Traditional use of plants in Kuršumlija

Abstract

Plants as a source of active phytochemistry are the basis of nutrition. However, man uses them in traditional medicine and veterinary medicine, but also as raw materials in many branches of industry (textile, construction…). The need and role of traditional medicines in the health care system havе been growing in recent decades. The aim of the research is to determine the list of plants that are traditionally used by the local population on the territory of the municipality of Kuršumlija, and the way of their application in folk medicine, veterinary medicine, customs.

Data on knowledge of plants and their use were collected through interviews in the period from May to September 2020. A total of 49 people were interviewed (37.5% men and 62.5% women), aged between 21 and 81, mostly from urban areas (79.2% of respondents are from the city and 20.8% from rural areas). Respondents have different education: 6.3% have a primary school, 58.3% have a secondary school and 35.4% have higher education.

During the research, it was stated that the largest number of plant species used for therapeutic purposes belongs to families: Lamiaceae (20.5%), Asteraceae (12.8%), Rosaceae (5.1%) and the most commonly used species are: Mentha piperita (47.9% of respondents), Matricaria chamomilla (37.5% of respondents); Urtica dioica (31.2% of respondents); Hypericum perforatum (27% of respondents), Salvia officinalis (22.9% of respondents); Achillea millefolium (14.5% of respondents); Ocimum basilicum (12.5% ​​of respondents). For therapeutic purposes, teas (infusion, decoction), tinctures, and oils are prepared for oral use, and for external use, compresses and ointments. The largest number of respondents reported the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory organs. In the customs related to religious holidays, the largest number of respondents use oak.