'Toy napigket nga daga
Pitpitenmi nga umuna
Danggayanmi't kankanta
Takkiagmi a napigsa
Kettang ken bannogmi
dikam igingina 

     Mannamili
     Ilokano Folk Song

ABSTRACT

            Traditional medicine has been present in the Philippines long before the application of modern science. The preservation of traditional healing modalities is not only respectful of the Ilokano culture and heritage but this is also one of the solutions to the rising cost of healthcare.

            There are many different healing modalities that have been scientifically, validated, especially in terms of safety and efficacy in the prevention and cure of various ailments, among which are ventusa, faith healing, bone-setting, and herbal medicine.

            Traditional medicine is knowledge, skills, and practices for healthcare that are accepted and recognized by the people; these knowledge, skills, and practices are based on the culture, history, heritage, and consciousness of the people, and this consciousness has been present in the Philippines long before the application of the modern medicine. Traditional medicine provides an alternative means to the country’s poor population.

            According to authorities, analysis of drug utilization shows that 45% are symptomatic remedies. Thus, priority was given to plants, which alleviate symptoms such as fever, pain, cough, asthma, intestinal colic, high blood pressure, edema, skin ailments and parasitism. Other criteria for the selection of medicinal plants include availability of raw material, ease of production, high probability of success and support for the Department of Health priority program.

            The top ten proven medicinal plants in the country are Lagundi, Akapulko, Ulasimang Bato, Ampalaya, Yerba Buena, Sambong, Bayabas, Tsaang Gubat, Niyog-niyogan and garlic.

Faith healing on the other hand was supported by the belief that diseases were due to supernatural causes, punishment from gods and spirits of dead ancestors. Anyone who causes displeasure would probably get sick. Based on this belief, treatment consisted mainly of rituals like animal sacrifices and chanting.    

            This study aims to document the existence of traditional health modalities in selected barangays in Ilocos Sur. The researchers focused on the acceptability, perceived effectiveness, and factors that lead to its utilization. The end result will be the extraction of themes on cultural beliefs of folk practices and medicines.

Nakem Centennial Conference Secretariat
E-mail: nakemconference@yahoo.com or precye@aol.com
Phone:  808-956-8405.  FAX:  808- 956-5978
Website developed and maintained by Raymund Ll. Liongson