INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY TRADITIONAL HEALERS IN ILOC0S SUR

Abstract

This research documented local plant species with its botanical interest and scientific names used by the traditional healers in Ilocos Sur. In this study, the profile of the respondents who were Ilocano traditional healers were identified in terms of sex, age, serve as a healer, mentorship type of disease treated and specialization in the indigenous medicinal treatment The indigenous knowledge of the Ilocano traditional healers was studied based on the botanical remedies and human ailments of the identified plant species in Ilocos Sur. It also included the methods of preparation of the medicinal plants used by the traditional healers. Fifty three (53) local traditional healers were interviewed to provide needed information. Based on the findings of the study the traditional healer in Ilocos Sur possesses rich ethnic pharmacological knowledge. The study allows for identifying many high value medicinal plant species, indicating high potential for economic development through sustainable collection of their medical plan. It also showed that the study area has plenty of medicinal plants to treat a wide spectrum of human ailments. Many people in the study areas of Ilocos Sur are still depending on medicinal plants, at least for the treatment of some simple diseases such as, cold, cough, fever, headache, poison bites, skin diseases and tooth infections. It is necessary to acquire and preserve this traditional system of medicine by proper documentation and identification of specimen.This traditional knowledge on the indigenous uses of the medicinal plants could boost new innovations in the pharmaceutical industry and have many beneficial applications such as new medicinal trials for some diseases like: malaria, Tuberculosis and AIDS, of which will develop the health care sector in ilocos Sur. Knowledge sharing varied among the traditional healers. Some would freely share while others keep their techniques secret .Most of the healers do not follow rigid rules on dosage, but were practically strict to abstain or avoid some kind of food while their patients are under treatment. Many people in the study areas of Ilocos Sur are still depending on medicinal plants .The traditional healers in Ilocos Sur possess rich ethnic pharmacological knowledge on Medicinal plant. This allows the study for identifying many high value medicinal plant species, indicating high potential for economic development through sustainable collection of these.