Sickness and healing among the Mangyans: A comparative study of their herbal remedies

• Main Author: Rayos, Patricia Gail C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/2460
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study attempted to validate and update the information on herbal remedies known among the most documented Mangyan tribes in Mindoro Island, the Alangan, Hanunuo, and Iraya Mangyans. Field validation was carried out among these groups employing both individual interviews and focused group discussions that were facilitated by prepared set of questionnaires. Gathered data were analyzed based on taxonomic information, sickness indication, plant part utilized, preparation and related cultural practices. Information obtained revealed that the Alangan, Hanunuo and Iraya Mangyans commonly distinguish two types of sicknesses, one with natural cause and another of evil influences. For these, they consider a total of 73 plant families, 180 genera, and 247 species as herbal remedies. Families with the most number of medicinal species include Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Araceae, Arecaceae, Malvaceae, and Menispermaceae. The species considered efficacious against most of sicknesses include Tinospora rumphii and Zingiber officinale for Alangan Mangyans B. balsamifera for the Hanunuo Mangyans and C. mercadoi and T. indicus for the Iraya Mangyans. A total of 88 different kinds of sicknesses are known to the Mangyans, with wounds and cuts, stomach disorders, headache/fever, muscular/rheumatic pains, cough and skin diseases being most common and to which most herbal remedies are known. The herbal remedies of the Alangan, Hanunuo, and Iraya Mangyans most commonly consist of leaves and bark, which are most commonly prepared as poultice and decoction taken as drink. The Alangan, Hanunuo, and Iraya Mangyans each have their own set of beliefs and cultural practices related to their medicinal plants and concept of healing from collection to actual use.