Institute of Herbal Medicine

21/10/2026

16/10/2026

Congratulations Sir Ivan L. Lawag, MRSC,M.Sc., Ph.D. !

14/10/2026

Discover how nature meets science at the Institute of Herbal Medicine (IHM), the recognized leading institution in herbal medicine research and development in the Philippines.

Through scientific, ethical, and culturally sensitive research, IHM harnesses the healing potential of Philippine medicinal plants for the benefit of all Filipinos.

Join us as we explore the work of IHM and the other multidisciplinary units of the National Institutes of Health in advancing more inclusive and equitable healthcare for all.

13/10/2026

The Institute of Herbal Medicine congratulates Dr. Cecilia Maramba on being recognized as the Most Outstanding Pediatric Infectious Disease Pillar by the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, Inc. (PIDSP).

13/09/2026

Thank you, Barangay De La Paz, Pasig, for the invitation to give a workshop on the Proper Use of Herbal Medicines. We greatly appreciate your hospitality and the residents' active participation.

06/09/2026

The Woman Who Turned Filipino Herbs Into Real Medicine

For many Filipinos, herbal plants like lagundi and sambong were once considered simple “home remedies” something your parents or grandparents would boil in a pot whenever someone got sick. People believed in them, but not everyone trusted them.

But one Filipina doctor and scientist changed that forever.

Dr. Nelia Cortes Maramba, known as the “Mother of Philippine Herbal Medicine,” dedicated her life to proving that Filipino medicinal plants are not just folklore they are real, science-backed medicine.

Her mission became stronger when she became one of the key figures behind the National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP), which started in 1977. Through decades of research, Dr. Maramba and her team worked tirelessly to test, study, and validate native plants using proper laboratory science and clinical trials.

Because of her leadership and dedication, herbal medicines like lagundi for cough, sambong for urinary problems, and ulasimang bato for gout and high uric acid became widely accepted and eventually commercialized helping countless Filipino families access affordable and effective treatments.

This wasn’t just research. This was a movement.

Her work helped build the foundation of the Philippine phytomedicine industry and even contributed to the development of institutions focused on herbal medicine research, including the Institute of Herbal Medicine under UP Manila.

In 2022, Dr. Maramba received another major recognition when she was awarded the Scientific Inventions, Discoveries & Innovations (SIDI) Award under the Scientific Inventions Category an honor that highlights her lifetime of contribution to Filipino science and healthcare.

Dr. Nelia Maramba didn’t simply study plants.
She gave Filipino herbal medicine a voice, credibility, and a future.

And because of her, what was once “traditional healing” became national pride backed by science.


Disclaimer: This image is AI-generated and created for storytelling and educational purposes only. It is not a real photograph, but an artistic representation inspired by true events.

01/09/2026

🌿 MMC-CAST & PQHTCMI-FJTCM Joint TCM Program — Enrollment Now Open!
Begin your journey in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and discover the wisdom and value of this time-honored medical tradition.
📚 Comprehensive Learning — Build a strong foundation in TCM theory and professional knowledge.
👩‍⚕️ Expert Faculty — Learn from experienced professionals through theory and practical training.
🏥 Clinical Practice — Develop hands-on skills and real-world clinical experience.
🎓 Professional Development — Prepare for future opportunities in the field of TCM.
Whether you are passionate about TCM culture or looking to advance your professional skills, we welcome you to learn, grow, and begin a new chapter in your TCM journey with us.
📅 Online Enrollment Orientation: September 1, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💻 Online
Scan the QR Code to Register & Join Us!
✨ Your TCM Journey Starts Here.

17/08/2026

We would like to congratulate our interns from South Luzon State University (SLSU) and UP Manila for successfully completing their required internship hours. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment throughout your time with us are truly commendable. Congratulations, and we wish you continued success in your academic and professional journey!

15/08/2026

2nd Stakeholders’ Meeting: Advancing the Philippine Herbal Medicine Development Plan 🌿🇵🇭

Another meaningful step forward for the Philippine Herbal Medicine Development Plan!

We successfully convened the 2nd Stakeholders’ Meeting, bringing together key partners and advocates from different sectors to continue the dialogue, strengthen collaboration, and work toward a unified national direction for the development and promotion of Philippine herbal medicines.

From research and development to policy, regulation, production, healthcare, and community participation, every sector has an important role to play.

🌱 Together, we can build a stronger Philippine herbal medicine ecosystem—rooted in science, supported by policy, and responsive to the needs of our people.