During the 16th century a convent in the Philippines called San Agustin had a Botica (Pharmacy) which utilized medicinal plants. All sorts of medicines and remedies were used by the Friars in the convent. Some were also sold to the locals who needed remedy. Fueled by faith, science and nature Father Manuel Blanco dedicated his life to study the plants in the country and it's medicinal purposes.

Botica of Medicinal Plants

The medicine were stored in jars and each one labeled with names of the drugs. The ones on display are only recreations of the original storage. All was looted and destroyed in 1762 when the British came and occupied Manila which was headed by General Samuel Cornish.

Augustinian missionaries loved science and in return helped a lot of the locals with their ailments. Remedies made from the plants which were found around the country. This oil painting on display created by a local artist shows the passion of the missionaries.

Among the contributors in recording medicinal plants is Father Ignacio Mercado. Known to be the first local botanist to record more than 200 plants that thrived in the Philippines. No one knew the names or benefits of plants during this era and his works greatly contributed to discovery of plant species.

Beautiful colored illustrations which is considered as an artwork. It was also known that Father Ignacio Mercado even tested the effects of the plants on himself.

Among the greatest achievements from this convent is the "Flora De Filipinas" by Father Manuel Blanco. A compilation about endemic plants in which the first editions the plants were not illustrated. Later on illustrations were added on the collection done by local and Spanish artists.

Here are some of the original lithographs on the following edition of "Flora De Filipinas".

On display are tool which were used in the pharmacy. Most of them was brought in from Spain.

The fourth edition of the book from 1883 still with the original pages but the cover was already re bounded.

The most important piece in this room is the original Flora De Filipinas with 887 pages. Now protected and encased in glass it is an important part of our history and culture. Now on it's fifth edition it is available to the public for around $50 beautifully illustrated with stunning resemblance to the actual plants. Medicinal properties of each plant is well documented.

The Botica has given a great contribution to our country in science and discovery. The years of hard work and dedication of the priests and brothers in the convent are unforgotten. The works that they left us will continued to be shared to our future generation.

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All photos are original and taken with

Lumix GX85 and 12-32 mm