The Philippines offers vast biodiversity of plants. And many of these plants can either cure ailments or be an excellent raw material for various products. Here are some ways on how you can earn using indigenous plants:
Herbal Soaps.
There are many indigenous plants in the Philippines to cure skin ailments. But because of our lifestyle nowadays, we don’t have much time preparing and using these products.
Herbal soap business has a lot of business potential since many people are now into: “go green” and “go natural” way of thinking. Here are some tutorials on how to make and package herbal soaps.
Herbal beauty products
Many studies have proven that using harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients causes more harm than good to our skin so many people are now looking for indigenous plants based beauty products.
In this type of business, you need first to educate yourself about the different beauty products and which one would you concentrate first. It is also very wise to try and test the product first.
You can gain customers trust if they can see the benefits of the product in you. Here is some guide to start your herbal skincare business.
Herbal supplements
Indigenous plants also have health benefits. Many are used to treat or relieve common ailments or provide symptomatic relief.
If you are interested in the business, it is an advantage if you have a background in health-related courses such as nursing, caregiving or medicine.
But you may also try this business and succeed even when you don’t have a background in health-related courses. It’s all about researching, and developing marketing strategies. Some herbal supplements are rosemary, lagundi, sambong, malunggay and ampalaya products.
Handicraft business
Aside from supplements and beauty products, indigenous plants can also be a source of sturdy materials for handicrafts and furniture. Some of these materials are:
Abaca: Also known as Manila hemp, its fibers are obtained from leaf sheaths. The color varies from ivory white to light and dark brown. The length of fiber ranges from 3 to more than 9 feet depending on the age of the leaf sheath. It is considered to be the strongest among natural fibers.
Coconut shells:
Coco meat, coco juice, and coco milk can be made into various food products, but no part of the nut goes to waste. The coco shell is a sturdy material for making coin banks, lampshades, flower vases, buttons, and pins.
Other indigenous plants that can be used for handicrafts are bamboo, rattan, buried, and fibers from pineapple, coco husks, maguey, and banana plant.
