The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines

The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by T.H. Pardo de Tavera is a pioneering ethnobotanical work that documents the traditional uses of native Philippine plants for medicinal purposes. Drawing from both indigenous knowledge and scientific observations, Pardo de Tavera provides detailed descriptions of hundreds of plants, including their local names, preparation methods, and therapeutic applications. Originally published in 1901, the book aimed to preserve Filipino medical heritage and promote the scientific study of local flora. It remains a foundational text in Philippine herbal medicine and reflects Pardo de Tavera’s broader commitment to integrating native knowledge with modern science and national identity.