but evidence of at least six medicinal plants was found in a

Neanderthal burial site estimated to be 60,000 years old. In addition, indigenous cultures

like African and Native American used herbs in their healing rituals, while others

developed traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Scientists have found that people in different parts of the globe tend to use the same or

similar parts for the same purposes (McCaleb, Leigh, & Morien, 2000).

Herbal medicines today are now being improved due to the found effectiveness on

the more complex-developing diseases. This is not surprising because many of the

current synthetic drugs have been derived from plants at some point. Herbal medicine are

approved and sold around the world with medicinal claims throughout Europe and most

of Asia (McCaleb, Leigh & Morien 2000). The use of herbal medicine has been gaining

popularity these past few years here in the Philippines as clinical proof emerges that

validates many of the age-old alternative medicines used by Filipino. And the use of

herbal medicine in the Philippines has been passed on from generation to generation

(Philippine Herbal Medicine Site, 2007). It is also readily available and abundant here in

the country. Garlic, for an instance is known to lower cholesterol levels and used to

prevent heart diseases. Bitter gourd is another vegetable grown here in the Philippines

which is known for improving the health status of those who have diabetes, liver

problems and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Wikipedia, 2007).

The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines has thoroughly tested ten

herbs which also have been clinically proven to have medicinal value in the relief and

treatment of various aliments as part of primary health care. These are 1) Akapulko

(Cassia alata) also known as "bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm bush" in English, 2)

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in English,

3) Bawang (Allium sativum) popularly known as "garlic", 4) Bayabas (Psidium guajava)

"guava" in English, 5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) known in English as the "5-leaved chaste

tree", 6) Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) is a vine known as "Chinese honey

suckle", 7) Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) English name: Blumea camphora, 8) Tsaang

Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.), 9) Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida) also known

as "pansit-pansitan", and 10) Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) commonly known as

Peppermint. 

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Review of Related Literature

            The use of complementary and alternative medicines has become a phenomenon

too massive to ignore. Schools are granting doctorates in neuropathy; traditional schools

of medicine, pharmacy, and nursing are offering courses in alternative medicines.

Researches have also been made foreign and locally to improve the available herbal

medicine in the market and to raise its quality and to make sure that these herbal products

are safe to use.

Alternative Medicine

Among patients who see mainstream health care providers, 33% to 42% use

alternative remedies (Fetrow & Avila 2004). Many of these patients fail to disclose this

fact to their primary health care providers. Market sales of herbs in the United States

were an estimated $14 billion in 2000, and rate of growth has increased dramatically in

recent years. Studies indicate that many patients who use alternative medicines and also

seek conventional treatment exercise more; are more careful about avoiding fatty foods,

tobacco, and alcohol; are more compliant with their regular medication regimen; and

make lifestyle modifications more readily than patients who seek conventional health

care alone. The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that in the United States

about one in three persons pursues some form of complementary or alternative medical

therapy, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, or

Bach flower remedies. The use of such therapies is probably greatest in certain subgroups

of the population, such as the terminally or chronically ill. Many drugs commonly used

today are of herbal origin. Indeed, about 25 percent of the prescription drugs dispensed in

the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plant material. Some

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are made from plant extracts while others are synthesized to mimic a natural plant

compound.

According to the World Health Organization (2004) estimate, four billion people

or 80 percent of the world’s population presently use herbal medicine for some aspect of

primary health care. Herbal medicine is a major component in all indigenous peoples’

traditional medicine and a common element in Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic,

traditional oriental and Native American Indian medicine. The World Health

Organization (WHO) notes that of 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical medicines, about 74

percent are used in modern medicine in ways that correlated directly with their traditional

uses as plant medicines by native cultures. Major pharmaceutical companies are currently

conducting extensive research on plant materials gathered from the rain forests and other

places for their potential medicinal value.

As part of primary health care and because of the increasing costs of drugs, the

Department of Health of the Philippines had been promoting products of medicinal plants

as alternative medicines (Reyala, 2000). Many local plants and herbs in the Philippine

backyard and field have been found to be effective in the treatment of common ailments

as attested to by the National Science Development Board, other government and private

agencies engaged in research.

The Department of Health (DOH) said its campaign to promote alternative health

care and herbal medicines in the country has been successful (Philippine Nurses

Association (2005). The Department of Health’s health education and promotion officer

said Filipinos have been using alternative health care to avoid hospital expenses. Herbal

medicines are also becoming widely popular with the high price of imported medicines.

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This was shown by results of a National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) done

by the National Statistics Office (NSO). DOH health education and promotion officer

said this is proof that DOH's promotion is successful. The survey showed that in Central

Visayas alone, about 67.6 percent of households are familiar with acupressure or

therapeutic massage and iridology. Other modes relatively known are acupuncture and

aromatherapy. As to herbal medicines, the NSO survey showed that guava is the most

commonly used in Central Visayas, with 59.8 percent of households having at least one

member using the herbal medicine. Other popular herbal medicines are sambong,

ampalaya and bawang (garlic). The NDHS also said most Filipinos are aware of the

serious diseases in the country today, such as the acquired immune deficiency syndrome

(AIDS), dengue, malaria, diabetes, leprosy and cancer. This shows the DOH has been

successful in its information campaign. The NDHS data was made for decision makers to

improve health services in the country.

Extensive research by Filipino scientists is done because the cheap yet effective

herbal medicine helps many Filipino families (Lacanilao, 2004). The Department of

Science and Technology has scientifically validated 102 plants for safety and efficacy.

Ten of these plants are under different stages of development, and that studies have been

completed on sambong, lagundi, and akapulko. From sambong and lagundi alone, a local

maker of herbal drugs is earning millions of pesos. But recent reviews of the scientific

literature on herbal medicinal products have a warning: they are not risk free. One such

review was conducted by scientist from the Department of Complementary Medicine,

Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, United Kingdom. It was published in the journal

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety in 2004. The study focused on the toxicity,

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interactions, and quality of herbal products. Toxicity data indicate that some herbal drugs

have the potential to cause serious adverse events and fatalities. They affect

pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors and thus cause herb-drug interactions.

Contamination, adulteration, or substitution of botanical material has repeatedly put

patients in danger, and that most often implicated are herbal drugs from Asia. The review

concludes that the widespread notion of herbal drugs being inherently safe is naive at best

and dangerous at worst, and that more research and more information are required to

ensure consumer’s safety.

DOH Approved Herbal Medicine

In Czech study, garlic supplementation has been found out that it reduces

accumulation of cholesterol on vascular walls of animals (Wikipedia, 2007). Another

study had similar results, with garlic supplementation significantly reducing the plaque in

the aortas of cholesterol-fed rabbits. Another study showed that supplementa-

tion with garlic extract inhibited vascular calcification in human patients with high blood

cholesterol. A study in Preventive Medicine shows that garlic inhibits coronary artery

calcification, a process that serves as a marker for plaque formation since the body lays

down calcium in damaged areas. In this year-long study, patients who were given aged

garlic extract daily showed an average increase in their calcium score of 7.5%, while

those in the placebo group had an average increase in calcium score of 22.2%.

According to the Philippine Herbal Medicine Site (2007) Akapulko (or Acapulco

in English) is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. It is a medicinal herb that

contains chrysophanic acid, which can be excreted that has a fungicide property. It can be

used to treat fungal infections in the body like ringworms, scabies and eczema. Akapulko

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also contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites. The

extracts from the akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient for lotions, soaps

and shampoos. It can also be used internally as an expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnea,

mouthwash in stomatitis, alleviation of asthma symptoms, used as diuretic and purgative,

for cough & fever, as a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems,

and a strong decoction of the leaves is an abortifacient. It is prepared by pounding the

leaves, squeezing the juice and applying it on the affected area.

Ampalaya has been a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to

be an effective herbal medicine for many aliments, most significant of which is for

diabetes. The Philippine variety has proven to be most potent. Ampalaya contains a

mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the pancreas produce more insulin that

controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from ampalaya's medicinal value, it is

good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.

Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese for centuries. The effectiveness of

ampalaya as an herbal medicine has been tried and tested by many research clinics

and laboratories worldwide. The Department of Health has endorsed ampalaya as an

alternative medicine to help alleviate various ailments including diabetes, liver

problems and even HIV.

It is good for rheumatism and gout, diseases of the spleen and liver, aids in

lowering blood sugar levels, helps in lowering blood pressure, relives headaches,

disinfects and heals wounds & burns, can be used as a cough & fever remedy, treatment

of intestinal worms, diarrhea, helps prevent some types of cancer, enhances immune

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system to fight infection, an antioxidant, parasiticide, antibacterial & antipyretic. It can be

juiced and taken orally every day.

Bawang or Garlic is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in the

Philippines. The Philippine bawang variety is more pungent than the imported ones. Its

medicinal properties have been known for a long time and have been specially proven

during World War II. Because of bawang's antibacterial compound known as Allicin,

lives were saved by preventing wounds from having infection and later develop into

gangrene when the juice of bawang or garlic was applied to the wounds. Bawang is

known as nature's antibiotic. Its juices inhibit the growth of fungi and viruses thus

prevent viral, yeast and viral infections. Preliminary test also shows some positive results

in the treatment of AIDS. Several clinical test and published studies have shown the

efficacy of bawang in lowering cholesterol in the blood and is beneficial to the

circulatory system of the body. Today as more research is done with bawang, more

medicinal and therapeutic properties become more evident. Benefits of bawang are it is

good for the heart, helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL), aids in lowering blood

pressure, remedy for arteriosclerosis, may help prevent certain types of cancer, boosts

immune system to fight infection, with antioxidant properties, cough and cold remedy,

relives sore throat, toothache, aids in the treatment of tuberculosis, and with anticoagulant

properties. For disinfecting wound, crush and juice the garlic bulb and apply, and for sore

throat and toothache, peal the skin and chew then swallow the juice.

Bayabas or guava is one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines.

Bayabas is a small tree that can grow up to 3 meters tall with greenish-brownish smooth

bark. The round globular bayabas fruit starts as a flower and is usually harvested and

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eaten while still green. The fruit turns yellowish-green and soft when ripe. As an herbal

medicine, the bayabas fruit, bark and leaves are used. The bark and leaves can be used as

astringent. The most common use of the leaves is for cleaning and disinfecting wounds

by rinsing the afflicted area with a decoction of the leaves. It is also used for used to treat

diarrhea in children, for hypertension, diabetes, asthma and promotes menstruation. The

fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing of wounds and cuts. A decoction or infusion

of fresh leaves can be used for wound cleaning to prevent infection. Bayabas is also

effective for toothaches. The fruit, aside form being delicious, contains a very high

concentration of vitamin C. Its preparation involves boiling one cup of bayabas leaves in

three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes, let it to cool and use as mouthwash and wound

disinfectant.

Lagundi is a shrub that grows in the Philippines. Lagundi has been clinically

tested to be effective in the treatment of colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic

bronchitis and pharyngitis. Studies have shown that lagundi can prevent the body's

production of leukotrienes which are released during an asthma attack. Lagundi

contains Chrysoplenol D., a substance with anti-histamine properties and muscle

relaxant. It is also recommended for relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and

diarrhea. The leaves, flowers, seeds and root of lagundi can all be used as herbal

medicine. A decoction is made by boiling the parts of the plant and taken orally.

Today, lagundi is available in capsule form, tablet (300mg) and syrup for cough. Its

preparation is boiling half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in 1 cup of water for

10 to 15 minutes then drink half cup three times a day.

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Niyug-niyogan is a vine known as Chinese honey suckle. It is effective in the

elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina. Only the dried

matured seeds are medicinal. The dried seeds can be cracked and ingested two hours

after eating. The dosage for children is 5 to 7 seeds and for adults 8 to 10 seeds. If one

dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.

Sambong is a medicinal plant found in the Philippines. It is an anti-urolithiasis

and work as a diuretic. It is used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders. Sambong

leaves can also be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, it

helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body. Powdered sambong

leaves are available in 250 mg tablets. Its preparation is through boiling the leaves like

a tea and drink 3 or more times a day.

Tsaang Gubat is a shrub that grows (from 1 to 5 meters) abundantly in the

Philippines. In folkloric medicine, the leaves has been used as a disinfectant wash during

child birth, as cure for diarrhea, as tea for general good heath and because tsaang gubat

has high fluoride content, it is used as a mouth gargle for preventing tooth decay.

Research and test now prove it's efficacy as an herbal medicine. Tsaang Gubat is now

available commercially in capsules, tablets and tea bags. It is also used for stomach pains

and gastroenteritis. Its preparation is started by thoroughly washing the leaves in running

then chopping it in a desirable size. The leaves should be boiled in 2 cups of water for 15

to 20 minutes and drain. Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea, gastroenteritis and

stomach pains. The preparation can also be used as gargle for stronger teeth and

prevention of cavities, and drink as tea daily for general good health.

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Pansit-pansitan is an herbal medicine also known as Ulasiman-bato, olasiman-

ihalas and tangon-tangon in the Philippines. It is a small herb that grows from 1 to 1 1/2

feet. It can be found wild on lightly shaded and damp areas such as nooks, walls, yards

and even roofs. Pansit-pansitan has heart shaped leaves, succulent stems with tiny

flowers on a spike. When matured, the small fruits bear one seed which fall of the ground

and propagate. The leaves and stalk of pansit-pansitan are edible. It can be harvested,

washed and eaten as fresh salad. Taken as a salad, pansit-pansitan helps relive rheumatic

pains and gout. An infusion or decoction (boil 1 cup of leaves or stem in 2 cups of water)

can also be made and taken orally - 1 cup in the morning and another cup in the evening.

For the herbal treatment of skin disorders like abscesses, pimples and boils, pound the

leaves and/or the stalks and make a poultice (boil in water for a minute or two then

pounded) then applied directly to the afflicted area. Likewise a decoction can be used as a

rinse to treat skin disorders. For headaches, it is prepared through heating a couple of

leaves in hot water, bruise the surface and apply on the forehead. The decoction of leaves

and stalks is also good for abdominal pains and kidney problems. Like any herbal

medicine it is not advisable to take any other medication in combination with any herbs.

Consult with a medical practitioner knowledgeable in herbal medicine before any

treatment.

Yerba Buena is an herb of the mint family. It is an aromatic plant used as herbal

medicine worldwide. It has elongated leaves and in summer bears small whitish or

purplish flowers. The word yerba buena is Spanish for "good herb" and was the former

name of the California city of San Francisco. Yerba Buena has been consumed for

centuries as tea and herbal medicine as a pain reliever. Native American Indians used it

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even before the "white men" colonized the Americas. Today, this folk medicine's efficacy

has been validated by scientific research. In the Philippines, yerba buena is one of the

effective alternative medicines for aches and pains. As an herbal medicine, a decoction

(boil leaves then strain) of yerba buena is effective for minor ailments such as headaches,

toothaches and joint pains. It can also relive stomach aches due to gas buildup and

indigestion. The fresh and dried leaves can both be used for the decoction. Its preparation

is through boiling 2 teaspoons of leaves in a glass of water then boiling it in medium heat

for 15 to 20 minutes. The decoction can be taken every 3 hours for relieving pain. For

tooth aches, fresh leaves can be pounded then squeeze the juice out and apply on a cotton

ball then bite on to the aching tooth. For headaches leaves may be heated over fire and

placed over the forehead. And because yerba buena belongs to the mint family, soaking

fresh leaves in a glass of water for 30 to 45 minutes makes for a good mouth wash for a

clean, fresh smelling breath.

Awareness on Herbal Medicine

Gerard Bodeker, a leading international expert on medicinal plants from Green

College, Oxford, thinks that the issues on the production of herbal products are

conservative (Edwards, 2004). Most of the processes involved in supplying the growing

market for herbal remedies are result of unsustainable and often destructive practices

driven by poverty. He said that people do not replace what they take. For instance, the

market for African cherry (Prunus africana), the bark of which is popular in Europe as a

treatment for prostate enlargement, has collapsed because too many trees have been

destroyed. In the past the trees, which grow in Africa's mountain regions, survived

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because traditionally less than half of their bark was harvested. But according to a study

by Kristine Stewart, from consultants Keith and Schnars in Florida, growing commercial

pressures have led to whole forests being stripped or felled. Exports of dried bark halved

between 1997 and 2000. Bodeker also says that there is a complete lack of awareness and

lack of education amongst consumers. And those that use herbal medicines might be

expected to be more environmentally aware than most.

According to McCaleb, Leigh & Morien (2000) there is a major trend today

toward greater personal responsibility and choice of health care. People are taking the

initiative to learn more about their health and different treatment options for health

conditions. People are becoming more involved in the decision-making process on issues

affecting their own treatment. They are less willing to simply follow doctor’s orders

without better understanding what alternatives may exist such as herbal medicine. Herbal

medicines are also preventive medicine. Amongst the best-researched European

phytomedicne are agents that can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, respiratory

distress, and liver disease. And one of the herbal remedies that are best-researched for

reducing cholesterol and prevention against stomach cancer includes garlic. In addition to

preventive actions, herbal medicine can save as safe and effective direct replacements for

over-the counter drugs. One of the strongest benefits of herbs is that they work within the

body that brings superior results and less risk than strong synthetic drugs.

According to Vickers, Jolly & Greenfield (2204) in their study entitled herbal

medicine: women’s view, knowledge and interaction with doctors, they have concluded

that women in Chesire, UK aged 18 years and above that belong to a higher socio-

economic grouping had little knowledge about herb-drug interactions and rarely disclosed

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use of herbal medicines to their doctor. They have found out that motivations for herbal

medicine use were varied but all included at least one of three subcategories: perceived

advantages of herbal medicines, beliefs about the disadvantages of conventional health

care and medicines. They have also cited in their background that people may use

complementary and alternative medicines because prescribed medication is not working

or has side effects. In addition, they’ve cited that previous studies have indicated primary

predictors of herbal medicine use is female gender, white, ethnic origin, high educational

status and high income. Studies have found different age ranges for the highest

prevalence of herbal medicine use ranging from young to late middle age

Theoretical Framework

The researches have adopted the Health Belief Model (HBM) of Rosenstoch’s

(1974) and Becker and Maiman’s (1975). Health Belief Model addresses the relationship

between a person’s belief and behaviors. It focuses on the patient compliance and

preventive health care practices. It provides a way of understanding and preceding how

clients will behave in relation to their health and how they will comply with health care

therapies. The major components of the HBM include perceived susceptibility, severity,

perceived benefits and costs, motivation, and enabling and modifying factors. The first

component of this model involves the individual’s perception of susceptibility to an

illness. For example, a client needs to recognize the familial link for heart disease. After

this link is recognized, particularly one parent and two siblings have died in their fourth

decade from myocardial infarction; the client may perceive the personal risk of heart

disease.

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The second component is the individual’s perception of the seriousness of the

illness. This influenced and modified by demographic and socio-psychological variables,

perceived treat of the illness, and cues to action (e.g. mass media campaigns and advice

from family, friends, and medical professionals). For example a client may not perceive

his heart disease as serious, which may affect the way he takes care oh himself.

The third component the likelihood that the person takes preventive action result’s

from the person perception of the benefits of the barriers to taking action. Preventive

action may include lifestyle changes, increased adherence to medical therapies, or a

search for medical advice or treatment. A client’s perception of susceptibility to disease,

as well as his or her perception of the serious of an illness, helps to determine the

likelihood that the client will or will not partake in healthy behaviors

. The health belief model help’s nurses understand factors influencing client’s

perceptions, beliefs, and behavior in order to plan care that will most effectively assist

clients in maintaining or restoring health and preventing illness

 

Statement of the Problem

            This study aimed to determine the level of awareness in the use and preparation of

the Department of Health approved herbal medicine of selected residents of Patricia

Villa, Imus, Cavite. Specifically, the following questions are posed;

1. What is the demographic profile of respondents in terms of their

1.1.  age

1.2.  sex

1.3.  educational level or attainment

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1.4.  civil status

1.5.  occupation

2. What is the level of awareness about the DOH approved herbal medicine, which

includes Akapulko, Ampalaya, Bayabas, Bawang, Lagundi,Niyug-niyogan,Sambong,

Tsaang Gubat, Ulasimang Bato, and Yerba Buena, based on the following:

2.1.  uses

2.2.  preparation

3. What is the relationship between the demographic profiles of the residents of Patricia

Villa, Imus, Cavite in their level of awareness on the DOH approved herbal medicine?

 

Null Hypothesis

There is no relationship between the demographic profiles to the level of

awareness of the residents of Patricia Villa, Imus, Cavite on the DOH approved herbal

medicine.

Scope and Limitations

The scope of this study provided information about the level of awareness on the

use and preparation of herbal medicine of the residents of Patricia Villa, Imus, Cavite on

the 10 herbal medicine approved by the Department of Health. These 10 herbal medicines

are Akapulko, Ampalaya, Bayabas, Bawang, Lagundi, Niyug-Niyogan, Sambong,

Tsaang- Gubat, Yerba Buena, and Ulasimang Bato. Eighty residents of the barangay were

chosen to be participants of the study.

           

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Significance of the Study

            This research gave information on the level of awareness on the use and

preparation of herbal medicine of the residents in Patricia Villa, Imus, Cavite, which

affects the utilization of the Department of Health approved herbal medicine.

Particularly the result of this study may be beneficial to the following groups:

People of the Community

The residents of the community will have increased awareness with the current

information herbal medicine approved by the DOH which will be helpful in their daily

living.

Nursing Professionals

The result of this study will provide data about the awareness of people in a

similar barangay about the herbal medicine approved by the DOH that would help in

assessment phase in order to make a plan to give remedies in common ailments that are

easily accessible, available and cost efficient. It would also give them idea on areas that

would need enhancement in the use of alternative medicine.

Community Health Nurses

This will give them knowledge about the level of awareness of people in the

barangay about the approved herbal medicine and this will give them the chance to

further enhance their skills in providing information and the quality of service they would

give to the community people.

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Student Nurses

This will help them to come up with a valid assessment of the client that will help

in giving appropriate nursing interventions that is accessible and available to the

community people in using alternative medicine specifically herbal medicine.

Researchers

This would give them knowledge regarding the level of awareness of people in

the use and preparation of herbal medicine.

Government Officials

This would give them information on what areas in herbal medicine need further

information dissemination and they could use this as a basis for developing programs that

would protect the natural resources as well as the safety of the consumers.

Definition of Terms

Level of awareness – up to what extent an individual knows about herbal medicine.

Community – a population of individual living in a certain area that interacts with each

other.

Use – for what purpose a certain object is used like garlic, it is usually used as an

ingredient for cooking but it can also be used for relief in toothache.

Preparation – how something is being prepared like boiling, decoction, pounding and

mincing.

Alternative Medicine – way of alleviating pain, promoting health, preventing and curing

diseases, and rehabilitation of patients through acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy,

reflexology, use of herbal medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and more.

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CHAPTER 2

Methodology

            This chapter contains the method of research used by the researchers, participants

who were involved, instrument used in gathering data, the procedure done to gather data

and the statistical treatment applied in analyzing the gathered data.

Research Design

            The researchers utilized the descriptive-correlational method with the use of

survey questionnaire and interview guide. The descriptive-correlational method was the

most suitable because it describes the relationship between the variables than to infer

cause-and-effect relationships.

Participants

            The participants of this study were the residents of Villa Patricia, Imus, Cavite.

Villa Patricia is a small villa outside Metro Manila and situated in a rural area in Cavite.

The estimate population of the subdivision is around three hundred and seventy as of

2006. Eighty residents were chosen to be participants of the study applying the Slovin’s

Formula. The participants were chosen through purposive sampling because of the nature

of the information needed by the researchers.

Instrument

            The instrument utilized in getting the demographic profile of the respondents and

their level of awareness in the use and preparation of herbal medicine is in a form of a

survey questionnaire, and an interview guide that was made by the researchers. These

instruments were used in guiding the researchers in gathering their data, both of which

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was validated by two Psychology and one Filipino professor respectively. All the

professors have finished their Masteral degree.

Procedure

            Survey questionnaire and interview guide that were utilized was first validated by

three professors who had their Masteral degree. Then, communication letters were sent to

respective individuals in the said research area to conduct the study and gather the data.

The researchers also coordinated with the barangay officials then schedules were set to

conduct the study and to also maximize time. Researchers interviewed 80 residents of the

community as participants of their study. The researchers made sure that they interviewed

at least one representative from a household. Tables and graphs were also prepared for

the collation and for the data gathered to be analyzed.

Statistical Treatment

            The statistical technique that was used in the research was frequency, percentage

distribution, mean, and correlations. Percentage distribution shows the number of

respondents reply on the questionnaire in terms of percentage. To convert the raw score

in percentage the formula is:

% = n / N x 100

Where:

% = symbol for percentage of frequency

n = number of respondents

N = total number of respondents

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APPENDIX A

Survey Form in English

 Name: ___________________________      Age: ____

Direction: Place a check on the following that corresponds to your answer:

A. Sex: _ Male _Female

B. Educational Attainment ___ A. Elementary

 ___ B. Elementary graduate ___ C. High School  ___ D. High school graduate ___ E. College ___ F. College graduate ___ G. Vocational

C. Civil Status  ___ A. Single  ___ B. Live-in ___ C. Married ___ D. Separated ___ E. Widowed

            D. Occupation

 ___ A. Employed ___ B. Unemployed ___ C. Self employed ___ D. Others __________________

 

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APPENDIX B

Survey Form in Tagalog

Pangalan: ________________________________Edad: _______

Direksyon: Lagyan ng tsek ang sumusunod ayon sa inyong sagot:

A. Kasarian: _ Lalaki _ Babae

B. Antas ng Edukasyon:

__ a. Nakatuntong ng elementarya__ b. Nakapagtapos ng elementarya__ c. Nakatuntong sa Mataas na Paaralan__ d. Nakapagtapos sa Mataas na Paaralan__ e. Nakatuntong ng Kolehiyo__ f. Nakapagtapos ng Kolehiyo__ g. Bokasyonal

C. Katayuang Sibil

__ a. walang asawa__ b. nagsasama ng walang kasal__ c. kasal__ d. hiwalay sa asawa__ e. balo

D. Hanap-buhay

__ a. emplayado__ b. walang trabaho__ c. may sariling hanapbuhay__ d. at iba pa:_____________

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APPENDIX C

Interview Guide in English

1. Akapulko: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

2. Ampalaya: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

3. Bawang: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

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_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

4 Bayabas: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

5. Lagundi: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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6. Niyog-niyugan: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

7. Sambong: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

8. Tsaang Gubat: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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_ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

9. Ulasimang- Bato: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

10. Yerba Buena: _ knows the plant _ knows the indication of the plant (indicate the usage)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________ _ knows how to prepare the plant (indicate the preparation)

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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APPENDIX D

Inteview Guide in Tagalog

1. Akapulko: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

2. Ampalaya: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

3. Bawang: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

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_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

4. Bayabas: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

5. Lagundi: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

6. Niyog-niyugan: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

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_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

7. Sambong: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

8. Tsaang-gubat: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

9. Ulasimang Bato: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

29

_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

10. Yerba Buena: _ alam ang halamang gamot

_ alam kung saan ito ginagamit (isulat kung saan ito ginagamit)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_ alam kung paano ito inihahanda (isulat ang paraan kung paano ito inihahanda)

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

References:

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Edwards, R. (2005). Herbal medicine boom threatens plants. Retrieved September 5, 2007 from http://media.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn4538

Fetrow, C. W. & Avila, R. (2004). Herbal Medicine Handbook. USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Herbal Use… (2005). Retrieved August 29,2007 from http://www.gov.ph/news.

Herbal Medicine. (2007). Retrieved August 25,2007 from http.//www.wikipedia.com.

Lacanilao, F. (2006). Research on Medicinal Plants. Retrieved August 29,2007 from http.//www.google.com.

McCaleb, R., Leigh, E. & Morien, K. (2000). The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs. USA:Herb Research Foundation.

Potter A. & Perry, A. (2004) Fundamentals of Nursing. Philippines: Elsevier (Singapore) PTE LTD.

Reyala, J.P. et al. (2000). Community of Health Nursing Service in the Philippines. Philippines: Community Health Nursing Section.

Vickers, K.A., Jolly K. B. & Greenfield, S. M. (2004). Herbal medicine: women's views, knowledge and interaction with doctors: a qualitative study. Retrieved September 5,2007 from http://www.biomedcentral.com/

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