BUTUAN CITY- The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 once again conducted the webinar series through its program “Internet-Based Intervention for the Development of Agriculture ng ATI Ngayon” (I-BIDA nATIn). Topic on Alternative Herbal Medicine was discussed via online during the first episode of the webinar Season 3 on August 7, 2020.

All the way from Davao City, Dr. Rex Linao served as the Resource Person of the said topic. He presented the Top 10 recommended medicinal herbal plants along with its uses and benefits which are approved by the Department of Health (DOH). Dr. Linao is the Executive Director of the Foundation for the Development of Agusanons Inc. (FDAI). This Foundation is one of the certified Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) of the ATI-Caraga and recently renewed their accreditation as Extension Service Provider of the Institute.

The said ten medicinal herbal plants are Acapulco which is used to cure ringworms and skin fungal infection, Bitter gourd which helps control blood sugar and Garlic in controlling blood pressure.

On the other hand, Guava is used as antiseptic which is good to disinfect wounds, Lagundi is good in curing coughs and asthma. Another batch of herbal plants are Niyog-niyogan that is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly Ascaris and Trichina. The next one is Sambong, Tsaang Gubat, Pansit-pansitan which is effective in curing arthritis and gout as well as the Yerba Buena which is also used as analgesic to relieve body aches and pain.

Dr. Linao also presented the Ten Commandments of Good Health during the webinar. He also shared some tips on how to beat COVID-19 pandemic in a natural way, this is by practicing Social /Physical distancing, Air flow Awareness, Face Masks, Expectorations (SAFE).

For him, enough rest, proper diet, proper hygiene, sufficient amount of water intake, and exercise is highly recommended with additional safety measures at hand.