Albing, G. V. (2011). Plants used in healing practices of the Applai tribe in Tadian, Mountain Province. (Unpublished master’s thesis). Baguio City:
University of Cordilleras.
Physical location: University of the Cordilleras Library, Baguio City
ABSTRACT
Medicinal plants continue to be essential components of medicine. The use of medicinal plants is still very much a part of the life of the people of the Applai tribe. There are several reasons why people use medicinal plants. First, these are widely available so those who know the medicinal uses of the plants could just get their roots, barks, stems or leaves and make their own preparation.
Otherwise, the people would consult the traditional healer. Second, the various preparations made from these plants are applicable for certain illnesses. There are plants that could relieve certain illnesses. There are plants preparation that could relieve cough and fever, be applied over wounds or be used for massage to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Third, they are cheaper than drugs manufactures by pharmaceutical companies. The forest serves as their pharmacy so anyone could freely get them. Finally, medicinal plants have become part of the healing process where cure does not only come from the plant but also from rituals associated with the healing properties of the plant. The people trust the traditional healer and they believe in their healing rituals.
The purpose of this study was to determine the medicinal plants used by the Applai tribe.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What illnesses are common among the Applai tribe?
Hypothesis: The illnesses which are common among the Applai tribe are colds, cough and diarrhea.
2. What are the plants utilized by the local healers of the Applai tribe?
Hypothesis: The plants utilized by the local healers of the Applai tribe are banana (baat), sword agave (maguey) and wire grass (sang sangitan).
3. What are the parts of the plants commonly utilized in treating the illness?
Hypothesis: The parts of the plants commonly utilizes in healing the illnesses are the whole part, the stem or the leaves.
4. What are the methods by which the plants are prepared and applied?
Hypothesis: The methods by which the plants are prepared and applied are decoction and oral administration by drinking.
5. What Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material can be developed to enhance awareness on herbal medicine among the members of the Applai tribe.
The descriptive method of research was used in this study. This research covered the medicinal plants used by the Applai tribe. The data gathered were examined carefully.
Findings
The following are the major findings of the study.
1. The people of the Applai tribe are commonly infected with cough, colds, painful urination, diarrhea, tooth ache, skin abscess, fever, scabies, and Tinea flava.
2. All of the 20 local healers utilize mango (mangga), banana (baat), pomelo (suwa) and Indian cherry (dael). The least used is maguey which only corresponds to 5%.
3. Nine plants (45%) are prepared through decoction while one plant only (5%) is prepared through infusion, cutting in halves or rubbing.
4. Forty five percent (45%) of the medicinal plants were orally administered through drinking taken as herbal teas. The other medicinal plants were orally administered through eating (15%) and topically used through poultice (20%), plaster (20%), bathing (15%), steam bath which is only 10%. The least is using the extract which is only 5%.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following are the conclusions of the study.
1. The common illnesses that affect the people are cough, common colds, Urinary Tract Infection, diarrhea, tooth ache, skin abscess, fever, scabies and Tinea flava.
2. Medicinal plants are used by local healers to alleviate the common illnesses.
3. The most common part of medicinal plants used are the leaves.
4. Decoction is the most common method of preparation of the twenty (20) medicinal plants.
5. Oral intake is the common method of administration of these medicinal plants.
Recommendations
Based on the findings the following proposals are offered:
1. There has to be a more thoroughly study on the common illnesses among the Applai tribe to further elaborate on the illnesses.
2. Cultivation of medicinal plants among the people of the Applai tribe has to encouraged to boos the use of medicinal plants.
3. A phytochemical analysis to isolate and characterize the bioactive components of these plants has to also be encouraged to further identify if these plants are really safe and effective for consumption.
4. There has to be a follow up study focusing on effectiveness of preparation and application of the medicinal plants.
5. The local healers with the Barangay officials have to conduct information dissemination on the use of medicinal plants to acknowledge its importance to the community.
6. The local healers and the community have to be encouraged to use the man
7. ual on medicinal plants produced in this study for their guidance,
