Study on the ethnobotany of medicinal plants by people in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. The traditional medicine using plants is becoming the culture for the people of Yogyakarta Special Region, including Gunung Kidul. This research aims to reveal information from the people in the use of medicinal plants with a focus on how medicinal plants are used, managed and felt by the community. The research was conducted in Gunung Kidul, in Saptosari village and Giri Cahyo village from June to September 2018. The method used in collecting data was the exploratory survey and Participatory Rural Appraisal. Data on community involvement were obtained through the in-depth interview and structured interview. The identification was implemented in every plant used. The result of research analysis showed that people's knowledge about medicinal plants has been obtained from elders that have a long experience in concocting and trading the medicinal plants as herbs. In addition, the people have also obtained additional knowledge from any parties to make the medical plants to have economic value that can improve their welfare. The medicinal plants mostly have been packaged into 6 herbal plants called "Jamu" including Turmeric Tamarind, Saffron Rice, Bitter Herbs, Kebyokan, Ginger, and Turmeric with betel leaves with different compositions and efficacies. Most of the medical plants are obtained from outside the village since it is impossible to cultivate in Karst soils. The results of the study found 46 species consisting of 26 families used by the people for medical treatment in which the highest benefit was represented by the Zingeberaceae family, followed by Fabaceae and Rutaceae.