Ethnobotanical knowledge on the use of medicinal plants in the Sierra Negra de Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Medicinal plants are very useful for man and is the result of the experience that has accumulated for generations. The aim of the study was to obtain information on the use of medicinal plants used in indigenous communities of the Sierra Negra de Puebla, Mexico. A semi-structured interview was applied to 635 people; 79.5% women and 20.5% men. The use of 43 species divided into 21 families was reported. The most used families were Asteraceae (8 spp.), Lamiaceae (4 spp.) And Rutaceae (4 spp.), The species with higher frequency and use value were Matricaria recutita and Mentha piperita, the main affections treated were; stomach pain, cough and flu. The leaves were the most used (55%) the main form of preparation (30.2%) was maceration, most (65%) grow the plants in orchards. In indigenous communities, women have a preponderant role in the use of medicinal plants.