10 Best Filipino Natural Remedies for Immune System

Kamusta, Ka-Optimalliving!

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can I keep my family healthy without spending too much on synthetic supplements?”—you’re not alone. Many Filipinos are rediscovering the power of nature. Today, we’ll explore Filipino natural remedies for immune system support—trusted by generations and now backed by science.

Introduction – Why Go Natural?

The Philippines is blessed with over 1,150 species of medicinal plants. For centuries, our lolas and lolos have relied on these herbs to fight coughs, fevers, and infections. With modern challenges like COVID-19 and rising healthcare costs, these remedies are making a comeback—not as replacements for medicine, but as powerful supplements.

 If you’re looking for Filipino natural remedies for immune system support, you’ll be happy to know that many of these plants are DOH-approved and easy to find in local markets. They’re affordable, effective, and deeply rooted in our culture.

Why are these remedies gaining popularity again?

• Affordability: Most herbs cost less than ₱100 per bundle, making them budget-friendly.
• Accessibility: You can find them in wet markets, sari-sari stores, or even your backyard.
• Cultural trust: These remedies are part of Filipino heritage, passed down through generations.

But remember: Filipino natural remedies for immune system support are supplements, not substitutes for medical treatment. Always consult your doctor before starting any herbal regimen.

The Big 10 – DOH-Approved Medicinal Plants

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) have validated these plants for safety and efficacy. Let’s explore each one.

1. Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

Lagundi is a household name in Filipino herbal medicine. Known for its ability to relieve cough and asthma, it’s also being studied for mild COVID-19 symptom relief (DOH-approved for respiratory health).

Benefits:

• Relieves cough, asthma, and bronchitis.
• Acts as an anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator.

How to Prepare Lagundi Tea:

• • Wash 5 fresh Lagundi leaves.
• • Boil in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.
• • Strain and drink 1 cup twice daily.

Local Availability & Price:

• Common in backyard gardens and wet markets.
• Price: Around ₱50 per bundle in local palengke.

2. Bawang (Garlic – Allium sativum)

Garlic isn’t just for adobo—it’s a natural immunity booster. Rich in allicin, it helps fight infections and lower cholesterol.

Benefits:

• Boosts immunity and fights bacteria.
• Helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

How to Use:

• • Eat 1–2 raw cloves daily for immunity.
• • For tea: Crush 3 cloves, boil in water for 5 minutes, drink warm.

Local Availability & Price:

• Available in all markets and supermarkets.
• Price: ₱120–₱150 per kilo.

3. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)

Sambong is famous for kidney health, but it also helps with colds and coughs. Its essential oils have antimicrobial properties.

Benefits:

• Supports kidney function.
• Helps relieve cough and colds.

How to Prepare Sambong Decoction:

• • Wash 5–6 leaves.
• • Boil in 2 cups water for 15 minutes.
• • Drink 1 cup twice daily.

Local Availability & Price:

• Sold in herbal stalls and some pharmacies.
• Price: ₱50–₱70 per bundle.

4. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

Ampalaya is best known for diabetes management, but its antioxidants also boost immunity.

Benefits:

• Lowers blood sugar.
• Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants.

How to Prepare Ampalaya Tea:

• • Slice fresh Ampalaya leaves.
• • Boil in 2 cups water for 10 minutes.
• • Drink 1 cup daily.

Local Availability & Price:

• Found in wet markets and supermarkets.
• Price: ₱40–₱60 per piece.

5. Bayabas (Guava – Psidium guajava)

Bayabas leaves are a natural antiseptic. They’re great for wound cleaning and diarrhoea treatment.

Benefits:

• Antimicrobial properties for wounds.
• Rich in Vitamin C for immune support.

How to Prepare Bayabas Tea:

• • Wash 5–6 young leaves.
• • Boil in 2 cups water for 10 minutes.
• • Drink 1 cup twice daily.

Local Availability & Price:

• Common in backyards and markets.
• Price: ₱50–₱80 per kilo of fruit.

6. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)

Yerba Buena is a natural pain reliever and anti-asthmatic when combined with oregano.

Benefits:

• Relieves pain and headaches.
• Supports respiratory health.

How to Prepare Yerba Buena Tea:

• • Wash 5 leaves.
• • Boil in 2 cups water for 10 minutes.
• • Drink 1 cup twice daily.

Local Availability & Price:

• Sold in herbal stalls.
• Price: ₱30–₱50 per bundle.

Spotlight on Anti-COVID & Immunomodulatory Remedies

7. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)

Benefits:

• Clinical trials show VCO can reduce virus count by 60–90% in mild COVID-19 cases (DOH-backed research).

How to Use:

• • Take 1 tablespoon 2–3 times daily.
• • Can be added to coffee or smoothies.

Local Availability & Price:

• Available in supermarkets and health stores.
• Price: ₱250–₱400 per 250ml bottle.

8. Tawa-Tawa (Euphorbia hirta)

Traditionally used for dengue, now studied for COVID-19 symptom relief.

How to Prepare Tawa-Tawa Tea:

• • Wash 5–6 leaves.
• • Boil in 2 cups water for 15 minutes.
• • Drink 1 cup twice daily.

Local Availability & Price:

• Found in rural areas and herbal stalls.
• Price: ₱50 per bundle.

9. Ginger (Luya – Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is a staple in Filipino kitchens and a powerful immunity booster.

How to Prepare Ginger Tea:

• • Slice 3–4 pieces of ginger.
• • Boil in 2 cups water for 10 minutes.
• • Add honey for taste.

Local Availability & Price:

• Available everywhere.
• Price: ₱150–₱180 per kilo.

10. Turmeric (Luyang Dilaw – Curcuma longa)

Turmeric contains curcumin, a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

How to Prepare Turmeric Tea:

• • Slice turmeric root.
• • Boil in 2 cups water for 10 minutes.
• • Add honey or calamansi for flavour.

Local Availability & Price:

• Sold in markets and health stores.
• Price: ₱200–₱250 per kilo.

Indigenous Wisdom – Panay Bukidnon Practices

The Panay Bukidnon use pito-pito decoction—a mix of 3, 5, or 7 plants boiled together for synergy. Common plants include Lagundi, Sambong, and Bayabas. This practice shows how traditional knowledge values plant combinations for better results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Filipino Natural Remedies

1. What are the best Filipino natural remedies for immune system support? Lagundi, Sambong, Bawang, Ampalaya, Bayabas, Yerba Buena, VCO, Tawa-Tawa, Ginger, and Turmeric.
2. Can these remedies replace vaccines or medicine? No. They are supplements, not replacements.
3. Where can I buy these herbs? Local markets, herbal stalls, and some pharmacies.
4. Are there side effects? Yes, if taken in wrong doses. Always follow recommended preparation.
5. Is VCO really effective for COVID-19? Studies show it helps reduce viral load but is not a cure.

Conclusion

The Philippines truly has a pharmacy in the forest. These Filipino natural remedies for immune system support are affordable, effective, and deeply rooted in tradition. But remember: always consult your doctor and choose DOH-approved herbs for safety.

Start exploring these Filipino natural remedies for immune system today and give your family the natural boost they deserve!