Traditional use of medicinal plants in rural areas of Osijek-Baranja county, Republic of Croatia

Abstract

In this study, the ethnobotanical use of medicinal plants in the rural areas of Osijek-Baranja County, Eastern Republic of Croatia, was analyzed by conducting an ethnobotanical survey with 200 informants. Our aim was to collect and identify plant species used for therapeutic purposes and to record information on traditional herbal medicine. According to our study, 72 plant taxa belonging to 34 families were identified and their usage has been recorded. The most commonly used plants belong to the Asteraceae family followed by species from Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Apiaceae, and Alliaceae families. Well-known medicinal plant species such as chamomile, linden, nettle, sage, calendula, houseleek, and mint were the ones most often used for medical treatment purposes. Different pharmaceutical forms were prepared, starting from infusions, juices, medicinal baths, poultices, syrups, ointments, oils, solutions, and mixtures with honey. The most common indications were various inflammations, colds, skin diseases, insomnia, nervous problems, menstrual problems, as well as digestive and urinary system related problems. Folk medicine in Osijek-Baranja County is intended mainly as a mode of primary health care in the healing of minor illnesses.