Different Perception About Herbal Medicine

3
Abstract
This qualitative study on the influence of Medical Professionals to Students of Medical-related
courses aimed to know the perception of people about herbal medicines and to recognize why
most of the people believe in and use herbal medicine. The researchers sought answers to the
questions about the different perception of people about herbal medicine. Specifically, intends to
know if people use herbal medicine aside from synthetic ones and to determine if herbal
medicine is more prescribed. The study involved doctors and adults, in which they have
unstructured interview questionnaires to be answered as the main source of data collection
wherein the researchers used purposive as the sampling method in their study. Purposive is a
sampling technique in which researchers relies on their own judgement when choosing members
of population to participate the study became the basis of selecting the right respondents. The
researchers set 20 participants, 5 doctors and 15 adults. Participants were given letter consent
with the interview questions; they were given enough time to answer the questions served as the
guide of the whole research process. This study highlights the following findings: 87% of the
adults use herbal medicine and that it is very effective and has no side effects because they use it
often times while most of the doctors say that it is just for supplemental use and cannot be a
substitute for real drug medications. Having analysed all the gathered results through
unstructured interview, in which the respondents will answer the questions based on what they
personally think and feel it can be concluded that most of the adults prefer to use herbal
medicine, out of 5 doctors, 1 of them says that he/she recommends herbal medicine to the
patients. The researchers recommend studies that would justify and give more comprehensive
results related to this research project, either qualitative or quantitative studies.

DIFFERENT PERCEPTION ABOUT HERBAL MEDICINE 2
Introduction
Since the beginning of civilization, medicinal treatments have been used by mankind for
its therapeutic value. Nature was the source of diverse medicinal agents for thousands of years.
There are about 80% of the world’s population who chose to rely on traditional medicines. The
plant-based, traditional medicine systems were continuously being a part of an essential role in
the field of health care. (Owolabi et al., 2007)
Herbal medicine is the use of plants for medicinal purposes, and the study of botany for
such use. Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history, and
such traditional medicine is still widely practiced today. Modern medicine recognizes herbalism
as a form of alternative medicine, as the practice of herbalism is not strictly based
on evidence gathered using the scientific method. Modern medicine, does, however, make use of
many plant-derived compounds as the basis for evidence-tested pharmaceutical drugs. The scope
of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well
as minerals, shells and certain animal parts.
Herbal medicine is the extraction of herbs or plants which have medicinal value in
treating illnesses and diseases (Brody, n.d). Herbs are known as plants that do not have any
woody stem and dies back at the end of each growing season. It is also commonly known as
“natural drug” because they are derived from nature. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, these are not
synthesized from chemicals.
Countries, like India has several traditional medicine systems. Using plant-based drugs,
Ayurveda and Unani survived over 3000 years. There are also several books such as Charaka
Samhita and Susruta Samhita refers to use of more than 700 different herbs (Jain, 1968).
According to World Health Organization (WHO, 1977) “a medicinal plant is any plant,
which in one more of its organ contains substances that can be used for specific purposes.
“Herbal drug” determines the part/s of a plant; leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, barks, stems, etc.
These are used on preparing herbal medicines. Medicinal plants are plants containing active
ingredients used to treat diseases or can relieve pain (Okigbo et al., 2008).
The researcher found out that herbalism was the alternative healing systems of Chinese
and Native American medicine (Goelz, 2010). Herbalists uses different techniques aside form
herbal medicine to heal and treat illnesses; acupuncture or energy and body-based therapies.
According to O’Hara et al., (1998;523-536) herbs are drugs and have potential high benefits as
well as risks. Finding out the effectiveness of herbal medicine can be complicated since plants
contains diverse chemical compounds within the same species (Winstona and Maine, 2007).
A number of herbs are thought to be likely to cause adverse effects. Furthermore,
"adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding of plant and drug
interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethal." Proper
double-blind clinical trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of each plant before
they can be recommended for medical use. Although many consumers believe that herbal
medicines are safe because they are "natural", herbal medicines and synthetic drugs may interact,
causing toxicity to the patient. Herbal remedies can also be dangerously contaminated, and
herbal medicines without established efficacy, may unknowingly be used to replace medicines
that do have corroborated efficacy.
According to the researchers, the use of herbal medicine is prevalent among pregnant
women in the Middle Eastern region and healthcare providers need to seek information
pertaining to their use. And women take those herbal medicines usually at their trimester. The
researchers also found that in the Arab world, traditional medicine has always been practiced
despite the advances in modern medicine. The use of herbal medicines in pregnancy constitutes a
major challenge for health care providers as most of them are not made aware of their use. When
prescribed appropriately traditional.
(John and Shantakumari, n.d.)
According to Cupp (n.d.), dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular;
physicians need to ask questions about the use of herbal products as part of the medication
history. Even though herbal products are available without a prescription, medical guidance is
necessary because of the adverse effects of these products and the potential for drug interactions.
Also physicians need to stay abreast of trends in dietary supplement use, with the realization that
for most supplements the adverse effects and potential for drug interactions are not well
characterized.
According to the Department of Science and Technology, 102 plants have been
“scientifically validated 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. 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 consumers’ safety.
Plants had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. For example,
ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal plant uses. Indigenous
cultures such as African and Native American used herbs in their healing rituals, while others
developed traditional medical systems in which herbal therapies were used systematically.
Scientists found that people in different parts of the globe tended to use the same or similar
plants for the same purposes. Herbalism is a reputable profession and has been for many
thousand years, it actually laid the groundwork base for modern medicine, botany, pharmacy,
aromatherapy and chemistry, unfortunately the attraction with technology and other reasons, and
it was relegated to an experimental and partially wonderful art.
Herbalism is both an art and a science, which has always varied well with other
treatments. Thriving today using whole plants to treat whole people and it is as significant now
as in the secluded past, and perhaps will be more applicable in the future now that has been re-
discovered.
For some people, they prefer to take herbal medicines instead of the processed medicines
to treat their illnesses. In China, traditional herbal medicine played a prominent role in treating
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Herbal medicines are really effective and it is known
worldwide. Some people who have allergies in taking processed medicines are now taking herbal
medicines. As of now, many businessmen are focusing on making money by generating herbal
medicines to be purchased worldwide. Many hope traditional medicine will play a critical role in
global health.
A regular green tea has 99.9% water, which provides 1 Calorie per 100 mL serving, is
devoid of significant nutrient content and contains phytochemicals; polyphenols and caffeine.
Polyphenols found in green tea include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin
gallate, epicatechins and flavanols. Recently, many of the aforementioned beneficial effects of
green tea were attributed to its most abundant catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).\
Green tea extracts are more stable than pure epigallocatechin gallate, one of the major
constituents of green tea, because of the presence of other antioxidant constituents in the extract.
In general, herbal medicines are complex mixtures of different compounds that often act in a
synergistic fashion to exert their full beneficial effect . However, relatively few herbal medicines
have been well characterized and their efficacy demonstrated in systematic clinical trials as
compared to Western drugs. This review article highlights the recent research on the efficacy,
action mechanisms, and side effects of green tea and its catechins in in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo
systems (AMED, 1985-2009).
According to Heywood (2000) healing with medicinal plants is as old as mankind itself.
The connection between man and his search for drugs in nature dates from the far past, of which
there is ample evidence from various sources: written documents, preserved monuments, and
even original plant medicines. Awareness of medicinal plants usage is a result of the many years
of struggles against illnesses due to which man learned to pursue drugs in barks, seeds, fruit
bodies, and other parts of the plants. Contemporary science has acknowledged their active action,
and it has included in modern pharmacotherapy a range of drugs of plant origin, known by
ancient civilizations and used throughout the millennia. The knowledge of the development of
ideas related to the usage of medicinal plants as well as the evolution of awareness has increased
the ability of pharmacists and physicians to respond to the challenges that have emerged with the
spreading of professional services in facilitation of man's life.
Since time immemorial people have tried to find medications to alleviate pain and cure
different illnesses. In every period, every successive century from the development of
humankind and advanced civilizations, the healing properties of certain medicinal plants were
identified, noted, and conveyed to the successive generations. The benefits of one society were
passed on to another, which upgraded the old properties, discovered new ones, till present days.
The continuous and perpetual people's interest in medicinal plants has brought about today's
modern and sophisticated fashion of their processing and usage. (Kelly, 2012)
According to Dakiel (1987) herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as
allergies, asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine,
menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer, among others. It is
best to take herbal supplements under the guidance of a trained provider. For example, one study
found that 90% of people with arthritic use alternative therapies, such as herbal medicine. Since
herbal medicines can potentially interact with prescription medications, and may worsen certain
medical conditions, be sure to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbs.
An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Herbal
medicines are one type of dietary supplement. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas,
extracts, and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve
their health.
Many people believe that products labeled "natural" are always safe and good for them.
This is not necessarily true. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the testing that drugs do.
Some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm. Some herbs can interact with
prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
The objectives of this study are to know the perception of people about herbal medicine
and to recognize why most of the people believe in and use herbal medicine.
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to develop and find out different perception of people about herbal
medicine.
Specifically, it intends to:
1. To know if people use herbal medicine aside from synthetic ones.
2. To determine if herbal medicine is more prescribed other than herbal medicine.
Significance of the Study
This study aims to determine the perception of people about herbal medicine. The
researcher’s purpose of the study will focus on the following categories:
Doctors and Pharmacists, for them to inform people and or users regarding herbal medicine
Those who use herbal medicine, for them to be the one to share knowledge about the benefits
of herbal medicine
Herbalists, for the to give advice and give an opinion or suggestion about herbal medicine in
people and buyers
and Future researchers, for them to be inspired and motivated them to do their own study and
learn from others.

Scope and Delimitation
This study will focus on the perception of people about herbal medicine used for the
prevention of diseases; disorders and the promotion of good health have been considered.
The researchers have chosen herbal medicine used by millions of people all over the
world. Apart from collecting and classifying information on herbal medicine, this study will also
discuss the perception of doctors about herbal medicine.
This study is to show proof that herbal medicines are truly effective in curing diseases,
perfectly safe used under appropriate conditions through qualitative interview.

Definition of Terms
Acupuncture- a system of complementary medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues
with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional
conditions. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is now widely practiced in the West.
Akapulko or Acapulco- is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. It is known under various
names in different regions in the country. The shrub belongs to the family of Leguminosae, and
grows about one to two meters tall. It has thick branches and the leaves are embraced with 8 to
20 leaflets that are oblong-elliptical in shape. A medicinal herb that contains chrysophanic acid, a
fungicide used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies, and eczema. Akapulko also
contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.
Civilization- the stage of human social development and organization that is considered most
advanced.
Dietary supplement- is a product intended for ingestion that contains a "dietary ingredient"
intended to add further nutritional value to (supplement) the diet. A "dietary ingredient" may be
one, or any combination, of the following substances: a vitamin. a mineral. an herb or other
botanical.
Green tea-tea that is made from unfermented leaves and is pale in color and slightly bitter in
flavor, produced mainly in China and Japan.
Herbalism- (also herbal medicine or phytotherapy) is the study of botany and use of plants
intended for medicinal purposes or for supplementing a diet. Plants have been the basis for
medical treatments through much of human history, and such traditional medicine is still widely
practiced today.
Lagundi- (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a shrub that grows in the Philippines. It is one of
the ten herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal
medicine with proven therapeutic value. Commonly known in the Ilocos region as dangla,
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.
Lethal- sufficient to cause death, harmful or destructive.
Pharmaceutical drug- (also referred to as medicine, medication, or simply as drug) is a drug
used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease.
Sambong- Blumea balsamifera is used in traditional herbal medicine for the common cold and
as a diuretic. It is also used for infected wounds, respiratory infections, and stomach pains in
Thai and Chinese folk medicine.

Method
Method of Research
Phenomenology is the reflective study of prereflective or lived experience. To say it
somewhat differently, a main characteristic of the phenomenological tradition is that it is the
study of the lifeworld as we immediately experience it, prereflectively, rather than as we
conceptualize, theorize, categorize, or reflect on it. Phenomenology is now commonly
considered to be one of the alternative qualitative research methodologies to which researchers
can turn.
"Researchers search for essentials, invariant structure (or essence) or the central
underlying meaning of the experience and emphasize the intentionality of consciousness where
experiences contain both the outward appearance and inward consciousness based on memory,
image and meaning." (Creswell,1998 pp.52)
The phenomenological inquiry is particularly appropriate to address meanings and
perspectives of research participants. The major concern of phenomenological analysis is to
understand "how the everyday, inter-subjective world is constituted" (Schwandt, 2000) from the
participants' perspective. The basic philosophical assumption underlying this inquiry has most
often been illustrated by Husserl's (1962) statements - "we can only know what we experience."
Thus, any inquiry cannot engage in 'sciences of facts' because there are not absolutely facts; we
only can establish 'knowledge of essences'. The essence is the central underlying meaning of the
experience shared within the different lived experiences.

Samples and Sampling Procedure
The researchers used purposive as the sampling method in their study. Purposive is a
sampling technique in which researcher relies on his or her own judgment when choosing
members of population to participate in the study. There were 20 participants; 5 doctors and 15
adults in which they have different unstructured interview questionnaires to be answered
Table 1. Distribution of Respondents
Classification Number
Doctors 5
Adults 15
Total 20
Data Gathering Procedures
The researchers used unstructured interview to secure despondence to certain questions.
The questionnaire was unstructured in such a way that the respondents will be able to answer it
easily and has the opportunity to give the responses and opinions.
The researchers have chosen 20 respondents, 5 doctors and 15 adults in which they have
different questionnaires. During the interview, the respondents were given enough time to
answer the questions. Individual interview allows you to probe their attitudes, beliefs, desires,
and experiences to get a deeper understanding of the users who come to your site. These
interviews can take place face-to-face, by phone or video conference, or via instant messaging
system. Individual, face-to-face interviews are by far the most popular and efficient form of
assessment. Allow you to get up close and personal with each candidate while keeping an eye on
their body language is far more effective than any other interviewing format.
Description of the Instrument
The researchers used unstructured interview as the main instrument for data gathering to
get the qualitative data. The primary aim of the questionnaire is to know the perception of
people about herbal medicine.
An unstructured interview is an interview in which there is no specific set of
predetermined questions, although the interviewer usually has certain topics in mind that they
wish to cover during the interview. Unstructured interviews flow like an everyday conversation
and tend to be more informal and open-minded.
Construction and Validation of the Instrument
The questions were constructed by each members of the group wherein they contributed
by means of brainstorming of ideas. The questions listed there were also formulated by the
researchers through their experience, observation and readings. The data collected were carefully
reviewed and recheck on the drafted questions were done. The drafted questions were conducted,
checked and reviewed by the adviser or consultants for corrections and suggestions. After it was
reviewed and approved by the adviser, it was finished and ready for administration.
Administration of the Instrument
After the interview questions have been validated, the researchers began to set and
schedule for the availability of the chosen interviews.
Before the respondents start to answer, they were given a letter asking for permission to
administer the study to a hospital in Cabanatuan city namely Nueva Ecija Doctor’s Hospital
which where the interview for the doctor respondents happen, also inside the mall for the
interview of adults. The respondents were given a letter consent form, the researchers then
personally administered the written interview.

Results
The result section should state the most significant findings, without bias or corrections,
and arrange in a logical sequence.
For better result, the researchers give their own opinion and made a decision to make the
result section appropriate. For recall, as they used unstructured interview, it is consisting of 4
questions for the adults and 8 questions for the doctors.
Figure 1
People Who Use and Did Not Use Herbal Medicine
No 13%
13%
Yes 87%
87%
Figure 1 shows that among of our 20 respondents, 15 of them are adults. Based on our
interview 87% of them says Yes meaning most of them are using herbal medicines because they
say it has no side effects and it is safe to use. Otherwise, 13% of them says No because they are
not sure about the effectiveness.

Figure 2
How often they use herbal medicine?
Sometime
s
Very
often
Everyday
Figure 2 shows how often these adults use herbal medicine. Most of them are using it
every day; after breakfast and dinner. Some of them are using it very often but not every day and
others are using it sometimes when it is needed or in some illness.

Figure 3
Perceptions of Adults in Herbal Medicine
Safe
No side
Efficient effects
Herbal
Useful Medicine Effective
Natural Affordable
Figure 3 shows different perceptions about herbal medicine we gathered in our interview.
Most of the adults say it is very effective to use and has no side effects because they use it often
times (refer to figure 2).

Figure 4
Consultants about the effectiveness of Herbal Medicine
Doctors Relatives
Advertisement Users
Figure 4 shows the different consultants that the respondents ask about the effectiveness
and efficiency of herbal medicine.

Figure 5
Becoming a Doctor
Its fulfilling yet a big It's a privilege. Being a

responsibility, It feels great to help doctor is a vocation, it
practically a 24-hour people takes a lot of sacrfifice
job with no retirement to become one
It feels good to help

It feels great people and to be able
to have a stable job
Figure 5 shows that the doctors feels great to help people, at the same time having a
stable job despite the sacrifices they make.

Figure
Yes
40%
No
60%
Doctors who Tried and did not Tried Using Herbal Medicines
Figure 5 shows that 2 out of 5 doctor respondents says yes in using herbal
medicine, some of them agrees that herbal medicine is effective and is also less expensive. The
other respondents disagree because they say it has no evidence yet that it really works.
Figure 7
Pharmaceutical
20% Recommendation
of
Pharmaceutical
Herbal Drugs and Herbal
80%
Medicines
Figure 6 shows that 1 out of 5 doctors recommend herbal medicine to his/her patients
since it is effective and a lot cheaper. Most of them still prefer pharmaceutical or synthetic
medicines to recommend, though one of them says it’s a case to case basis.
Figure 8
Doctors
Encountering
Patients Using
Herbal Medicines
Yes
100%
Figure 7 shows that all the doctors have encountered patients using herbal
medicine.
Figure 9
When is it possible for a doctor to recommend herbal medicines?

Yes
20% Figure
8 shows when is it
possible for the
doctors to
recommend herbal
No medicines to their
80%
patients, most of
the doctors
disagree to
prescribe it to their
patients meaning they are still fond of pharmaceutical drugs which is proven and tested.
Figure 10
Perception of Doctors if Herbal Medicine Can Cure
When the herbal

When all If it is available and
medicine is scientifically
pharmacuetical drugs indicated for that
proven or well studied
failed. specific condition
to be effective
I recommend it for
I will never prescribe supplemental use only
herbal medicine but not for
replacement
Figure 9 shows that 1 out of 5 doctors agree that herbal medicine can cure diseases and
illnesses. Most of them says that it is just supplemental and cannot cure.
Figure 11
People Believing in and Using Herbal Medicine
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B p
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seit sch
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n
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w
eap er
d
r id
d
evA g, laim
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n
csti
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e alin
ralh
so
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g.
Figure 10 shows the reason of people why they believe and use herbal medicine. Mostly
because it is cheaper compared to synthetic medicines.
Figure 12
Perception of Doctors about Herbal Medicine
Some drugs
It is both It has are really
It is
harmful and Herbal questionable derived from
supplementar
effective medicine is a effects/side plants/herbs
y but cannot
depending on good effects but it may
be a
how it was alternative not deliver
substitute.
used what you
need.
Figure 12 shows that 1 out of 5 doctors answered a negatively about his/her perception
about herbal medicine, the rest of them say that is depends on how it was used and it just from
supplementary and a good alternative.
Discussions
This section shows the summary of findings drawn from the interview as well as the
conclusions and recommendations made by the researchers.
Summary of Findings
A. People Who Use and Did Not Use Herbal Medicine
The researchers managed to ask 20 respondents regarding people who use and did not use
herbal medicine, and 87% of them answered that they were use herbal medicine meaning
most of them are using herbal medicines because they say it has no side effects and it is safe
to use. Otherwise 13% of them are not using herbal because they are not sure about the
effectiveness.
B. How Often They Use Herbal Medicine?
Based on the gathered information of the researchers, most of the respondents claimed that
they are using herbal medicine everyday like after breakfast and dinner, and some of them
answered that they are using it very often but not every day. Lastly some of them answered
they are using it sometimes when it is needed or in some illness.
C. Perceptions of Adults in Herbal Medicine
The researchers were able to ask 15 respondents about the perception of people in herbal
medicine. Most of the adults answered that herbal medicine is very effective to use and has
no side effects because they use it often times.
D. Consultants About the Effectiveness of Herbal Medicine
The researcher managed to ask 20 respondents regarding consultants about the effectiveness
of herbal medicine, and respondents answered that self-prescribing herbal medicines will
increase risk, it is important to consult a doctor before taking herbal medicines, other
respondents say that they ask relatives about the effectiveness and efficiency of herbal
medicine. Some of them answered that they are using herbal medicine and know that it is
safe and no side effects.
E. Becoming a Doctor
As the result about becoming a doctor, they answered being one feels great to help people at
the same time having stable job despite the sacrifices they make. As a doctor, they need to be
careful in giving advice to his/her patients and make sure that they are in good condition.
F. Doctors Who Tried and Did Not Tried Using Herbal Medicines
Based on the gathered information of the researchers, 2 out of 5 doctor respondents answered
that they are using herbal medicine, some of them agreed that herbal medicine is effective
and is also less expensive. Some respondents disagree because it has no evidence yet that it
really works.
G. Recommendation of pharmaceutical drugs and herbal medicine
The researchers gathered information about recommendation of pharmaceutical drugs and
herbal medicines, 1 out of 5 doctors agreed to recommend herbal medicine to his/her patients
since it is effective and a lot cheaper. Most of them still prefer pharmaceutical or synthetic
medicines to recommend.
H. Doctors Encountering Patients Using Herbal Medicine
As for the results about the encountered patients that used herbal medicines, the doctor
respondents answered 100% they encountered patients using herbal medicine because
patients believe in effectiveness and efficiency of herbal medicine.

I. When Is It Possible for A Doctor to Recommend Herbal Medicines?
Most of the respondents (87%) answered if it is available or indicated for tat condition and
they say it is a supplemental use only but not a s replacement, they still prefer pharmaceutical
to recommend to his/her patients. As modern drugs were increasingly available at much
cheaper prices, the popularity of herbal medicines declines considerably and faces extinction.
J. Perception of Doctors if Herbal Medicine Can Cure
As the results about perception of doctors that herbal medicine can cure, 80% of the
respondents (4 out of 5 doctors) still believe that herbal medicine is just supplemental and
cannot cure while 20% of the respondents (1 out of 5 doctors) believe that herbal medicine
can cure diseases and illness. Nowadays, doctors have arrived to introduce new concepts
almost at every corner of our country, modern medicine is a wonder compared to the use of
herbal medicine. After all, there is still no herbal medicine comparable to antibiotics,
vaccines, anti-inflammation, and symptomatic drugs.
K. People Believing in and Using Herbal Medicine
Most of the respondents believe that herbal medicines are much better than the synthetic
medicines. They also said that herbal medicines are much cheaper than synthetic medicine
based on their answers they experienced the same side effects in using herbal and synthetic
medicine. Some of the respondents that used herbal medicine told us the reason why other
people don’t use herbal medicine is because they are scared of the possible side effects or
even more dangerous chemical that herbal medicine has.

L. Perception of Doctors about Herbal Medicine
As a result, 4 out of 5 doctors believe that herbal medicine is a good alternative and it
depends on how it was used while the rest answered negatively that they still prefer to use
the pharmaceutical drugs and some of them say that herbal medicine is supplementary
but cannot be a substitute, but others say negatively because they think herbal medicine is
both harmful and effective depending on how it was used and they haven’t tried yet use.
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:
A. Adults Who Use and Did Not Use Herbal Medicine
Based on the answers of the respondents, most of them use herbal medicine and 13%
among the 15 of them does not use herbal medicine, they are still unsure about the effects
of using it.
B. How Often They Use Herbal Medicine?
Most of the adults use herbal medicine after their meals, some of them use it only when it
is needed or they just feel like taking it.

C. Perceptions of Adults in Herbal Medicine
Most of the respondents say that herbal medicine is very effective and has no side effects,
and the rest say that they are not sure about its efficiency.
D. Consultants about the effectiveness of Herbal Medicine
The respondents refer to internet, doctors, advertisements, and those who use and are
cured by herbal medicine about its effectiveness.
E. Becoming a Doctor
The doctors feels great to be help people and they find their job fulfilling even if it takes a
lot of sacrifice.
F. Doctors who Tried and did not Tried Using Herbal Medicines
Out of 5 doctors, 2 of them agrees that herbal medicine is effective, while the rest of them
disagrees saying that it has no evidence if it’s really effective.
G. Recommendation of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Herbal Medicines
Among the 5 doctors, 1 of them say that he/she recommends herbal medicine, aside from
being effective it is also a cheaper, but most of them still prefer pharmaceutical medicines
to recommend their patients which is proven and tested.
H. Doctors Encountering Patients Using Herbal Medicine
All of the respondents says that they have encountered patients using herbal medicine
meaning most of the people use it.
I. When Is It Possible for A Doctor to Recommend Herbal Medicines?

Based on the answers of the respondents, it’s a case to case basis the when they will
advise using herbal medicine to their patients, some of them says that there are certain
herbs that can really cure like “sambong”.
J. Perception of Doctors if Herbal Medicine Can Cure
1 of them agrees that herbal medicine can cure diseases, most of them says that it is only
a supplement and is not proven that can cure.
K. People Believing in and Using Herbal Medicine
Based on the answers of the respondents, people believe in and use herbal medicine
because of lacking knowledge about it and because it is less expensive.
L. Perception of Doctors About Herbal Medicine
Out of 5 doctors, 1 of them says the it has questionable effects which depends upon on
how it was used, the rest say that it is good for supplementary use and for alternative
though it does not have the same effect with synthetic ones.
Recommendations
Considering all the findings and conclusions presented, the following recommendations
are made:
A. The researchers recommend that the adults should be aware about using herbal medicine;
how and when it will be used.
B. That the adults should use it based on the prescription details, not just when they want to
use it.
C. That they should extend their knowledge about the effectiveness of herbal medicine.
D. The adults should not believe what others say about the effectiveness of herbal medicine.
E. They should continue their dedication to their jobs to help those people who are in need.
F. The doctors should study more about herbal medicine and not just focus on what they
believe.
G. They should continue not recommending herbal medicine to their patients if they really
don’t believe on its effectivity.
H. That the doctors should try recommending cheaper medicine aside from herbal medicine
if their patients can’t really afford synthetic ones.
I. They should give advices or suggestions to their patients about the effectivity and
efficiency of herbal medicine.
J. They should conduct a study to widen their knowledge about herbal medicine and ask
those who use it.
K. They should prescribe what is the appropriate medicine and share knowledge about herbal
ones.
L. They should try to learn more about herbal medicine and its effectiveness.
References
Appiah, E., Arhin M., Oppong P., Osei-Mensah D., & Owusuwaa E. (2015). The
perception on the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of ailments in agogo gyidim
community. Literature review on traditional medicine, 4-6. Retrieved January 6, 2017
from https://www.slide slideshare.net/PatrickOppong/literature-review-on-traditional-
medicine
Creswell, J. W. (1998). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
traditions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Goelz, S. (n.d.) Herbal medicine: a comparative study on alternative healing practices and
beliefs. Herbal medicine senior thesis, 6-9. Rerieved January 6, 2017 from
www.academia.edu/4538712/Herbal_Medicine_senior_thesis_Samantha_Goelz
Herbal Medicine. (2016). The Columbia Encyclopedia New York. NY. Columbia University
Press. Retrieved January 9, 2017 from http://search.credoreference.com
Hoffman, D. (2003 October). The Science Principle and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
Medical Herbalism. Retrieved January 9, 2017, http://www.innertratidtions.com
Holstein, J. A., & Gubrium, J. F. (1994). Phenomenology, ethnomethodology, and interpretive
practice. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research

(pp. 262-272). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
MedlinePlus.(n.d.). Retrieved January 9, 2017

from https://medlineplus.gov.
Putsell, J. (2015). The Herbal Apothecary:100 Medical Herbs.

Portland, Oregon: Timber Press.
Sabu, M.C., Priya, T.T., Ramadasam, K. & Ikuo, N. (2010)/ Benificial effects of green tea: a
literature eview. Chinese medicine, 1. Retrieved January 5, 2017 from
http://www.cmjournal.or/contents/5/1/13
Appendices
Appendix A- Sample Interview
Different Perception About Herbal Medicine
Interview Questions
(For Adults)
1. Do you use herbal medicine? Why?
2. How often do you use herbal medicine?
3. What is your perception about herbal medicine?
4. Who do you consult about the effectiveness of herbal medicines?
Appendix A- Sample Interview

Interview Questions
(For Doctors)
Easy:
1. What does it feel to become a doctor?
2. Have you ever tried using herbal medicine? Why?
3. Which do you prefer to recommend to patient, pharmaceutical drugs or herbal ones?

Why?
Average:
1. Have you encountered patient/s who use herbal medicine?
2. When is it possible for a doctor to recommend herbal medicine to his/her patient?
3. As a doctor, do you believe that herbal medicine can cure diseases?
Difficult:
1. Why do you think people believe in and use herbal medicine?
2. What is your perception about herbal medicine?
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Transforming Lives for God and Society
Second Semester, A.Y. 2016-2017
CONSENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH INTERVIEW
I volunteer to participate in a research project entitled

conducted by
Basco, Francis Niño P. Miguel, Melody B.
Gabao, Allyza Mhay N. Torres, Jose Rafael L.
Madria, Ma. Patrice M. Torres, Jonelle D.
Marzan, Mary Stephanie C. Valenia, Eric Joven G.
from College of the Immaculate Conception. The objectives of this study are to inform the public
about the effects of using herbal medicine and to recognize why most of the people believe in
and use herbal medicine.
I understand that I will be one of approximately 20 people to be interviewed for this study. I may
ask any of the researchers if there is anything unclear or if I need more details. I must also take
note of the following:
1. The interview will last approximately 15 minutes. Notes will be written during the
interview. An audio tape of the interview and subsequent dialogue will be made. If I do not want
to be taped, I will not be able to participate in the study.
2. I may decline to answer any or all questions and I may terminate my involvement at any
time if I choose to.
3. There will be no direct benefit to me for my participation in this study. However, the
researchers hope that the information obtained from this study may help you in any way possible.
4. My responses to this interview will be anonymous. For the purposes of this research
study, my comments will not be anonymous. Every effort will be made by the researcher to
preserve my confidentiality including the following:
• Assigning code names/numbers for participants that will be used on all research notes
and documents
• Keeping notes, interview transcriptions, and any other identifying participant information
in a locked file cabinet in the personal possession of the researcher.
5. Participant data will be kept confidential except in cases where the researcher is legally
obligated to report specific incidents. These incidents include, but may not be limited to,
incidents of abuse and suicide risk.
6. I have read and understand the explanation provided to me. I have had all my questions
answered to my satisfaction, and I voluntarily agree to participate in this study.
7. I have been given a copy of this consent form.
Participant's signature ______________________________ Date __________
Interviewer’s signature ______________________________ Date __________
Research Adviser’s Signature over Printed Name: MRS. CHERRY ANNE M. GANAO

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What is the purpose of the study?

What is the purpose of the study?

What percentage of adults use herbal medicine according to the findings?

What percentage of adults use herbal medicine according to the findings?

3

This qualitative study on the influence of Medical Professionals to Students of Medical-related

unstructured interview questionnaires to be answered as the main source of data collection

results related to this research project, either qualitative or quantitative studies.

the field of health care. (Owolabi et al., 2007)

as a form of alternative medicine, as the practice of herbalism is not strictly based

of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well

as minerals, shells and certain animal parts.

synthesized from chemicals.

A number of herbs are thought to be likely to cause adverse effects. Furthermore,

"adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding of plant and drug

that do have corroborated efficacy.

prescribed appropriately traditional.

(John and Shantakumari, n.d.)

According to Cupp (n.d.), dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular;

ensure consumers’ safety.

it was relegated to an experimental and partially wonderful art.

devoid of significant nutrient content and contains phytochemicals; polyphenols and caffeine.

Polyphenols found in green tea include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin

gallate, epicatechins and flavanols. Recently, many of the aforementioned beneficial effects of

systems (AMED, 1985-2009).

spreading of professional services in facilitation of man's life.

allergies, asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine,

prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Statement of the Problem

Specifically, it intends to:

1. To know if people use herbal medicine aside from synthetic ones.

2. To determine if herbal medicine is more prescribed other than herbal medicine.

Significance of the Study

researcher’s purpose of the study will focus on the following categories:

people and buyers

learn from others.

Scope and Delimitation

discuss the perception of doctors about herbal medicine.

perfectly safe used under appropriate conditions through qualitative interview.

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

flavor, produced mainly in China and Japan.

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

Lethal- sufficient to cause death, harmful or destructive.

Pharmaceutical drug- (also referred to as medicine, medication, or simply as drug) is a drug

used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease.

Thai and Chinese folk medicine.

Phenomenology is the reflective study of prereflective or lived experience. To say it

somewhat differently, a main characteristic of the phenomenological tradition is that it is the

study of the lifeworld as we immediately experience it, prereflectively, rather than as we

conceptualize, theorize, categorize, or reflect on it. Phenomenology is now commonly

considered to be one of the alternative qualitative research methodologies to which researchers

image and meaning." (Creswell,1998 pp.52)

The phenomenological inquiry is particularly appropriate to address meanings and

perspectives of research participants. The major concern of phenomenological analysis is to

experience shared within the different lived experiences.

Samples and Sampling Procedure

adults in which they have different unstructured interview questionnaires to be answered

Table 1. Distribution of Respondents