MEDICINAL PLANTS IN A SMALL VILLAGE IN THE STATE OF TABASCO, MÉXICO

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants is the result of the experience and intimate contact of human beings with nature and the coexistence among different cultures. This wisdom has permitted the survival of communities living in remote areas, where medical services are scarce, and midwives, “herbalists” and folk healers are responsible for the people health. In this study, plants were collected and 20 families, two midwives, one Ejido Sheriff, and one representative of a group of women that produce natural preparations, were interviewed. The information was processed and documented with the support of specialists in ethnobotany, visits to plant collections and enquiries at universities and research centers. Results show that 112 medicinal plants are used for alleviating medical problems. These plants are grouped in 57 botanical families, most of them herbaceous and arborous. Leaf infusions are the most common way for making medicines. The knowledge of these plants and their uses come mainly from grandparents, parents and neighbors, and most of the plants are grown in the village.