Healthcare inequality remains to be a pressing issue in the Philippines. Branded drugs cost 22 times more than international price basis while generic drugs are 4 times more (Maramba-Lazarte, 2020). Despite government eff orts through public health care programs, many Filipinos, especially those of low-income and those who live in rural communities still face the barriers of the high medical costs of modern healthcare, insuffi cient facilities, and lack of medical professionals in such areas. One of the most enduring, cost-effi cient, and trusted options is the use of Filipino herbal medicine, which has been used long before the Spanish Colonization Period (Sampang & Sampang, 2024). Indigenous communities depended heavily on their surroundings and their knowledge of nature, particularly using local plants to treat common illnesses; These knowledge are passed down from generations, surviving western infl uence and evolving alongside healthcare advancements.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health care (PITACH) acknowledged the utilization of medicinal plants among health practitioners, even promoting scientifi cally validated plants (Villanueva, 2022). For most, these natural remedies are not just cultural heritage but practical solutions to the rise of value and accessibility barriers of modern healthcare.
Looking into the relationship between healthcare inequality and herbal medicine usage can help integrate modern medicine with traditional practices to improve access and equality for underserved populations.
The use of herbal medicine has been prevalent in the history of early Filipinos. These herbs were used in “Folk medicine” by incorporating various types of medicinal herbs with healing practices such as manual techniques, spiritual therapies, and regular exercise in order to maintain one’s well-being (Rondilla et al., 2021). During the Spanish Colonial Period, people who were considered experts in using medicinal herbs used this as a means of generating income, resulting in the term “albularyo” referring to a person who uses medicinal herbs in conjunction with their religious beliefs to cure those affl icted with illnesses (Scribd, n.d.). They employed various techniques, such as “paghihilot,” which is believed to heal not only our physical health but is also capable of calming our emotions and thoughts. This technique is applicable to multiple health concerns, including pregnancy, broken bones, and fatigue (WordPress, 2013).
Herbal medicine was used in the past because it was easily accessible and eff ective in treating patients. However, as technology advances, we are now capable of developing new medicinal options with wider choices. This raises the question of whether we should replace medicinal herbs with modern medicine. Many of our ancestors used herbal medicine to express their beliefs, cultures, and struggles by utilizing these practices to treat and prevent illnesses, while also refl ecting the harsh environmental and economic limitations of the Philippines in the past.
Herbal medicine is the use of natural herbs and plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders, and to promote overall well-being (Philippine Herbal Medicine Site – Alternative Medicine, 2025). Filipinos have used this medicine for several centuries, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. Filipinos use herbal medicine, which is a viable alternative due to its advantages.
Accessibility is one of the primary advantages of herbal medicine, since access to medicines from healthcare professionals can be diffi cult for those who are geographically isolated (Maramba-Lazarte, 2020). Another primary advantage is aff ordability, because the Philippines is rich in natural resources wherein we can fi nd these herbal medicines. Herbal medicine off ers multiple health benefi ts and is often preferred by many because of its natural properties (Beldad, 2023). The compounds found in herbal medicines have anti-infl ammatory, wound-healing, and anti-fungal properties. These medicines can treat wounds, insect bites, and other common diseases.
In conclusion, herbal medicines provide many benefi ts that are valuable for our health. These benefi ts can be for our accessibility, lower cost, and overall health. Although herbal medicines provide a lot of benefi ts, modern medicine should still be integrated in Philippine healthcare.
The use of herbal medicine is growing and known worldwide, but despite its traditional use and cultural signifi cance, herbal medicine continues to face challenges such as social discrimination, lack of regulation,misconceptions, and are often misunderstood by the general public. Many people conclude that these remedies are natural, safe, and free from side eff ects, however these misconceptions are mostly due to cultural beliefs and limited awareness which can lead to inappropriate use and lack of risk perception. In addition, despite its wide popularity and being known as an “alternative medicine”, the lack of regulation further causes misuse and health risks. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, most herbal products are not subjected to diligent testing for its safety, effi ciency, and quality which leads to inconsistent dosages, increasing the possibility of overuse, and contaminants such as pesticides and microbes.
According to Mayo Clinic (2025), the word “natural” shows up on many products such as supplements, skin creams, teas, and even toothpaste, But there is no clear, legal defi nition of the word when it comes to health products. Some natural remedies are highly processed and despite that herbal medicines come from plants or herbs, they can still have strong eff ects on the body. This highlights several limitations of herbal medicine which include limited scientifi c evidence and lack of standardization. It is stated by the National Library of Medicine (2015) that about 100 years ago, natural herbs were the main remedy for treating human diseases and has been estimated that 25% of modern medicines are made from plants fi rst used traditionally such as aspirin, artemisinin, ephedrine, and paclitaxel but limited scientifi c evidence to establish the safety and effi cacy of most herbal products.
Furthermore, herbal medicine has been recognized by the World Health Organization for its diversity of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine practices across countries of the world and its contribution to health, well-being, people-centred health care, and universal health coverage. Even if traditional medicines are derived from longstanding practice and are neutral, establishing their effi cacy and safety through clinical trials is critical (World Health Organization, 2023). Having further knowledge and research regarding the proper use of herbal medicine not only ensures one’s safety but also emphasizes the importance of being well-informed about correct dosages. This promotes safer practices and greater awareness in the responsible use of traditional medicine.
Promoting herbal medicine is not merely a way to preserve culture and tradition, but a way to address healthcare inequities. As stated by Salm et al. (20233), herbal medicines continue to show promising therapeutic potential for common illnesses. Through which it off ers a reliable and aff ordable remedy, particularly for communities with less access to conventional healthcare. Strengthening the research and regulations for this fi eld, allows the opportunity for these remedies to be safely integrated into modern
healthcare. Ensuring that even low income communities are given the access to quality treatment without the fi nancial strain.
In line with this, supporting the integration of herbal medicine not only promotes community health. As the Philippine’s indigenous knowledge of herbal medicine is part of its cultural heritage, knowledge that can thrive alongside scientifi c advancements rather than be overshadowed by it. In addition to that, vitalising the cultivation and responsible production of herbal medicines not only provides accessible remedies but also stimulates local economic growth.
Thus, professionals should collaborate actively to institutionalize herbal medicine through research, strict safety regulations, and inclusive public health education programs. Through the execution of these numerous eff orts to strengthen herbal medicine, the possibility of its integration into primary care can transform it from being a last or only resort of the poor into a pillar of public health. By institutions investing in the studies of which, can legitimize herbal medicine and uplift the communities excluded from aff ordable medical access promoting economic self-reliance that creates a healthcare system that values both tradition and scientifi c progress. Therefore supporting herbal medicine can be looked at as a step toward knocking down healthcare inequity which emphasizes that wellness is not a privilege enjoyed by a few, but as a guaranteed right for all.
To conclude, herbal medicine continues to contribute as a valuable component of Filipino healthcare, off ering an accessible yet aff ordable treatment for the communities that struggle with the advancement of modern healthcare. Though it off ers natural properties, extensive availability, and has cultural roots, the usage of herbal remedies faces the challenge of limited scientifi c-based evidence, misconceptions of its safety, and lack of regulation; this emphasizes the need for the support of proper research and implementation of proper education for the masses. By strengthening standards, building awareness, and cultivating strong guidelines, traditional-herbal medicine can become an eff ective, safe, and a reliable resource in addressing healthcare inequality in the Philippines. (UST/ALAB Society)
