Addressing healthcare inequality: Herbal medicine as an accessible and affordable alternative

Healthcare inequality remains a pressing issue in the Philippines.

Branded drugs cost 22 times more than international price benchmarks, while generic drugs are four times more expensive (Maramba-Lazarte, 2020).

Despite government efforts through public healthcare programs, many Filipinos—especially low-income individuals and those in rural communities—still face barriers such as the high cost of modern healthcare, insufficient facilities, and a shortage of medical professionals.

One of the most enduring, cost-efficient, and trusted options is the use of Filipino herbal medicine, which has been in practice since before the Spanish colonization period (Sampang & Sampang, 2024).

Indigenous communities heavily depended on their surroundings and knowledge of nature, particularly in using local plants to treat common illnesses.

This knowledge is passed down through generations, surviving Western influence and evolving alongside modern healthcare advancements.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Healthcare (PITAHC) have acknowledged the use of medicinal plants by health practitioners, even promoting scientifically validated plants (Villanueva, 2022).

For many, these natural remedies are not just part of cultural heritage but also practical solutions to cost and accessibility barriers in modern healthcare.

Exploring the relationship between healthcare inequality and herbal medicine use can help integrate modern medicine with traditional practices to improve healthcare access and equity for underserved populations.

The use of herbal medicine has been prevalent in the history of early Filipinos.

These herbs were used in folk medicine by combining medicinal plants with healing practices such as manual techniques, spiritual therapies, and regular exercise to maintain well-being (Rondilla et al., 2021).

During the Spanish colonial period, individuals considered experts in using medicinal herbs earned income through their practice.

This led to the term “albularyo,” referring to someone who uses herbs alongside spiritual beliefs to treat illnesses (Scribd, n.d.).

They employed various techniques, such as paghihilot, which is believed to not only heal physical ailments but also calm emotions and thoughts.

This technique has been used to address a range of concerns, including pregnancy, broken bones, and fatigue (WordPress, 2013).

Herbal medicine was historically used because it was accessible and effective in treating patients.

However, with technological advancement, we now have a wider array of medicinal options.

This raises the question of whether medicinal herbs should be replaced by modern medicine. Many of our ancestors used herbal medicine to express their beliefs, culture, and struggles.

These practices reflected the environmental and economic limitations of the past while also serving to prevent and treat illnesses.

Herbal medicine involves the use of natural herbs and plants for the treatment or prevention of diseases and to promote overall well-being (Philippine Herbal Medicine Site – Alternative Medicine, 2025).

Filipinos have used this form of medicine for centuries, passing it down through generations. Herbal medicine remains a viable alternative due to its accessibility, affordability, and cultural relevance.

Accessibility is one of the primary advantages of herbal medicine, especially for geographically isolated communities with limited access to healthcare professionals (Maramba-Lazarte, 2020).

Another key advantage is affordability, as the Philippines is rich in natural resources, making herbal remedies readily available.

Herbal medicine offers various health benefits and is often preferred due to its natural properties (Beldad, 2023).

These include anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antifungal effects. Herbal remedies can treat wounds, insect bites, and common illnesses.

In conclusion, herbal medicine offers valuable benefits for health, including improved accessibility, lower cost, and holistic care.

While these benefits are significant, modern medicine should still be integrated into the Philippine healthcare system to ensure comprehensive treatment options.

Although the use of herbal medicine is growing and recognized globally, it continues to face challenges such as social stigma, misconceptions, lack of regulation, and general misunderstanding.

Many assume that herbal remedies are inherently safe and free of side effects; however, these beliefs—rooted in tradition and limited awareness—can result in improper use and risk underestimation.

Furthermore, most herbal products are not subject to rigorous testing for safety, efficacy, or quality. This can lead to inconsistent dosages, overuse, and exposure to harmful contaminants like pesticides and microbes.

According to the Mayo Clinic (2025), the term “natural” appears on many health-related products such as supplements, teas, and skin creams, but there is no legal definition of the word in the context of health claims.

Even though herbal medicines come from plants, they can still produce strong physiological effects.

This underscores the limitations of herbal medicine, including a lack of standardization and limited scientific evidence.

The National Library of Medicine (2015) noted that approximately 100 years ago, herbs were the primary treatments for human diseases, and about 25% of modern drugs—such as aspirin, artemisinin, ephedrine, and paclitaxel—are derived from plants originally used in traditional medicine.

However, most herbal products still lack the scientific data needed to establish their safety and efficacy.

The World Health Organization (2023) recognizes the role of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in contributing to well-being and universal health coverage.

Still, it stresses the need for clinical trials to validate the safety and effectiveness of these treatments.

Expanding research on proper herbal medicine use is crucial not only for user safety but also to ensure public awareness regarding correct dosages.

This fosters safer practices and strengthens the responsible use of traditional remedies.

Promoting herbal medicine is not just about preserving culture—it’s also a pathway toward reducing healthcare inequities.

As Salm et al. (2023) noted, herbal medicines continue to show therapeutic potential for common illnesses.

These remedies offer affordable solutions, especially for communities with limited access to conventional care.

Strengthening regulation and scientific research in this field could support the safe integration of herbal medicine into mainstream healthcare.

This would allow low-income communities to access quality treatment without enduring financial strain.

Supporting herbal medicine promotes community health and cultural heritage.

The Philippines’ indigenous knowledge of herbal remedies should not be sidelined by scientific progress but allowed to evolve with it.

Revitalizing the cultivation and responsible production of herbal plants also supports local economies while improving public health access.

Professionals should collaborate to institutionalize herbal medicine through research, regulation, and inclusive health education.

With stronger policies and evidence-based practices, herbal medicine can move from being a last resort for the poor to becoming a vital pillar of public healthcare.

Investing in its study can legitimize traditional remedies, uplift underserved communities, and promote a healthcare system that values both heritage and science.

Supporting herbal medicine is a step toward breaking healthcare inequality—affirming that wellness is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all.

To conclude, herbal medicine remains a valuable component of Filipino healthcare, offering affordable and accessible remedies for communities underserved by modern systems.

While its natural properties and deep cultural roots are assets, it faces challenges—such as misconceptions, lack of regulation, and insufficient scientific backing.

Strengthening standards, building public awareness, and implementing strong guidelines can help herbal medicine become an effective, safe, and reliable tool for addressing healthcare inequality in the Philippines.