The Provincial Agriculture Office in Negros Oriental recently launched a backyard herbal medicine program, dubbed “Go Herbal, Negros Oriental,” with the presentation of a manual of herbal medicines. 

The manual was formally presented by local agriculture officials before Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, Board Member Erwin Macias, and First District Board Member Liland Estacion. 

One of the herbal plants cited in the manual is aloe vera, a species of succulent plants known for its rejuvenating, healing, and soothing properties, and for treating hair loss. 

Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo, however, said local studies have shown that the improper use and application of aloe vera may lead to skin cancer. 

“The manual serves as a guide for Negrenses on the proper use of herbs, which plants to use in treating common illnesses, and the appropriate herbal preparations,” he said. 

Gov. Degamo lauded the manual, saying that it will give Negrenses an alternative to the high cost of medicines and hospitalization. 

He said the program will boost the preventive aspect of the provincial government’s delivery of health services in the province. 

The provincial government’s herbal medicine program was initiated by the late former Gov. Emilio Macias II, a doctor by profession who pushed for medicinal plants as an alternative remedy in treating various ailments. 

Degamo, who pursued the late governor’s herbal program, earlier ordered the agriculture office here to conduct further scientific studies on backyard herbal medicine. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)