Since ancient times, people have harnessed the healing properties of plants—practicing herbal medicine as both a science and a cultural tradition. This practice, known as herbalism (or phytotherapy or botanical medicine) is one of the oldest systems of medicine in history.
Herbs are diverse plants with fleshy, non-woody parts, including trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, mosses, algae, and fungi. They are valued for their medicinal and health benefits, flavor and fragrance, industrial and economic uses, pesticidal properties, and natural coloring materials.
Recognizing the importance of these plants, the Department of Health (DOH) has endorsed the 10 Philippine Medicinal Herbs through its Traditional Health Program, established under Republic Act 8423, also known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997.
This online course on “Herb Production, Processing, and Utilization” is brought to you by the ATI in Western Visayas.