Ethnomedicine of forest’s essential oils for respiratory and cardiovascular treatments in Northern Sumatra

Abstract

The global pandemic Covid-19 has become a worldwide challenge. Many continuous efforts have been conducted to prevent and combat the diseases that attack human respiratory system. This situation encourages the exploration of potential herbal remedies involving essential oils from forest to boost human immune system. The objectives of study were to explore the traditional application of forest’s essential oils and to identify the phytochemical content of herbal medicines in respiratory and cardiovascular treatments in Northern Sumatra. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 local people who applied essential oils in their traditional remedies in Karo and Toba, North Sumatra; and Singkil and South Aceh during 2020. The essential oils benefits in Covid-19 treatment were identified by inhaling application to seven positive suspects. The study also reviewed previous findings according the phytochemical content of forest essential oils identified. The study identified twelve forest’s essential oils applied in respiratory and cardiovascular treatments, including Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Dryobalanops aromatica, Eucalyptus sp., Litsea cubeba, Melaleuca cajuput, Myristica fragrans, Styrax sumatrana, Syzygium aromaticum, and. Zanthoxylum acanthopodium. The oils were distilled from plant part such as flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds, and barks or extracted from resin. Several phytochemicals with medicinal properties were identified including 1.8-cineole, apinene, camphene, eugenol, limonene, linalool, and p-cymene. In aromatherapeutic practices by both inhalation and massage, the phytochemical content gives relaxing effects and improve the respiratory and cardiovascular system. The results also show that inhaling the essential oils also helps Covid-19 patients relieve their breathing, therefore prospective for respiratory treatment. The high stress conditions faced by patients were also reduced by inhaling aromatherapy. The study re-discovered the essential oils benefits for various conditions such as headaches and hypertension, while having high potential as an expectorant and immune system booster.